Pepperoni Pizza Braid – The Perfect Twist for Friday Pizza Night

Looking to spice up your Friday pizza night? The pepperoni pizza braid is a fun and delicious twist on the classic pizza. With gooey cheese, crispy pepperoni, and pizza sauce wrapped in soft, fluffy dough, this recipe is perfect for sharing and will be a hit with the whole family. It’s easy to make, and even easier to enjoy!

What You’ll Need:

• 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (for dipping)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for seasoning)

• Flour (for dusting)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Why it works: Preheating the oven ensures that your pizza braid bakes evenly, giving it a perfectly golden, crispy exterior.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle (about 12 x 8 inches). Make sure the dough is thin, but not too thin, to avoid tearing when you fill it.

Why it works: Rolling out the dough into a rectangle provides enough surface area for the filling, while still being manageable to work with.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Spread a thin layer of shredded mozzarella cheese down the center of the dough. Then, arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Feel free to add a bit more cheese for an extra gooey filling!

Why it works: Mozzarella provides a melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the pepperoni adds savory flavor. The cheese also helps hold the braid together.

Step 4: Create the Braid

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, make diagonal cuts along both sides of the dough, about 1 inch apart. Fold the strips of dough over the filling, alternating sides, to create a braided effect. Pinch the ends of the dough together to seal the braid.

Why it works: The braid creates an eye-catching, fun presentation that also helps ensure an even distribution of cheese and pepperoni throughout the dough.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it over the top of the braid for a beautiful golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle dried oregano over the top for added flavor.

Why it works: The egg wash gives the pizza braid a shiny, golden finish, and the oregano adds a burst of Italian flavor.

Step 6: Bake

Carefully transfer the pizza braid to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Why it works: Baking the pizza braid until golden ensures a crispy, delicious exterior, while keeping the inside soft and cheesy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the pizza braid cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Serve with pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Why it works: Allowing the pizza braid to cool slightly ensures that the cheese doesn’t spill out when you slice it. The dipping sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts: A Fun and Tasty Pizza Twist

The pepperoni pizza braid is an easy, fun, and delicious way to make pizza night feel extra special. It’s a great dish for sharing with family and friends, and its braided shape makes it both visually appealing and easy to serve. Give this recipe a try the next time you want to add a twist to your traditional pizza night!