Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying dish that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this Cheesy Sausage-Stuffed French Bread recipe! Bursting with flavor and oozing with cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply craving something hearty and delicious, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients:
- 3 loaves of French bread
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 200 grams cream cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 7 slices of Tuscan sausage of your choice
- Grated mozzarella cheese, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut each loaf of French bread in half lengthwise, creating a total of 6 halves. Use a knife to hollow out the inside of each half, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Tuscan sausage slices to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking them up with a spatula as they cook.
- Once the sausage is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add the cooked sausage and onion mixture to the bowl with the cheese. Stir until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Stuff the Bread
- Spoon the sausage and cheese mixture into the hollowed-out halves of French bread, filling them generously. Press down gently to pack the filling in.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the top of each stuffed bread half, ensuring that the filling is covered evenly.
Step 5: Bake in the Oven
- Place the stuffed bread halves on the prepared baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown and crispy around the edges.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once baked, remove the stuffed bread halves from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Slice each stuffed bread half into smaller pieces and serve warm.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, to the cheese mixture.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or fresh herbs like parsley or basil, to customize the flavor of the cheese mixture.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here are some modifications you can make to adapt this Cheesy Sausage-Stuffed French Bread recipe:
- Low-Carb Bread: Use low-carb or keto-friendly bread alternatives, such as almond flour bread or cloud bread, to reduce the carb content of the dish.
- Cheese Substitutes: Substitute cream cheese with full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream to lower the calorie and carb count.
- Sausage Options: Choose low-carb sausage varieties or opt for leaner protein options such as turkey or chicken sausage to reduce the fat content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage for convenience. Simply slice the sausage and follow the instructions for sautéing it with the onions before mixing it with the cheese.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: While this dish is best served fresh from the oven, you can prepare the stuffed bread halves in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just be sure to allow for additional baking time if baking from cold.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover stuffed bread halves in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
In conclusion, this Cheesy Sausage-Stuffed French Bread recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, its irresistible combination of cheesy goodness and savory sausage flavor is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, with its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a dish that you can whip up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. So, why wait? Give this recipe a try today and delight your taste buds with a truly unforgettable culinary experience!
