Italian Sausage Sandwich Casserole
Description:
This Italian Sausage Sandwich Casserole brings all the bold and savory flavors of a hot Italian sausage sandwich into a delightful casserole form. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, offering a mouthwatering combination of Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a delicious dish for a weeknight dinner, this casserole is a winner. Plus, you can prep it ahead of time for added convenience.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Recipe Category: One-Dish Meal
Recipe Yield: 8 servings
Keywords: Meat, < 60 Mins, Oven
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Italian sausage | 1 1/2 pounds |
| Cream cheese | 16 ounces |
| Mayonnaise | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried basil | 2/3 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic cloves | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 3 tablespoons |
| Bread (preferably Italian or baguette) | 1 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 792.8 kcal |
| Fat | 50.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Cholesterol | 106.9 mg |
| Sodium | 2316.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 50.7 g |
| Fiber | 2.1 g |
| Sugars | 12.1 g |
| Protein | 32.8 g |
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
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Prepare your baking dish: Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.
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Layer the bread: Arrange the slices of bread in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared dish, ensuring they cover the entire surface. The bread will form the base of the casserole and absorb the savory flavors.
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Mix the cream cheese mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, dried basil, and oregano. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This creamy blend will be spread over the bread, creating a rich layer of flavor.
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Spread the mixture: Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the bread slices, covering them evenly with a spatula.
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Prepare the sausage: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked Italian sausage (crumbled or sliced), garlic, and your favorite marinara sauce. Stir everything together to ensure the sausage is evenly coated in the sauce.
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Layer the sausage: Spoon the sausage mixture over the cream cheese layer in the casserole, spreading it evenly across the top.
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Add the cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top of the sausage mixture. The cheeses will melt and form a beautiful, golden crust as the casserole bakes.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
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Serve and enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then slice it into portions. Serve hot for a satisfying meal that will surely impress everyone at the table.
This Italian Sausage Sandwich Casserole is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Its comforting flavors are enhanced by the richness of the cream cheese and the savory kick of Italian sausage. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses provides the perfect finishing touch, making each bite irresistible. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side salad or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!
