Grandma Kay's Sausage Bread

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Add the olive oil to a medium saute pan over medium-high heat and cook the sausage until brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool the sausage, then transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon and mix with the pepperoni and salami. Mix in the mozzarella with your hands.

Step 3

Roll out the dough into 2 long ovals. Slice the end pieces off the dough to save for later to make mini sausage breads. Brush the top and bottom of the dough with olive oil and divide the sausage mixture between the 2 loaves. Fold the dough over like a calzone and place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Poke very small holes along the sides to release the steam with a fork. Bake until light brown on top, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 4

For the vodka sauce: Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil and butter and cook until foaming. Add the onions, then sprinkle with a little salt and saute until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add the crushed red pepper, garlic and some salt and pepper. Cook for 15 more seconds.

Step 5

Add the vodka and deglaze the pan. Add the tomato sauce and simmer until the alcohol smell subsides, then add the cream. Let cook down until it is slightly reduced and flavorful, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Slice the loaves and serve with the vodka sauce on the side.