Nana’s Sausage Bread

If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting recipe that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delivers a satisfying bite every time, look no further than Nana’s Sausage Bread. This beloved homemade treat brings together rich, savory sausage wrapped in soft, fluffy bread — perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack that feels like a warm hug. Nana’s Sausage Bread is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves a filling, flavorful dish with a touch of nostalgia.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic: Nana’s Sausage Bread combines familiar flavors in a way that comforts and satisfies every time.
• All-Day Enjoyment: Great for any mealtime — from a quick breakfast to an afternoon snack or even a casual dinner.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a fantastic option for gatherings or packed lunches.
• Easy to Customize: Simple base ingredients allow for creative tweaks to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Hands-On Baking Fun: Making Nana’s Sausage Bread is engaging and rewarding, perfect for kitchen bonding moments.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its straightforward yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to contribute to that delightful flavor and texture balance Nana’s Sausage Bread is known for. From the savory sausage to the soft dough, every component matters.

• Ground Sausage: Choose your favorite flavor type, whether spicy, mild, or herb-infused, for the perfect savory filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for the soft, fluffy dough that envelops the sausage filling beautifully.
• Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise to that tender, airy texture you’ll love.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough, enhancing its softness and flavor.
• Butter: Brings a subtle creaminess to the bread, helping to achieve a golden crust.
• Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and balance flavors with a little bit of sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures your bread tastes perfectly seasoned.
• Egg: A binder for the dough and also gives the baked bread a shiny, appealing finish.

Variations for Nana’s Sausage Bread

Nana’s Sausage Bread is wonderfully adaptable, and you can easily modify the recipe to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Experimenting with these variations can breathe new life into this classic dish.

• Cheese Stuffed: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella inside the sausage layer for a gooey, irresistible surprise.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper with the sausage for an extra punch of heat.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace sausage with seasoned plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meatless version.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough to enhance aroma and flavor.
• Whole Wheat Dough: Substitute half or all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier, healthier bread option.

How to Make Nana’s Sausage Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by activating the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar, then combine it with flour, butter, salt, and the beaten egg to form a smooth and elastic dough. Knead for about 8-10 minutes and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, usually around an hour.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage Filling

While the dough rises, cook the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, and allow the sausage to cool slightly before assembling.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface, about 12×18 inches in size, ready for the filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Bread

Spread the cooked sausage evenly across the dough rectangle, leaving about an inch border on the edges. Roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the edges to seal it.

Step 5: Second Rise and Baking

Place the rolled log onto a greased baking sheet, cover it, and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes. Then, brush the top with an egg wash and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Pro Tips for Making Nana’s Sausage Bread

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It helps the dough come together and rise beautifully.
• Don’t Skip the Second Rise: This step is crucial for a light, tender crumb inside the bread.
• Seal Tightly: Make sure to pinch the dough edges firmly to avoid sausage filling oozing out during baking.
• Experiment with Sausage Types: Using breakfast, Italian, or spicy sausage can really change the flavor profile.
• Brush with Egg Wash: This gives the bread a glossy, golden crust that’s visually appealing and delicious.

How to Serve Nana’s Sausage Bread

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan on top adds color and flavor contrast to your Nana’s Sausage Bread.

Side Dishes

Pair this sausage bread with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal or some tangy pickles to cut through the richness of the sausage.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice into individual servings and arrange them on a rustic wooden board, accompanied by dips such as mustard, honey-mustard, or a creamy cheese sauce to elevate snack time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Nana’s Sausage Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully — wrap the fully cooled bread in foil and place it in a freezer bag; it can last up to 2 months frozen without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftover bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its fresh-baked crust and warm the sausage filling thoroughly.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought sausage works perfectly and saves time; just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the dough.

Is it possible to make Nana’s Sausage Bread gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensuring your yeast is gluten-free, you can enjoy a gluten-free version with similar results.

How long does it take to prepare and bake this bread?

Including rising time, preparing and baking Nana’s Sausage Bread generally takes about 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Can I make the dough in a bread machine?

Definitely! Use the dough setting on your bread machine to make the process easier, then proceed with filling and baking as usual.

What type of sausage is best for this recipe?

Italian sausage offers great flavor, but breakfast sausage, chorizo, or any favorite sausage variety can be used based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

If comfort food had a name, Nana’s Sausage Bread would surely be at the top of the list. Its inviting aroma, satisfying texture, and rich flavors make it an absolute joy to bake and share. Whether you’re treating your family, meal prepping, or simply indulging in a warm, savory bread, this recipe is a treasure worth making again and again. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the delicious world of Nana’s Sausage Bread!

Related Posts

• Sweet and Sour Chicken
• Beef Tenderloin
• Butter Chicken

Print