This Stuffed Sausage Recipe is my go-to dinner recipe for busy nights. It takes about 5 minutes to stuff Italian sausages with mozzarella cheese sticks and spoon over marinara sauce, then pop them in the oven to bake until bubbly. Serve with steamed veggies or cauliflower rice for a tasty low-carb dinner!
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CHEESY STUFFED SAUSAGE RECIPE
Are you ready for a culinary trip to Italy in just 30 minutes? I first made this recipe on one of those super busy weeknights when I needed something quick and comforting. Stuffing Italian sausages with cheese sticks and baking them with a rich marinara sauce almost feels too easy! They're absolutely exploding with classic Italian flavors, and everyone will be asking for seconds. This stuffed sausage recipe has become a staple in my home, perfect for days when I'm short on time but want a tasty dinner.
Why You'll Love It
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Keto-Friendly: Low in carbs, high in flavor.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite cheeses or add veggies for extra nutrition.
- Family Favorite: A hit with both kids and adults—who can resist cheesy, juicy sausages?
Ingredients You'll Need
- Italian sausages: Look for high-quality sausages with natural casings for the best flavor and texture. Choose either mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
- Mozzarella cheese sticks (or hard mozzarella chopped into sticks): Use hard mozzarella for its ability to hold shape while melting beautifully. Avoid soft cheeses like buffalo mozzarella, which can become too runny.
- Keto-friendly marinara sauce (or tomato sauce): Opt for a sugar-free marinara to keep it keto-friendly. Here's my recipe for a homemade marinara made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs to add an extra flavor punch.
- Fresh parsley leaves for garnish: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish.
Pro Tip: Avoid using buffalo mozzarella or soft cheeses, as they won’t hold their shape well in the oven.
How To Make Cheesy Stuffed Sausages
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). You can also use your air fryer at 370°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Sausages: Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal slit down the side of each sausage, careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff with Cheese: Insert a mozzarella stick into each sausage and gently press the sausage back together to enclose the cheese.
- Arrange in the Baking Dish: Place the stuffed sausages snugly in a small baking pan to prevent them from tipping over or the cheese from spilling out.
- Add Marinara: Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the sausages.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you're using an air fryer, bake for 15-25 minutes.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
Choose Quality Sausages: Look for rustic Italian sausages with natural casings for the best flavor and texture.
Prevent Spillage: Nestle the sausages close together in the baking dish to keep the cheese from oozing out too much.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add sliced bell peppers or onions to the baking dish for extra flavor and nutrients.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausages and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara.
Cheese Swap: Try provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile.
Low-Carb Pizzaiola: Top with sliced olives, mushrooms, and a sprinkle of oregano for a pizza-inspired twist.
Storage and reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Oven reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Air fryer reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F (165°C) for 8-12 minutes or until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the stuffed sausages and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze the baked sausages in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
What side dishes go well with this?
Serve with a fresh green salad, roasted or steamed vegetables, or cauliflower mash for a complete keto meal.
📖 Recipe
Stuffed Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Italian Sausages about 1lb
- 4 Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
- ½ cup Keto Marinara Sauce
- Fresh Parsley Leaves to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). You can also use your air fryer at 370°F (190°C).
- Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal slit down the side of each sausage, careful not to cut all the way through.
- Insert a mozzarella stick into each sausage and gently press the sausage back together to enclose the cheese.
- Place the stuffed sausages snugly in a small baking pan to prevent them from tipping over or the cheese from spilling out.
- Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the sausages.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you're using an air fryer, bake for 15-25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
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Nutrition Facts
Nutritional information for the recipe is calculated based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe we provide. Erythritol and other sugar-free sweetener carbs are not included in the carb counts. Net carbohydrates are the total carbohydrates minus dietary fiber.
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