Description

A quick and easy game day snack featuring pull-apart bread filled with smoked sausage, sharp cheddar, pepper jack cheese, and garlic, shaped like a football for a fun and interactive party treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 package (about 2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
2 tbsp sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
8 oz smoked sausage, sliced thin
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
1 tsp smoked paprika
Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions

Activate the yeast by combining warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add the remaining cup of flour until dough pulls away from the bowl and feels soft but not sticky.
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
While dough rises, slice smoked sausage thin, shred cheeses, mince garlic, and chop parsley. Mix together and set aside.
Punch down dough and divide into about 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball, flatten slightly, layer with sausage, cheese, garlic, and parsley, then fold dough over to seal and roll back into a ball.
Arrange dough balls closely in a greased 9-inch round cake pan or cast iron skillet, shaping into a football shape.
Cover and let rise again until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the top with melted butter, sprinkle smoked paprika, and optionally sesame or poppy seeds.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melty and bubbly. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

Use warm water (110°F) to activate yeast properly. Seal dough balls tightly to prevent cheese leakage. Tent with foil if bread browns too quickly. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight. Freezer-friendly if assembled but unbaked. For dairy-free, substitute vegan cheese and butter alternatives.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1/8th of the w
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 600
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 25
Fiber: 1
Protein: 14

Keywords: pull-apart bread, charcuterie board, game day snack, football snack, sausage bread, cheesy bread, party food