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Nana’s Sausage Bread

Nana’s Sausage Bread

Nana’s Sausage Bread is a comforting and versatile homemade bread featuring savory ground sausage wrapped in soft, fluffy dough. Perfect for any mealtime, this recipe brings rich flavors and warm nostalgia to your kitchen, delivering a satisfying bite that’s great for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (substitute half or all with whole wheat flour for variation)
  • 3 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg, beaten (plus extra for egg wash)

For the Filling

  • 1 lb ground sausage (your choice: spicy, mild, Italian, breakfast, or plant-based alternative)

Optional Variations

  • ½ to 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (for cheese stuffed version)
  • 12 chopped jalapeños or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
  • Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme (to add in dough)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Start by activating the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Once foamy, combine the yeast mixture with flour, softened butter, salt, and beaten egg. Mix and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  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 excess fat and let the sausage cool slightly before assembling.
  3. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has finished rising, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle, preparing it for the filling.
  4. Assemble the Bread: Evenly spread the cooked sausage across the dough rectangle, leaving about an inch border around the edges. For cheese variation, sprinkle shredded cheese over the sausage. Roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the edges firmly to seal the filling inside.
  5. Second Rise and Baking: Place the rolled log on a greased baking sheet. Cover it and allow it to rise again for 30-40 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top with egg wash for a shiny, golden crust. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise beautifully.
  • Don’t skip the second rise to ensure a light, tender crumb.
  • Pinch the dough edges tightly to prevent filling from oozing during baking.
  • Experiment with different sausage types like Italian, spicy, or breakfast sausage for varying flavors.
  • Brushing with egg wash provides a glossy, visually appealing crust.
  • Store leftovers wrapped tightly and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to freshen crust and warm filling.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage bread, homemade bread, savory bread, comfort food, sausage roll, baked sausage bread, savory snack