Bake Best Italian Sausage Bread - Easy Recipe

Craving a delicious, savory treat that’s surprisingly easy to whip up? Look no further than Italian sausage bread! This classic, hearty dish is a beloved staple in many Italian-American homes, often gracing tables at gatherings, holidays, or simply as a satisfying weeknight dinner. Imagine golden-brown pizza dough wrapped around a flavorful filling of seasoned ground turkey (or your favorite sausage), gooey mozzarella, and fresh spinach. It’s a complete meal in a slice!
What makes homemade Italian sausage bread so fantastic? Beyond its incredible taste, it’s incredibly adaptable. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and fun. Plus, it’s easy to customize with simple variations to suit different tastes or dietary preferences, from gluten-free options to vegetarian swaps. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing dinner idea that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet bakery, but was made right in your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 ¼ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried minced onion
• ¼ teaspoon fennel seed
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 lb uncooked ground turkey breast (or sausage of choice)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 13.8 oz can Pillsbury Classic Pizza Crust dough
• 6 oz shredded 2% Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Sausage Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the dried parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried minced onion, fennel seed, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add the uncooked ground turkey breast (or your preferred sausage) and mix everything together thoroughly with your hands until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Form the seasoned meat into a loose, sausage-like mixture.
2. Cook the Filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned turkey mixture to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until the turkey is fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully unroll the Pillsbury Classic Pizza Crust dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently stretch it into a rectangle, if needed. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, leaving a small border (about ½ inch) around the edges. Next, spread the cooked sausage and spinach mixture over the cheese. Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll up the dough, creating a log shape. Pinch the seams tightly to seal the ends and the bottom.
4. Bake the Bread: In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the entire surface of the rolled dough with the beaten egg. This will give your bread a beautiful golden crust. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and garlic salt evenly over the top. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the Italian sausage bread is golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve & Enjoy: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This cooling time helps the cheese and filling set, making it easier to cut. Slice into thick pieces and serve warm with your favorite marinara sauce or pizza sauce for dipping. It’s perfect for a quick dinner idea or as an appetizer!