Stuffed Italian Sausage Recipe

Stuffed Italian Sausage is one of those magical dishes that feels indulgent, looks impressive, but is delightfully simple to prepare. Juicy sausage links are generously filled with gooey mozzarella, nestled atop marinara sauce, and baked to golden, bubbling perfection. Whether you serve this for a weeknight dinner or offer it to guests at a cozy get-together, Stuffed Italian Sausage brings together classic flavors in a way that never fails to earn rave reviews.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things easy, with just three ingredients that truly shine in every bite. Each one brings something special — from the savory depth of the sausages to the creamy, melty cheese, and the vibrant hit of marinara. Here’s why you’ll want each of these on your shopping list:

• Uncooked Italian sausage links (6): Choose your favorite – mild or spicy – as these juicy sausages are the star of the show, forming the tasty ‘shell’ for all that cheesy goodness.
• Mozzarella cheese sticks (6): The perfect shape and size for stuffing, these turn irresistibly melty in the oven, creating pockets of creamy, stretchy cheese with every bite.
• Marinara sauce (1 cup): Laying down a bed of rich, tangy marinara lets the sausages bake up extra moist and infuses the whole dish with classic Italian flavor.

How to Make Stuffed Italian Sausage

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Before diving in, crank your oven up to 400°F. Give it a solid preheat so the sausages bake up perfectly cooked and the cheese gets bubbly and golden right on schedule.

Step 2: Cut the Sausages

Grab a sharp knife or handy kitchen scissors and make a careful slice along the length of each sausage link. Don’t cut all the way through — you’re aiming for a pocket, about halfway deep, to cradle the mozzarella. Go slow and steady!

Step 3: Stuff with Cheese

This is the fun part! Tuck a mozzarella stick right into each sausage’s slit, nestling it snugly. Once stuffed, gently mold the sausage back into its original shape, wrapping that cheese up in flavor.

Step 4: Add Marinara

Spoon out the marinara sauce to cover the bottom of a baking dish. This marinara bed helps keep the Stuffed Italian Sausage extra juicy as it bakes, while adding a ton of tangy, herby flavor. Spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.

Step 5: Arrange and Bake

Place your stuffed sausages, cut side up, right on top of the marinara. Cover everything tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake for another 10 minutes, just until the cheese is melting over the sides and the sausages are beautifully browned.

How to Serve Stuffed Italian Sausage

Garnishes

Finish your Stuffed Italian Sausage with a flourish! A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. A dusting of parmesan or red pepper flakes brings extra depth and a hint of heat, if you like things spicy.

Side Dishes

These sausages pair fabulously with almost anything. Serve them over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes, twirl them alongside some buttered pasta, or add a simple green salad with zippy vinaigrette for balance. Garlic bread is never out of place, either!

Creative Ways to Present

Stuffed Italian Sausage is just as enticing served family-style in a bubbling casserole dish as it is plated individually atop a bed of sauced pasta. For appetizers, slice each sausage into pieces and spear them with toothpicks for a cheesy, bite-sized treat. You can even tuck them into sub rolls for the ultimate sausage sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Stuffed Italian Sausage keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to store any extras in an airtight container to lock in moisture and keep the marinara tasting fresh.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, let them cool completely first. Wrap each sausage tightly in foil and tuck them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To revive your Stuffed Italian Sausage, pop it in the oven at 350°F, covered, until heated through — about 20 minutes. The microwave works too for individual pieces, but the oven preserves that irresistible texture best. Spoon over a little extra marinara to keep things saucy!

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! While traditional Italian sausage brings a lot of flavor, feel free to switch things up with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. Just be sure it’s uncooked so it bakes to juicy perfection alongside the cheese and sauce.

What other cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?

If you’re feeling adventurous, swap in provolone, fontina, or even a pepper jack cheese stick for a different flavor spin. The important thing is to choose a cheese that melts well and fits neatly into the sausage pocket.

Can I make Stuffed Italian Sausage ahead of time?

Yes! You can stuff the sausages up to a day ahead and keep them refrigerated in your baking dish (covered tightly). When ready to eat, just pour over the marinara and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since they’ll start out cold.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten free, as long as the sausage and marinara you select don’t have any added wheat or gluten-containing fillers. Always double-check your labels if serving to someone with gluten sensitivities.

How do I know when the sausages are fully cooked?

The sausages are done when they’re no longer pink in the middle, the cheese is melted and golden, and their internal temperature has reached at least 160°F. Cutting into one or using a meat thermometer will give you extra peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s equal parts simple, satisfying, and seriously delicious, give Stuffed Italian Sausage a try. I promise, once you experience that first cheesy, saucy bite, this dish will quickly become one of your go-to favorites too. Happy cooking!

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