Stuffed Italian Sausage

This stuffed Italian sausage recipe has revolutionized my weeknight dinner rotation with its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. The oozing mozzarella pairs beautifully with the savory sausage, creating a dish that feels indulgent while being surprisingly easy to prepare.

I discovered this technique during a busy holiday season when I needed something impressive yet manageable. Since then, it's become my go to recipe whenever friends drop by unexpectedly or when I need dinner on the table with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage links: Choose high quality sausages with visible herbs and spices for the best flavor profile. Sweet or hot varieties both work beautifully.
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: The perfect size for stuffing and they melt into a glorious stretchy texture. Opt for whole milk mozzarella for richest flavor.
• Marinara sauce: Use a good quality jarred sauce to save time or homemade if you have it on hand. The sauce prevents sticking while adding moisture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the sausages. The high temperature ensures the sausages cook through while developing a beautiful golden exterior.

Prepare Sausages:

Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, create a lengthwise slit down one side of each sausage. Cut about halfway into the depth but be careful not to slice completely through. This creates the perfect pocket for your cheese.

Stuff With Cheese:

Take one mozzarella stick and nestle it into the cut you made in each sausage. Gently press the sausage meat around the cheese to partially enclose it, reshaping the sausage as needed. The meat will shrink slightly during cooking, so don’t worry if the cheese remains partially visible.

Prepare Baking Dish:

Pour your marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish, creating an even layer about 1/4 inch deep. This sauce layer prevents sticking and infuses the sausages with additional flavor as they cook.

Arrange And Bake:

Place the stuffed sausages in the dish with the cut side facing upward to contain the cheese as it melts. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes until the sausages are completely cooked through and the cheese has become golden and bubbly in spots.

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The marinara sauce is truly the unsung hero of this dish. While it may seem like just a base, it captures all the savory drippings from the sausage and transforms into an incredible sauce that begs to be sopped up with crusty bread. My family always fights over who gets the last bits of this sauce from the baking dish.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed sausages truly shine when served over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes. The starchy base provides the perfect canvas for soaking up the rich marinara sauce. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness of the dish. The peppery greens provide a welcome contrast to the savory sausage and gooey cheese.

Make It Your Own

While the basic recipe is delightful as is, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Try using different cheese varieties like provolone for a sharper flavor or fontina for extra creaminess. You can also enhance the marinara by adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions before pouring it into the baking dish. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle the sausages with grated parmesan or breadcrumbs mixed with herbs during the final 10 minutes of baking.

Storage And Reheating

These stuffed sausages keep remarkably well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container along with the marinara sauce to prevent them from drying out. To reheat, place in a covered ovenproof dish at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the texture won’t be quite as good as the oven method. I actually find the flavors develop even more after a day in the refrigerator, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Common Queries

→ Can I use different types of sausage for this dish?

Yes, while Italian sausage provides traditional flavor, you can substitute with other varieties like bratwurst, chorizo, or chicken sausage. Just ensure they're uncooked links that can be sliced and stuffed.

→ What cheese alternatives work well for stuffing?

If you don't have mozzarella sticks, try provolone, fontina, or cheddar cut into strips. For extra flavor, consider using cheese blends or adding herbs to plain mozzarella.

→ How do I know when the sausages are fully cooked?

The sausages should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). They'll appear firm, no longer pink inside, and the cheese should be completely melted and bubbling.

→ What can I serve with stuffed Italian sausage?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, crusty bread, polenta, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, add roasted vegetables or garlic bread on the side.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can stuff the sausages and arrange them in the baking dish with marinara up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from chilled.

→ Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Choose hot Italian sausage instead of mild, add red pepper flakes to the marinara, or stuff the sausages with pepper jack cheese for added heat.