Korean Sausage Bread with Cheese

Name: Korean Sausage Bread with Cheese
Prep time: 120 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 300 gr bread flour; 15 gr milk powder; 4 gr instant yeast; 50 gr sugar; 2 egg yolk; 44 gr whipping cream; 130 gr milk; 50 gr unsalted butter; 3 gr salt; Egg wash: 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp evaporated milk; Parmesan cheese; Sausage; Pepperoni; Mayonnaise and tomato sauce

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Korean Sausage Bread, also known as sausage ppang 소세지빵, is a popular savory snack found in Korean bakeries. It’s a fluffy milk bread with a piece of juicy sausage and sprinkled with parmesan cheese, creamy mayo, and tomato sauce. This sausage bread is surprisingly easy to make at home.

A few of Korean sausage bread on a bamboo tray.

If you’ve ever wandered through a bakery in Asia, you’ve probably noticed the soft, fluffy breads lined up like little pillows—filled, swirled, and topped with all kinds of sweet or savory surprises. From Japanese milk bread to roti sisir and pumpkin bread, Asian-style loaves are known for their airy texture and creative twists.

One that never fails to grab my attention? Korean Sausage Bread—also called sausage ppang소세지빵. It’s a soft, slightly sweet bread topped with a juicy sausage and often drizzled with mayo or ketchup. That combo of sweet, savory, cheesy, and smoky is just so good, even my husband (who usually avoids sweet bread) always comes back for seconds.

I made my own version at home with a little twist—Parmesan cheese on top for extra fragrance and flavor. While this bread dough isn’t exactly the same as the one used in Japanese milk hearth bread or hot cross buns, it still gives you that signature soft, fluffy texture we all love in Asian bakery breads. You can also experiment with different fillings like cheese or chocolate or coconut kaya jam, or play around with toppings—try mayo, tomato sauce, or a sprinkle of herbs to make it your own.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Sweet + Savory perfection – The combo of slightly sweet bread, juicy sausage, melty cheese, and savory sauce hits all the right notes.
Customizable – Swap the sausage for chicken frank, mozzarella sticks, or even a spicy twist. Top with mayo, tomato sauce, or gochujang if you’re feeling bold.
Kid-friendly and husband-approved – Even picky eaters (like my husband!) will ask for seconds. Great for lunchboxes or easy snacks.
Fun to make – Shaping and topping each bread is like edible arts and crafts. Plus, your kitchen will smell like a Korean bakery—yes, please!
Soft, fluffy texture – That tender crumb is everything. If you love Japanese milk buns or roti sisir, this will steal your heart.

Recipe Ingredients

Korean Sausage Bread ingredients with labels.

Ingredient Notes

How To Make Korean Sausage Bread

Step by step process photos of mixing the ingredients until it is smooth and elastic.

STEP 1. Sift bread flour and milk powder into a mixing bowl. Add sugar, instant yeast, egg yolk, and milk (Images 1, 2). Attach the dough hook to your mixer and knead on medium speed. After a few minutes, once the dry ingredients are fully incorporated, add in the unsalted butter and salt (Image 3). Continue kneading until the 20-minute mark. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and able to stretch thinly without tearing, this is the “windowpane” stage (Image 4).

Step by step process photos of fermenting the dough.

STEP 2. Transfer the dough to a greased glass bowl, cover with cling wrap (Image 5), and let it proof for about 1 hour or until doubled in size (Image 6). Once risen, punch out the air (Image 7) and divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (Image 8).

Step by step process photos of shaping the bread.

STEP 3. Flatten each dough piece with a rolling pin. Brush the surface with egg wash, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese over the brushed area. Place each piece into a baking cup (Images 9–12).

Step by step process photos of decorating the bread before baking.

STEP 4. Let the dough rise again for about 40 minutes or until doubled in size (Image 13). Once proofed, press a sausage into the center of each bun (Image 14). Decorate with mayonnaise and tomato sauce (or chili sauce) using a piping bag (Image 15). Bake in a preheated oven at 356°F (180°C) for 20 minutes, or until golden brown (Image 16).

Enjoy your freshly baked Korean sausage bread, they are so soft, cheesy, and totally irresistible!

Pro Tips

Use high-protein bread flour – It gives the dough better structure and that fluffy, chewy texture we all love in Asian-style breads.
Check your windowpane – Don’t skip the kneading test! A well-developed dough should stretch into a thin membrane without tearing. This ensures soft, airy bread.
Room temperature ingredients = happy dough – Cold milk or eggs can slow down fermentation, so let them sit out for a bit before mixing.
Proof like a pro – If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in a turned-off oven with the light on or near a warm window. This helps it rise evenly.
Use baking cups – Not only do they help the dough keep its shape, but they also make clean-up easier and give that classic Korean bakery look.
Add the sausage after the second rise – Pressing it in before baking keeps the sausage on top instead of sinking into the dough.
Go wild with toppings – Mix mayo with sriracha, sprinkle shredded cheese or parsley, or try Japanese-style ketchup and kewpie for extra umami.
Let them cool slightly before eating – As tempting as it is to bite right in, letting them cool for 5–10 minutes gives the flavors time to settle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Korean sausage bread warm with a tall glass of Korean strawberry milk if you’re feeling playful, or a soothing cup of earl grey or rose milk tea for something more elegant. It’s a snack that satisfies anytime of day!

FAQs about Korean Sausage Bread

What is Korean sausage bread made of?

Korean sausage bread (also called sausage ppang) is made with a sweet, soft milk bread dough, topped with sausage and often decorated with mayonnaise, ketchup, cheese, or herbs. It’s a savory-sweet bakery favorite in Korea and loved for its fluffy texture and rich flavor.

Why is Korean bread so soft and fluffy?

Korean bread is typically made using high-protein bread flour, milk, and sometimes egg yolks or tangzhong (a roux starter). These ingredients create a tender, airy texture that’s different from crustier Western-style breads.

Can I make Korean sausage bread without a mixer?

Yes! You can knead the dough by hand—it just takes a little more time and elbow grease. Make sure to knead until the dough is smooth, elastic, and passes the windowpane test for best results.

Is Korean sausage bread sweet or savory?

Both! The bread itself is slightly sweet, while the sausage and savory toppings like mayo or cheese add a salty, umami contrast. That sweet-salty combo is exactly what makes sausage ppang so addictive.

Two korean sausage bread on a bamboo tray and four others next to them.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat before eating.