Sausage-Stuffed Loaf
Quick Cooking
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"This cheese-, spinach- and sausage-filled bread is a real crowd-pleaser," assures Suzanne Hansen of Arlington Heights, Illinois. "Tasty slices are great as a snack, served with a bowl of soup or as a fun appetizer at your next pizza party," she suggests.
SERVINGS: 16-20
CATEGORY: Appetizer
METHOD: Freezer
TIME: Prep: 20 min. + rising Bake: 20 min.
Ingredients:
- 2 loaves (1 pound each) frozen bread dough
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Directions:
Thaw bread dough on a greased baking sheet according to package directions; let rise until doubled. Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until no longer pink. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add the spinach, cheeses, oregano and garlic powder; set side.
Roll each loaf of bread into a 14-in. x 12-in. rectangle. Spread sausage mixture lengthwise down the center of each rectangle. Gently press the filling down; dot with butter. Bring edges of dough to the center over filling; pinch to seal. Return to the baking sheet, placing seam side down; tuck ends under and form into a crescent shape. Brush with egg.
Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before cutting. If desired, cool one loaf on a wire rack; wrap in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
To use frozen loaf: Thaw at room temperature for 2 hours. Unwrap and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 2 loaves. To use frozen loaf: Thaw at room temperature for 2 hours. Unwrap and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.