Italian Sausage Bread

» Mmmmm Sausage Bread. This has become quite the legend in our house. Some of the best nights include sitting in front of a great movie eating sausage bread and grapes, with malted milk balls for dessert. Oh yes, I'm no gourmet chef and can certainly appreciate the simple things :) This is not the easiest dinner to make - if you're doing it alone. My mom and I usually collaborate so one person can mind the sausage while the other prepares the dough. If you're doing both yourself, be careful not to let the spices burn. 

» This is a wonderful potluck dish, or something to put out for Christmas Eve dinner (that is, if you do buffet-style like my family). It's a great appetizer or main dish.

Italian Sausage Bread

Preheat oven to 375° - Makes 1 pan

Dough Ingredients:
» 1 pkg. dry yeast
» 6 1/2 t. sugar, divided
» 1/2 c. warm water
» 3 T olive oil
» 2 T dried minced onion
» 2 t. dried basil
» 1 t. dried oregano
» 1 t. rubbed sage
» 1 t. garlic powder
» 1/2 c. cold water
» 3 c. flour

Topping Ingredients:
» 1 lb. Italian sausage, cooked and drained (I use the hot kind, but if you don't want it that spicy, go with mild)
» 1 c. shredded parmesan cheese
» 1/2 c. chopped black olives
» 1/2 c. chopped onion
» 1/2 c. minced fresh parsley
» 1/4 c. olive oil (I usually use less, depending on how greasy the sausage is)
» 2 garlic cloves, minced

Preparation:
» Start the sausage cooking (medium heat, frying pan, etc). If you're not the multitasking sort, it's ok to cook the sausage all the way beforehand, it's fine setting while the dough is prepared. Drain the sausage and set on paper-towel-covered plate.
» While the sausage is browning, dissolve yeast and 1/2 t. sugar in the warm water; set aside. In a small saucepan, combine oil, onion, basil, oregano, sage, and garlic powder. Cook over medium heat for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in cold water.
» In a mixing bowl, combine flour and remaining sugar. Stir in oil and yeast mixtures until just blended. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for three minutes.

 » Place dough on a greased cookie sheet. Cover with a damp cloth and let stand for 15 minutes.
» Combine topping ingredients.
» Once the 15 minutes is up, pat the dough evenly into the pan and let set 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle the topping mix over the dough.

» Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until well-browned. Remove from oven and let set 5 minutes.


Enjoy!




» Original Recipe