Shell's Stuffed Sausage Sandwich ... cheese, spinach, garlic ... this goodness "ain't" your typical sausage on a bun!

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Serving: 6 as an Appetizer
Fridge Friendly: 4 Days
Freezer Friendly: 2 Months

Cost Per Person: ¢

¢: pennies
$: less than $4
$$: less than $7
$$$: less than $10
$$$: over $10

This isn't your "typical"sausage on a bun!

This recipe came about when we were out to dinner a few years ago, and we ordered a very similar appetizer. I bit into this masterpiece of crispy bread on the outside and a warm sausage and cheese filling on the inside, and my mouth was in heaven. So, I did my best to deconstruct what I was tasting in the filling and ... right or wrong, this recipe is what I came up with - everyone who tastes it assures me I was more "right" than "wrong"! I hope you'll try it and see if you agree.

Why I Love This Recipe

This is a meal in itself or a great party app. It’s hot, cheesy, melty goodness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It’s a one-pan prep. The filling can be made ahead, and it is freezer friendly. It's quick, hearty and delicious.

Ingredients

To Make Garlic Butter:

4 tbsp. Butter – room temperature
1 Clove Minced Garlic for Butter

To Make Sandwich Filling

5 Mild or Hot Italian Sausages - casing removed
2 Cloves Garlic - minced or finely chopped
1 Cup Cooked Spinach - chopped
½ Cup Parmesan Cheese - grated
2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese - grated
1 Baguette, or 4 Buns

Directions & Cook's Notes/Tips

To make the garlic butter:

In a small bowl, add butter and the minced garlic from 1 clove. Mix together and set aside.

To Make the Filling

remove the casing from the sausage, crumble it, and add to a saute pan on medium heat.
Cook the sausage until no longer pink. As it cooks, break down any larger chunks.
Add two cloves of finely chopped garlic and cook on medium to medium-low for about 5 minutes or until the sausage is lightly browned.
Stir in cooked spinach, and cook for another 2 minutes. Add both kinds of cheese, stir to combine, then remove from heat.
Slice the baguette in half, crosswise. On one side of the baguette only, spread the garlic butter. On the other side of the baguette, remove a little of the bread to create a hollow. Note: You can bake the bread you’ve removed and make breadcrumbs or croutons.
Fill the hollow with the sausage mixture, and place the other half of the bread on top.
Wrap the baguette in foil and place it in a 375-degree oven for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before removing foil and cutting.