If you love a dish that combines rich flavors with a comforting, gooey cheese pull, then this Cheesy Stuffed Italian Sausages Recipe is about to become your new go-to craving. Imagine succulent Italian sausages bursting with a luscious blend of mozzarella and cream cheese, perfectly seasoned and baked to golden, cheesy perfection. This recipe delivers an easy, hearty meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying—ideal for a cozy dinner or impressing friends with minimal effort in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in making the Cheesy Stuffed Italian Sausages Recipe sing with flavor, texture, and just the right touch of spice.
- Italian sausages: Choose quality sausages with a natural casing for the best texture and authentic flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides that irresistible gooey meltiness everyone loves in stuffed dishes.
- Cream cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy richness that balances the mozzarella’s stretch.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that makes every bite taste like a warm Italian kitchen.
- Garlic powder: Delivers subtle, savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savoriness and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors in the cheese and sausage.
- Pepper: Adds a gentle hint of spice and complexity.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top before baking, it crisps up to a nutty, golden crust.
- Marinara sauce: The perfect tangy and herbaceous dip to complement the richness of the sausages.
How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Italian Sausages Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the sausages cook evenly while melting all those wonderful cheeses inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder, plus 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix it all together until you get a creamy, cohesive filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Create Pockets in the Sausages
Carefully take each Italian sausage and slice it lengthwise just enough to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. This is your little cheese treasure chest, ready to be filled.
Step 4: Stuff the Sausages
Using a spoon or your fingers, fill each sausage pocket generously with the cheesy mixture. Don’t be shy—this is the star of the show, so make sure those pockets are loaded with creamy goodness.
Step 5: Arrange in a Baking Dish
Place the stuffed sausages side by side in a sturdy baking dish. This helps them cook evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 6: Add the Parmesan Topping
Sprinkle a generous layer of Parmesan cheese over the stuffed sausages. This will form a deliciously golden, crunchy topping once baked.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the stuffed sausages in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sausages are fully cooked and the cheese filling is melted and bubbling beautifully.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cheesy Stuffed Italian Sausages hot, with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. The tangy sauce complements the rich cheese and sausage perfectly, making every bite a flavor explosion.
How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Italian Sausages Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil or chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness, while a dusting of extra Parmesan gives a nice visual touch and a bit more nuttiness.
Side Dishes
Pair these sausages with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic bread also make fantastic companions, soaking up any leftover cheese or sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Stuffed Italian Sausages Recipe sliced on a platter as an appetizer, or nestle them in soft hoagie rolls with a drizzle of marinara for a hearty sandwich that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sausages in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They taste great cold but even better reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze these stuffed sausages before baking by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months and bake from frozen by adding extra cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the sausages juicy and to refresh that melt-in-your-mouth cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cream cheese provide creamy, melty goodness, you can mix in provolone, fontina, or even a little sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Are these sausages spicy?
The heat level depends on the sausages you choose. Mild Italian sausages keep it gentle, while spicy varieties add a nice kick that pairs well with the creamy filling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free sausages and check that your seasonings and sauces are free from gluten ingredients to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How do I know when the sausages are fully cooked?
The sausages should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The cheese will be bubbly and slightly browned when done, an excellent visual cue.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely! It scales up beautifully. Just use a larger baking dish or two, and keep an eye on cooking time, which might need a few minutes more depending on the thickness of the sausages.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Stuffed Italian Sausages Recipe is the perfect blend of simple ingredients and irresistible flavors that come together to make a meal worth savoring. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to bring smiles and satisfied appetites around your table. Give it a try and fall in love with this cheesy, savory delight that never fails to impress.
Print
Cheesy Stuffed Italian Sausages Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8 stuffed sausages
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Cheesy Stuffed Italian Sausages are a delicious and satisfying appetizer or main dish featuring juicy Italian sausages filled with a blend of mozzarella, cream cheese, and Italian seasonings, baked to perfection and served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 8 Italian sausages
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Topping and Serving
- Parmesan cheese, for topping (approx. 1/4 cup)
- Marinara sauce, for serving (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the sausages evenly.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy mixture.
- Prepare Sausages: Take each Italian sausage and carefully make a lengthwise slit down the center but do not cut all the way through, creating a pocket for the cheese filling.
- Stuff Sausages: Spoon the prepared cheese mixture into each sausage pocket, filling them generously but carefully to avoid overflow.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the stuffed sausages in a baking dish in a single layer, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the stuffed sausages to add a flavorful crust as they bake.
- Bake: Bake the sausages in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sausages are fully cooked through and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly with a golden top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the cheesy stuffed Italian sausages hot, accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful and cheesy dish!
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausages depending on your taste preference.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to blend easily with the other cheeses and spices.
- For extra crispiness, broil the sausages for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the sausages and marinara sauce are certified gluten-free.
