Sausage and Cheese Stuffed Bread

Sausage and Cheese Stuffed Bread brings together crispy baguette bread with spicy chicken sausage and melted pepper jack cheese, all enhanced by a fragrant garlic herb butter. This dish shines at gatherings or casual dinners, offering a comforting yet exciting twist that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty appetizer or alongside a fresh salad, it promises to become a staple everyone looks forward to.

I first made this stuffed bread for a weekend game day and it was such a hit that it immediately earned a spot on our regular rotation. The combination of melty cheese and spicy sausage always gets compliments.

Ingredients

• Spicy chicken sausages: provide a flavorful kick and juicy texture, choose quality sausages with good spice balance
• Pepper jack cheese: melts beautifully and adds a creamy, slightly spicy element, cubed for even melting
• French baguette: crispy on the outside and soft inside, key for holding all the fillings without falling apart
• Unsalted butter: softened for easy mixing, forms the base of the garlic herb butter
• Garlic cloves: minced fresh garlic infuses the butter with robust flavor, avoid pre-minced for best aroma
• Fresh parsley: chopped to lend freshness and a pop of color, use vibrant green leaves
• Chili flakes: add an extra layer of heat, adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Butter and Herbs:

In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and chili flakes. This fragrant butter mixture will be brushed inside the bread to infuse every bite with aromatic flavor.

Prepare the Baguette:

Carefully slice the French baguette lengthwise about three-quarters through, making sure not to cut all the way so the halves remain attached. Then gently hollow out the interior, removing some of the soft bread to create room for the fillings without compromising the bread’s structure.

Cube the Cheese Evenly:

Cut the block of pepper jack cheese into uniform half-inch cubes. This size will ensure the cheese melts evenly during grilling without oozing out too much.

Fill the Bread:

Generously brush the garlic herb butter on all interior surfaces of the hollowed baguette to coat every nook and cranny. Then alternate layers of cubed cheese and raw spicy chicken sausage links inside the baguette, packing the filling tightly but without overstuffing.

Grill to Perfection:

Place the stuffed bread sausage-side down directly on the preheated grill set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it cook for about 20 to 25 minutes until the bread becomes golden brown and slightly crisp. Flip the bread carefully and grill for an additional 10 to 15 minutes ensuring the cheese has completely melted.

Check and Rest:

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of the sausage reaches a safe 160 degrees Fahrenheit. After grilling, allow the stuffed bread to rest a few minutes before slicing to let the juices settle and avoid spilling.

Save

Pepper jack cheese is my favorite because it adds just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the other flavors. One memorable time, I brought this to a family picnic and everyone begged for the recipe by the end of the day.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, place the bread on medium heat in the oven or grill to refresh the crust and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

For milder taste, swap spicy chicken sausages with sweet Italian sausages or even smoked sausage. Choose Monterey Jack cheese if pepper jack is unavailable, as it melts similarly but without the spicy notes. Fresh herbs like oregano can replace parsley for a different herbal profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sliced warm alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. This bread also works wonderfully as an appetizer with dipping sauces such as marinara or honey mustard to complement the spicy sausage. Ideal for game days, parties, or casual weekend dinners.

Cultural Context

Stuffed breads have roots in many cultures, often used to creatively combine proteins and cheeses within bread as a portable meal. This recipe puts a modern American spin with spicy chicken sausage and pepper jack cheese, reflecting the bold and diverse flavor influences in contemporary cuisine.

Pro Tips

• Make sure sausages are raw to ensure they cook thoroughly during grilling inside the bread
• Do not skip brushing the garlic herb butter inside the bread, it adds moisture and depth of flavor
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the sausages are cooked to a safe temperature without overcooking the bread

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of sausage works best?

Spicy chicken sausage adds a nice kick and moisture, but any flavorful sausage can be used depending on your preference.

→ Can I use different cheeses inside the bread?

Pepper jack provides spice and meltability, but cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar work well for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I get the bread crispy without drying out the filling?

Grilling the bread with garlic herb butter helps crisp the crust while retaining moisture inside from the sausage and cheese.

→ Is it necessary to cook the sausage fully inside the bread?

Yes, ensure the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 160°F to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble the bread in advance but grill it fresh for best texture and melted cheese experience.