These cheesy Sausage Bruschetta are made with crisp toasted baguette slices topped with Italian sausage and melty cheese, then baked until golden and savory. They're an easy 30-minute appetizer that's perfect for holidays, parties, game day, or any gathering where you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This recipe has been in my family for years and is also featured in my cookbook, Tasting Every Day. The inspiration came from my family's first trip to Italy in 2017, when we tried sausage bruschetta at a winery. None of us had ever had anything quite like it, and we immediately loved the combination of crispy bread, sausage, and cheese.
When we came home, my dad recreated the dish, and it quickly became one of those recipes that shows up at nearly every family gathering. As a cookbook author and professional recipe developer, I especially love recipes like this that are simple to prepare but memorable enough that everyone asks for them again. I've also made this recipe on TV, and it's one of those appetizers that always gets a great reaction because it's so simple but so flavorful.
If you love easy appetizers, try my Bruschetta Crostini with Marinated Tomatoes, Prosciutto Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese, or Panko Breaded Shrimp next.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prep ahead:Â You can prepare the sausage mixture in advance and assemble the bruschetta shortly before baking.
- Always a crowd-pleaser:Â These are one of my family's most-requested appetizers and disappear quickly whenever I serve them.
- Easy to make:Â You only need about 10 minutes of prep before the oven does the rest of the work.
- Crispy, cheesy, and savory:Â Toasted baguette, Italian sausage, and melted cheese give you plenty of texture and flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for entertaining:Â They're easy to pick up and eat, making them ideal for parties, holidays, and appetizer spreads.
What Is Sausage Bruschetta?
When most people hear bruschetta, they think of toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil. But bruschetta refers to the toasted bread itself and can be topped in many different ways.
This version uses a savory mixture of Italian sausage and cheese instead of tomatoes. The sausage cooks directly on the toasted baguette, while the cheese melts into the meat and helps create a rich, golden topping.
The finished pieces are similar to sausage crostini and are perfect for serving as a warm Italian-inspired appetizer.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this sausage bruschetta.
- French baguette: Slice the baguette into ½-inch pieces. The bread should be sturdy enough to support the sausage topping while still becoming crisp in the oven.
- Italian sausage:Â Mild or hot Italian sausage both work well. Remove the casings before mixing the sausage with the cheese.
- Soft cheese: Fontina and Gruyère both melt beautifully and give the sausage mixture a rich, cheesy texture.
- Extra virgin olive oil:Â Brushing the baguette with olive oil helps the bread become golden and crisp before adding the topping.
- Black pepper:Â Adds a little warmth and balances the rich sausage and cheese.
- Garlic powder:Â Gives the topping plenty of savory garlic flavor without adding extra moisture.
- Kosher salt:Â Seasons the sausage mixture. Depending on your sausage and cheese, you can adjust the amount slightly to taste.
- Parmesan cheese:Â Optional, but freshly grated Parmesan makes a delicious finishing touch.
- Italian parsley:Â An optional garnish that adds freshness and color.
How to Make Sausage Bruschetta
Preheat the oven and toast the bread
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Brush the baguette slices with olive oil on both sides and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted, then remove from the oven.
Make the sausage topping
In a medium bowl, combine the Italian sausage, grated cheese, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Using your hands is the easiest way to evenly incorporate the cheese and seasonings into the sausage.
Bake
Divide the sausage mixture evenly between the toasted baguette slices, spreading it over the top of each piece. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked and the tops are golden brown.
Serve
Top with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Do You Need to Cook the Sausage First?
No. One of the things that makes this recipe so easy is that the sausage goes onto the bread raw.
The sausage is mixed with the cheese and seasonings, spread in an even layer over the toasted bread, and then cooked completely in the oven.
Make sure the sausage mixture isn't piled excessively thick on any one piece so it cooks evenly. The sausage should reach an internal temperature of 160°F before serving.
What Cheese Is Best for Sausage Bruschetta?
Fontina is my favorite choice because it melts beautifully and has a mild, buttery flavor that complements Italian sausage without overpowering it.
Gruyère is another great option and has a slightly nuttier flavor.
You can also use:
- Mozzarella for a mild, extra-melty option.
- Provolone for a slightly sharper Italian flavor.
- A combination of cheeses if you have several varieties on hand.
Whichever cheese you choose, grate it so it incorporates evenly into the sausage mixture.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is easy to adapt depending on what you have on hand.
- Use another bread:Â A sturdy Italian loaf or ciabatta can work in place of baguette. Cut larger slices into smaller pieces for serving.
- Make it spicy:Â Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use mild sausage:Â Sweet or mild Italian sausage is great when serving a mixed crowd.
- Change the cheese: Try mozzarella, provolone, Fontina, Gruyère, or a combination.
- Add herbs:Â Fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley can add another layer of flavor.
- Add Parmesan:Â Mix a little finely grated Parmesan directly into the sausage mixture for even more savory flavor.
What to Serve with Sausage Bruschetta
Sausage bruschetta works especially well as part of an Italian-inspired appetizer spread.
They're also delicious alongside olives, cured meats, roasted peppers, and a simple cheese board.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover sausage bruschetta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For the best texture, reheat the bruschetta in a 375°F oven or toaster oven for several minutes, until the sausage is heated through and the bread is crisp again.
I don't recommend reheating these in the microwave if you can avoid it because the bread will become soft.
Sausage Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 1 lb Italian sausage mild or hot, casings removed
- 1 cup grated soft cheese such as Fontina or Gruyère
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Italian parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toast the bread: Brush the baguette slices with olive oil on both sides and arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Remove from oven.
- Make the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the Italian sausage, grated cheese, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly - using your hands works best to fully incorporate the ingredients.
- Assemble: Top each toasted baguette slice with an even amount of the sausage mixture.
- Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked and the tops are golden brown.
- Serve: Top with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Joe Conner says
Made this for a party and my friends still talk about how good it was! So quick and easy too.
Christina Musgrave says
So happy you and your friends enjoyed!