Sausage And Pepper Braid
A savory sausage and pepper braid featuring melted mozzarella, perfect for brunch or casual gatherings, combining flavorful Italian sausage with colorful roasted peppers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casing removed ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped red pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (105 to 115°F) ⓘ
- 2 packages active dry yeast ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 cup softened margarine ⓘ
- 2 eggs, room temperature ⓘ
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and cook the red peppers until done, stirring to break up the meat.
- Drain and cool the cooked sausage and peppers.
- Measure warm water into a large bowl. Stir in yeast until dissolved.
- Add sugar, salt, Italian seasoning, margarine, 1 egg, and 2 cups of flour; beat until smooth.
- Stir in enough additional flour to make a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl; turn to grease the top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet. You can substitute the margarine with butter for a richer flavor. If you don’t have active dry yeast, instant yeast can be used in the same amount without proofing. Ensure your water temperature is correct to activate the yeast properly. Kneading is key for a good texture, so don’t rush this step.
Serving Suggestions
This Sausage and Pepper Braid is great as a main dish, and it pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Consider serving it alongside Rigatoni With Sausage Sauce for a hearty Italian meal. It also works well as a party appetizer, cut into smaller pieces for easy sharing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the braid in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick snack, but the oven method preserves the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage And Pepper Braid contains roughly 1191 calories, with 24g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 111g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2055mg per serving (89% 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 use a different type of cheese in the braid?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is a classic choice for its meltiness, feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for added flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary depending on the cheese you choose.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can also make the braid ahead of time, bake it, and then reheat it when needed.
What can I serve with sausage and pepper braid?
Pair it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even a side of roasted vegetables. For an Italian theme, consider serving it with Italian recipes such as Stuffed Italian Bread or a light marinara sauce for dipping. This adds a nice balance to the rich flavors of the braid.
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).