Pepperoni Pizza Braid

Ingredients

• 1 tube of refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 20-25 slices of pepperoni
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Optional: fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape, about 10×15 inches. Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Spread the pizza sauce: Spread the pizza sauce down the center of the dough, leaving about 3 inches on each side for the braid.
4. Add cheese and pepperoni: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, layer the pepperoni slices on top, then add the remaining cheese. This will create a delicious, gooey filling.
5. Cut and braid the dough: Using a knife, make 1-inch diagonal cuts along both sides of the dough. Fold each strip over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid pattern.
6. Brush with butter and season: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture over the braided dough, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve: Remove the pizza braid from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and enjoy warm!

Tips

Feel free to customize your pizza braid by adding other toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. You can also use different cheeses, such as provolone or cheddar, to create a unique flavor combination.

This Pepperoni Pizza Braid is an easy, delicious way to enjoy pizza with a twist. It’s ideal for a cozy night in or as a fun appetizer for guests. Enjoy this tasty, cheesy treat!