Healthy Food Recipes: Italian Sausage Bread

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: 8-10 slices

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (13.8 oz) can refrigerated classic pizza crust
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Steps to Cook:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

4. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the sausage mixture cool slightly. Then, transfer it to a medium bowl and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.

5. Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it out to form a rectangle.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash over the entire surface of the pizza crust.

7. Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the egg-washed crust.

8. Spoon the sausage and cheese mixture down the center of the crust, leaving about 2 inches of space on each side.

9. Use a sharp knife to cut diagonal slits, about 1 inch apart, along the sides of the crust, up to the sausage filling. Fold the strips of dough over the filling, alternating sides, to create a braided effect.

10. Bake the Italian sausage bread in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

11. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cook’s Note:

• For a crisper crust, you can brush the top of the bread with a little olive oil or melted butter before baking.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
• You can use sweet or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
• Leftover Italian sausage bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven before serving.

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