Does Sausage Bread Need to Be Refrigerated? The Complete Guide

As a sausage bread lover I often find myself with leftovers after baking a fresh loaf. And the question always pops up – should I refrigerate this or leave it out on the counter? I used to be unsure about the best way to store sausage bread, but after doing some research I’ve got the complete guide on whether or not this tasty bread needs to be refrigerated.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:

• What is sausage bread?
• Does sausage bread need refrigeration?
• How long does sausage bread last in the fridge?
• Tips for keeping sausage bread fresh
• Can you freeze sausage bread?
• How to reheat sausage bread properly

I’ll also share my easy homemade sausage bread recipe so you can bake this delicious bread yourself! Let’s get started.

What Is Sausage Bread?

For those unfamiliar, sausage bread consists of sausage meat that is rolled up inside a bread dough before baking The dough is often a pizza dough or bread dough that gets wrapped around a sausage meat filling.

Some common fillings include

• Pork sausage (mild or spicy)
• Italian sausage
• Chicken sausage
• Vegetarian sausage

The sausage filling not only adds tons of flavor, but also gives the bread a delightful texture. The outside is crusty like regular bread, while the inside is soft and filled with savory sausage.

Some recipes also include additional ingredients in the filling like mushrooms, onions, peppers, cheese, and herbs. This adds even more flavor to every bite!

Does Sausage Bread Need To Be Refrigerated?

Now onto the main question – does sausage bread need to be refrigerated?

The short answer is yes, sausage bread should always be refrigerated.

Since there is sausage meat baked into the bread, it can go bad quickly if left out at room temperature. Bacteria grows rapidly on meat products when left out too long.

Refrigeration is necessary both for food safety and to maintain the freshness and quality of the bread. Leaving sausage bread out for more than 2 hours is not recommended.

Here are some refrigeration tips for sausage bread:

• Allow the bread to cool completely before refrigerating.
• Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place in a ziplock bag. This prevents drying out.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of baking. Do not leave at room temperature.
• Use within 3-5 days for best quality. Freeze for longer storage.

Following proper refrigeration guidelines will ensure your sausage bread stays safe to eat and retains its fresh-baked taste. Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to meat-filled breads!

How Long Does Sausage Bread Last In The Fridge?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, sausage bread will last 3-5 days.

Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or a ziplock bag before refrigerating. This prevents it from drying out and extends the shelf life.

On day 3-4, you may notice the texture becomes a bit firmer and the crust not as crispy. But it will still be safe to eat if it has been continually refrigerated.

By day 5, the texture really starts to decline. At this point, I recommend freezing any remaining bread to maintain quality.

Always rely on your senses too. If you notice any off colors, odors or sliminess, err on the side of caution and toss the bread. Safety first!

Tips For Keeping Sausage Bread Fresh

Here are my top tips for maintaining freshness and extending the shelf life of your leftover sausage bread:

• Let cool completely before refrigerating. Make sure the internal temperature is down below 40°F.
• Double wrap in both plastic wrap and foil. This creates 2 barriers against drying out.
• Place in the back of the fridge away from the door. This avoids temperature fluctuations from opening/closing the door.
• Once sliced, only refrigerate what you plan on eating in the next day or two. Keep the remaining loaf intact until ready to slice more.
• Avoid over-toasting when reheating. Gentle warming retains texture and moisture better.
• Store any uneaten sliced bread in a ziplock bag or airtight container. Minimizes drying and staleness.
• Freeze for long term storage. Bread keeps well in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Following these tips will ensure you get the most days of freshness out of your homemade sausage bread. Waste not, want not!

Can You Freeze Sausage Bread?

Freezing is a great option if you baked a large sausage bread but won’t be able to eat it all within 3-5 days.

Sausage bread can be successfully frozen for 2-3 months. It thaws well and tastes fresh again after a quick reheat.

Here are some freezer tips:

• Allow bread to cool fully before freezing.
• Double wrap bread in plastic wrap and foil. This prevents freezer burn.
• Place in a freezer bag, labeling date and contents. Remove as much air as possible.
• For quicker thawing/reheating, slice loaf before freezing.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheat thawed bread in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warm.

With proper freezer techniques, you can enjoy homemade sausage bread for months after baking. Talk about a tasty time saver!

How To Reheat Sausage Bread

When you’re ready to dive into that refrigerated or frozen sausage bread, here are some tips for reheating:

• Oven: Preheat oven to 300°F. Place bread on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes until warm throughout.

• Microwave: Place bread on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave in 30 second intervals until warm, checking frequently.

• Toaster oven: Set to 300°F and toast bread 4-6 minutes until crispy exterior.

• Skillet: Heat a lightly greased skillet over medium-low heat. Toast bread 2-3 minutes per side.

• Avoid over-toasting or over-browning when reheating. This leads to a drier bread.

• Let cool for a few minutes before eating. Filling will be molten hot right out of the oven!

That covers how to properly store, freeze, thaw and reheat your leftover sausage bread. Follow these tips and you’ll be enjoying fresh-tasting bread all week long!

My Favorite Sausage Bread Recipe

I’d be remiss not to share my go-to easy sausage bread recipe so you can make this yourself at home!

It uses just a few simple ingredients but packs a serious flavor punch in every tasty bite.

Sausage Bread Recipe

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Yield: 1 loaf

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pizza dough, store bought or homemade
• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1⁄4 inch thick.

3. Crumble and spread Italian sausage evenly over dough, leaving a 1 inch border. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley and Italian seasoning.

4. Starting at the short end, tightly roll up the dough. Pinch together seams to seal. Place seam-side down on prepared baking sheet.

5. Brush beaten egg over top and sides of loaf. Use a sharp knife to cut 4-5 diagonal slits across the top.

6. Bake 30-35 minutes until deep golden brown. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.

And that’s it! Now go enjoy your easy homemade sausage bread for breakfast, lunch or dinner. So good!

Be sure to follow proper storage guidelines and your sausage bread will stay fresh all week long. Happy baking!