Super Bowl Party - Sausage Sandwich Bread

In a few short weeks it will once again be Super Bowl time. Of course we all hope our team will make it to the final game, but even if they don't, who doesn't love a great Super Bowl party. This recipe from myrecipes.com is easy to make and travels well. The recipe calls for braiding the bread over the filling, but you can also just fold the dough over the filling before baking. Hoping you all enjoy the big game - may the best team win!!

Sausage Sandwich Bread

1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot)

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 stick of celery, chopped

1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper

1 clove of minced garlic

4 ounces cream cheese, cubed

2 green onions, chopped

2 tablespoons minced parsley

2 loaves frozen bread dough, thawed

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Sesame seeds and/or poppy seeds, for topping (optional for those with allergies)

Preheat over to 350 F

1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, onion, celery, green bell pepper and garlic until the pork is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender; use a large spoon to break the pork into small pieces.

2. Drain the meat, then add the cream cheese, green onions, and parsley. Cook over low heat, stirring until the cheese is melted; set aside (if you prefer, you can also dab the cream cheese on top of the meat mixture in the next step). 

3. Roll the bread dough out onto a greased 10 x 12 inch cookie sheet. Spread the sausage mixture in the middle of the dough, leaving 3 inches of dough uncovered on both of the long sides and 1 inch uncovered on the other ends. On each long side, cut 3/4 inch wide strips 3 inches into the center of dough, right up to where the filling starts.

4. Start at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle, forming a braid over the filling. Crimp the ends of the dough to closed the ends of the braid.

5. Brush the dough with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and/or poppy seeds. Bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool slightly and cut into 1-1/2 inch slices.