Sausage 'N Pepper Braid
A savory braided bread filled with spicy Italian sausage, melted mozzarella, and roasted red peppers, perfect for sharing at family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the sweet Italian sausage and cook the red pepper until done, stirring to break up the meat; drain and cool.
- Measure warm water into a large warm 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.
- Cover and let rise until double in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch the dough down and divide into 6 pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 14 x 4-inch strip.
- Stir the cheese into the cooked sausage and red pepper mixture; spoon down the center of each strip.
- Pinch the long edges together to form 14-inch ropes; seal well.
- Braid 3 ropes together and seal the ends.
- Repeat with the remaining ropes.
- Place the braided loaves on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
- Beat the remaining egg and brush it on the loaves.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm and refrigerate leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or diced onions to the sausage and pepper mixture. If you don't have sweet Italian sausage, substitute with mild pork sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Experiment with different cheeses, like provolone or cheddar, for a unique twist. Ensure your water is warm, around 110°F, to activate the yeast effectively.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm as a hearty appetizer or main dish. It pairs beautifully with a side of Fresh Vegetable And Tortellini Salad for a colorful meal. For a dipping sauce, consider serving with marinara or pizza sauce. This dish also works well as part of an Italian-themed dinner, alongside a selection of Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sausage 'N Pepper Braid in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 30-60 seconds, ensuring they don’t become rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage 'N Pepper Braid contains roughly 19 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the rising and shaping steps.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella cheese, you can use provolone or cheddar cheese as alternatives. Each will give a different flavor profile, so choose based on your preference or what you have on hand. Just ensure the cheese melts well.
Can I freeze the braided loaves?
Yes, you can freeze the braided loaves before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, allow to rise again, 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).