Braided Pepperoni Pizza Bread

Here's another game day appetizer that is sure to score a touch down with your crowd!  Pizza is a game day essential.  I've tried pizza pockets and pizza bites, so I naturally had to try something different.  Although these three are all very similar, I think I prefer the bread the best because when served hot, the cheese is still melty and gooey like a traditional pizza.  My only suggestion is to make more than 1 because this thing was devoured before it touched the table!

Braided Pepperoni Pizza Bread

 

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made whole wheat pizza dough 
• 1 1/2 cups pasta sauce (recipe here) 
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 T Italian blended seasoning
• 10-15 pepperoni slices 
• Optional: any additional pizza toppings of choice
• 1 egg
• Additional pasta sauce for dipping

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F
2. Flour a large sheet of parchment paper and roll out the dough, in a rectangular shape on the parchment paper 
3. Using a pizza cutter, cut 3" slits into the into the longer sides of the dough (make sure you have the same amount of slits on each side
4. Layer your pizza fillings into the center of the dough (sauce, cheese, seasoning, pepperoni, etc.)
5. To close the bread, fold up the 2 ends then take the slits and crisscross them back and fourth making an X until the
6. Brush the egg white onto the bread
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes; until the bread is golden brown
8. All to cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving