Sausage Cheese Braid
A savory braided bread filled with flavorful sausage and melted cheese, perfect for brunch or entertaining, combining flaky dough with hearty fillings and Italian seasoning.
Ingredients
- 2 (1/4 oz.) pkg. active dry yeast ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110 to 115°F) ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 2 eggs, divided ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 pound bulk hot pork sausage ⓘ
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add sugar, salt, Italian seasoning, 1 egg, softened butter, and 2 cups of flour; beat until smooth.
- Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, cook the sausage until browned and drain excess fat.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread cooked sausage evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
- Braid the rolled dough by folding and twisting the sections, then place on a greased baking sheet.
- Brush the top with the remaining egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dough, ensure your water is at the correct temperature to activate the yeast without killing it. If you prefer a different flavor, try substituting the Italian seasoning with herbs de Provence or using ground turkey sausage for a leaner option. Keep the dough moist but not sticky by adding flour gradually. To elevate the dish, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the sausage mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Sausage Cheese Braid is perfect as a hearty breakfast or a savory snack. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal or pair it with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara for added flavor. This dish also pairs beautifully with the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie for a delightful dessert finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Sausage Cheese Braid in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or microwave for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. For best results, avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Cheese Braid contains roughly 666 calories, with 5g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1001mg per serving (44% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and sausage filling in advance. After shaping the braid, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure a good rise and texture.
What can I use instead of active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast as a substitute by using the same amount. Instant yeast doesn't require proofing in water, so you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients. This will save you a step and still yield a fluffy braid.
Can I freeze the Sausage Cheese Braid?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked braid by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, let it rise, and then bake as directed.
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).