Crusty Bread Stuffed With Sausage
A hearty, savory loaf filled with seasoned sausage and vegetables, perfect for sharing. Crispy crust encases a flavorful stuffing, ideal for family dinners or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sausage until browned; drain and set aside.
- Sauté onions in margarine until translucent.
- Add bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms; cook until vegetables are crisply tender, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes, parsley, basil, and tomato sauce; cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add cooked sausage to the vegetable mixture and combine.
- Cut a thin lengthwise slice off the top of the sourdough loaf.
- Hollow out the center of the bread, leaving a 1-inch shell.
- Place the bread on a cookie sheet and bake at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes until crusty.
- Fill the hot bread with the sausage mixture.
- Cut the stuffed bread into wedges and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using spicy Italian sausage for a kick. You can also substitute the vegetables based on what you have; spinach or kale work well in place of zucchini. If sourdough isn't available, any hearty bread will do. Make sure to not overcook the vegetables to keep them crisp in the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stuffed bread with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Grilled Chicken And Sausage for a hearty dinner. Consider adding a dipping sauce like marinara for extra flavor, and don’t forget to garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the wedges in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crusty Bread Stuffed With Sausage contains roughly 787 calories, with 25g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (244% of the Daily Value), iron (104% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2559mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and vegetable mixture a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then fill the bread just before baking. This will save you time on the day of serving while ensuring freshness and flavor.
What can I substitute for the sausage?
For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or a meat alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Season them with Italian herbs to mimic the flavors of sausage. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein alternative that still provides great flavor.
Can I freeze the stuffed bread?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed bread before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).