Here’s a more detailed version of your Baked Italian Sausage recipe with string cheese:
Baked Italian Sausage with Cheese
Ingredients:
- 5 Italian sausage links (use sweet, hot, or a mix of both)
- 5 string cheese sticks (mozzarella works best)
- 1 cup pasta sauce (your favorite marinara or tomato sauce)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra cheesy goodness)
- Optional veggies: Fresh spinach, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms (add as desired)
- Hoagie rolls (optional, for serving as sandwiches)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Sausages:
- Take 5 Italian sausage links and, using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit down the middle of each sausage. Be careful not to cut all the way through—you want to create a pocket to hold the cheese.
- Insert a string cheese stick into each sausage, gently pressing it into the slit. The cheese should be snug in the sausage pocket.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Spread 1/2 cup of pasta sauce in the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish. This will help keep the sausages from sticking and will add extra flavor to the bottom.
- If you’re adding any veggies (like fresh spinach, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms), place them on top of the sauce in an even layer.
- Arrange the cheese-stuffed sausages on top of the sauce (and veggies, if using), ensuring they are evenly spaced in the dish.
- Spoon the remaining 1/2 cup of pasta sauce over the sausages, coating them lightly.
- Bake the Sausages:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the sausages are fully cooked through (internal temperature of at least 160°F) and the cheese is melted.
- Add Parmesan:
- After 30 minutes, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the sausages. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, just until the Parmesan is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
- You can enjoy the sausages as is, or serve them on hoagie rolls to make delicious cheesy sausage sandwiches.
Optional Add-ins:
- Spinach: You can layer more spinach or other greens at the bottom for a pop of color and added nutrients. While it doesn’t add much flavor, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens.
- Bell Peppers & Onions: Sauté some bell peppers and onions and add them on top of the sausages before baking for more texture and flavor.
- Extra Cheese: Add shredded mozzarella or provolone on top with the Parmesan for a super cheesy finish.
This Baked Italian Sausage with Cheese is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or a fun sandwich meal. Enjoy!