Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden bread boat overflowing with melted cheese, savory Italian sausage, and rich marinara sauce - a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary loaf into an extraordinary meal. This Cheesy Italian Sausage Bread isn't just a recipe; it's a flavor experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy, right from your own kitchen. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or when you simply crave something irresistibly delicious, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort food sensation.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- If not already cooked, brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Slice the Italian bread lengthwise, creating two long halves. Gently hollow out the center of each bread half, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges to create a bread boat.
- Spread marinara sauce evenly across the inside of both bread halves, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage over the marinara sauce, distributing it evenly.
- Top the sausage with shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the mozzarella, and dust with Italian seasoning for additional flavor.
- Carefully place the prepared bread halves on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are stable and level.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly golden and the bread edges are crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Slice the bread into serving portions and serve warm, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian bread with a sturdy crust to prevent sogginess
- Drain excess fat from sausage to keep the bread crisp and prevent greasiness
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melting performance
- Don't overstuff the bread - maintain a balanced cheese-to-bread ratio
- Let the bread rest 2-3 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set
- For extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or fresh basil
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness and cheese stretch
- Can be prepared ahead and quickly reheated in the oven for last-minute entertaining
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
