Cheesy Italian Sausage

Cheesy Italian Sausage is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of classic Italian sausage with the gooey richness of melted mozzarella cheese. This simple yet satisfying recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

By baking the sausages in marinara sauce, you create a flavorful, saucy dish that brings together hearty ingredients in a comforting way.

The preparation is quick and easy, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this cheesy, savory delight that is sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich and Savory Flavors: The combination of Italian sausage and mozzarella cheese provides a rich, savory taste that is both comforting and satisfying. The marinara sauce adds a tangy and flavorful element, enhancing the overall experience.

Simple and Quick Preparation: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s perfect for those who want a delicious homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Perfect for Cheese Lovers: The gooey, melted mozzarella cheese stuffed inside each sausage link creates an indulgent and cheesy delight that is sure to please anyone who loves cheese.

Versatile Dish: This recipe can be served as a main course or as an appetizer at gatherings. Pair it with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or some crusty bread to complete the meal.

Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of familiar ingredients and comforting flavors makes this dish appealing to a wide range of palates, making it a great choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Key Ingredients:

Italian Sausage Links: These provide the flavorful and savory foundation of the dish. Their spices and herbs create a robust taste that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Known for their creamy texture and excellent melting properties, mozzarella cheese sticks are inserted into the sausages, adding a delightful, gooey center that enhances the richness of the dish.

Marinara Sauce: This classic Italian sauce adds a tangy, tomato-based flavor that complements the savory sausages and creamy cheese. It also keeps the dish moist and flavorful as it bakes.

Cheesy Italian Sausage

Ingredients:

6 uncooked Italian sausage links

6 mozzarella cheese sticks

1 ½ cups marinara sauce

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly coat the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Slice each Italian sausage lengthwise, cutting about halfway through.

Insert a mozzarella cheese stick into the slit of each sausage.

Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed sausages.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the sausages are cooked through and the cheese is melted.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes:

Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality Italian sausages for the best flavor. You can opt for mild or spicy sausages depending on your taste preference. Ensure they are uncooked, as this allows them to cook thoroughly with the cheese inside.

Cheese Alternatives: If mozzarella sticks are not available, you can use block mozzarella cheese or even string cheese. Simply cut them into stick-like shapes that fit into the sausage slit.

Sauce Customization: Feel free to enhance the marinara sauce by adding extra herbs, such as basil or oregano, or a touch of garlic powder for added flavor. You can also use homemade marinara sauce if you prefer.

Baking Dish Size: While an 8×8-inch baking dish is recommended, any appropriately sized oven-safe dish that fits the sausages comfortably will work. Just ensure the sausages are not too crowded, as this can affect even cooking.

Serving Suggestions: This dish is delicious on its own but can be elevated with side dishes such as a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a simple pasta dish. These pairings can help round out the meal and add variety.

Leftovers and Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, but be mindful that the texture of the cheese may change slightly upon reheating.

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Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses that melt well, such as provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack.

Each cheese will bring its own unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed sausages with cheese and marinara sauce in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

When ready to cook, simply remove it from the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

To add a little heat, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.

You can also incorporate sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

What can I serve with Cheesy Italian Sausage?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as a fresh garden salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. It can also be served alongside pasta or rice for a more substantial meal.

Can I cook this dish in a different way, such as grilling or using a stovetop?

While the recipe is designed for baking, you can adapt it for grilling by pre-cooking the sausages slightly, stuffing them with cheese, and finishing them on the grill.

For stovetop preparation, brown the sausages in a skillet, stuff them with cheese, pour the sauce over, and cover and simmer until the cheese is melted and the sausages are fully cooked.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out of the sausages during baking?

To minimize cheese leakage, make sure not to cut too deeply into the sausages when creating the slit for the cheese.

A shallow cut will help keep the cheese inside.

Additionally, you can use toothpicks to gently secure the sausage around the cheese before baking.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausages with other varieties, such as chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.

Keep in mind that the flavor profile may change depending on the type of sausage used.

What if I don’t have an 8×8-inch baking dish?

If you don’t have an 8×8-inch baking dish, you can use any oven-safe dish or pan that can accommodate the sausages without crowding.

A larger dish might require a slightly shorter baking time, so keep an eye on the sausages to ensure they are cooked through.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To make this recipe healthier, consider using leaner sausages, such as chicken or turkey sausage, and opting for part-skim mozzarella cheese.

You can also choose a low-sodium marinara sauce or make your own from scratch to control the amount of added salt and sugar.

Can I freeze leftovers, and how should I reheat them?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers.

Allow the sausages to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw the sausages in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them until warm.