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If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing snack or a hearty breakfast treat, this Sausage and Cheese Bread Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine soft, tender bread packed with savory sausage and oozy melted cheese, delivering a perfect balance of rich flavors and comforting textures in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, brings everyone to the table with eager smiles, and disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Whether you’re serving it for a casual brunch or a game day gathering, this dish never fails to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients are the magic behind the rich taste, fluffy texture, and irresistible aroma of the Sausage and Cheese Bread Recipe. Each one plays its part — from the spicy tang of sausage to the nutty sharpness of cheddar, and the simple pantry staples that make it all come together beautifully.
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (or Italian sausage): Choose your favorite for a flavorful, meaty base that adds plenty of savory depth.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend): Sharp, melty, and perfectly gooey, cheese brings a luscious richness and pulls everything together.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that creates the tender bread structure—don’t skip this staple!
- 2 tbsp baking powder: This little leavening agent ensures your bread rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle warmth that enhances the savory sausage and cheese flavors.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Provides a complementary savory undertone that deepens the overall taste.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out the true flavors of all your ingredients.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Just a whisper of heat to keep things lively and balanced.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the binding agent, giving the bread structure and a moist crumb.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and softness, ensuring each slice stays tender.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and a tender crumb to the loaf.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh pop of green for garnish and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Sausage and Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by cooking your sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and crumbled. This process releases the sausage’s flavorful oils and creates a savory foundation for the bread. Once cooked, drain the excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool slightly. This step is crucial because you want the sausage to be fully cooked and flavorful, but not greasy, to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures that the seasoning and leavening are evenly distributed, which helps your bread rise evenly and taste balanced.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the milk and the melted butter. This liquid mixture adds moisture and richness, which helps develop a soft and tender crumb in your bread. The eggs add structure and bind the ingredients, while the butter lends a slight buttery flavor that complements the sausage wonderfully.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry flour mixture and stir gently until just combined – be careful not to overmix or the bread might become tough. Next, fold in the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. This ensures every slice is packed with delicious pockets of sausage and gooey cheese.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Transfer the batter to a greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The loaf should be golden brown and smell absolutely amazing! Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Sausage and Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the bread right before serving. The bright green color adds a beautiful contrast and a fresh, herbaceous note that lifts the savory flavors. You can also brush the top with a little melted butter for an extra-glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness, or a fresh fruit salad for a sweet, refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, scrambled eggs or a bowl of warm soup make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread into thick slabs and serve warm for maximum melty cheese goodness. You can even cut it into bite-sized cubes for a fun party appetizer, perfect for dipping into marinara or a creamy mustard sauce. For brunch, try toasting slices lightly and using them as a base for avocado or tomato toppings for a savory twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this heavenly bread, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy as an on-the-go snack or a quick breakfast option during busy mornings.
Freezing
If you want to make the Sausage and Cheese Bread Recipe in advance, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it gently before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This keeps the bread crispy on the outside while warming the cheese until it’s deliciously melty. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the bread chewy or rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in the Sausage and Cheese Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is traditional for its seasoning, Italian sausage or even spicy chorizo can add exciting new flavors. Just be sure to fully cook and drain the sausage before adding it to the batter.
What cheeses work best for this Sausage and Cheese Bread Recipe?
Cheddar is a classic choice because of its sharpness and melting qualities, but you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor and texture profile.
Is this bread gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you could experiment with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix up the batter the night before, store it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning. Just give the batter a gentle stir before pouring it into the pan.
How do I know when the Sausage and Cheese Bread is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The loaf should also be golden brown on top and set around the edges.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Cheese Bread Recipe truly is a treasure in the kitchen: simple to prepare, incredibly tasty, and wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just craving a homemade treat, it’s sure to bring warmth and smiles to the table. I encourage you to give it a try — once you taste this cheesy, savory bread, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite recipes too!
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Print
Sausage and Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This savory Sausage and Cheese Bread is a hearty and flavorful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack. Packed with juicy sausage and melted cheddar cheese, it combines tender, fluffy bread with a satisfying savory twist, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Savory Bread Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (or Italian sausage)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and melted butter. Stir until fully combined.
- Form the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add Sausage and Cheese: Fold in the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage for breakfast sausage to vary the flavor.
- Using a cheese blend with mozzarella and cheddar adds a gooey texture.
- Ensure the sausage is drained well to avoid excess grease in the batter.
- Letting the bread cool slightly before slicing helps maintain its structure.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the dry ingredients.
