Surprise Bread
Surprise Bread combines savory meat and melted cheese inside a crispy, baked bread crust, making it a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw the loaf of bread, then roll it flat and long.
- Saute hamburger and hot sausage until they start to brown.
- Drain excess fat, add grated Cheddar cheese, and mix well.
- Place the meat mixture in the middle of the flattened bread, fold over, and crimp the edges to seal.
- Brush the top of the bread with margarine.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the bread is as brown as you like.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed onions or bell peppers with the meat. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the hamburger meat. Using a different type of cheese, like pepper jack, can give the bread a spicy kick. Ensure the bread is sufficiently thawed to roll easily; otherwise, it may tear during preparation.
Serving Suggestions
Surprise Bread makes a great main dish and pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables like Broccoli Melange for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with a side of dipping sauces, such as marinara or ranch dressing, to enhance the flavors. For a fun twist, slice it into pieces for appetizers at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Surprise Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the bread's texture while warming the filling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Surprise Bread contains roughly 758 calories, with 20g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 927mg per serving (40% 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 freeze the Surprise Bread before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked Surprise Bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This makes for an easy meal prep option.
What can I use instead of frozen bread?
If you don't have frozen bread on hand, you can use fresh pizza dough or biscuit dough as an alternative. Just roll it out to your desired thickness. This will give you a different texture but will still yield a delicious result.
How do I know when the Surprise Bread is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown on top and have a crispy texture. If you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the filling reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
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).