awesome italian braided pizza

Name: Awesome Italian Braided Pizza
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ## PLAN/PURCHASE; 1 large pizza crust, homemade or store bought; 1/4 cup(s) pizza sauce, homemade or store bought; 1/2 pound(s) italian sausage, mild or hot, your choice; 12 slice(s) pepperoni, or more; 6 slice(s) ham, thinly sliced; 1 1/2 cup(s) cheese, your choice

43 Pinches 26 Photos

Andy Anderson !

Wichita, KS

Updated on Dec 18, 2015

Over the years, I’ve used this type of braiding technique for savory and for sweet recipes, so I thought I would give it a try for a braided pizza… I wasn’t disappointed, and neither were my houseguests. This similar to one that we used at a restaurant I worked at in Naples, Italy. It was mostly for the American tourists, who expected their “authentic” Italian pizza to be made just like they had it in America. LOL I made three of these, for our movie night and I had just enough time to photograph them before they were gone. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

Rate

prep time 20 Min

cook time 25 Min

method Bake

yield 6 serving(s)

Ingredients

PLAN/PURCHASE
1 large pizza crust, homemade or store bought
1/4 cup pizza sauce, homemade or store bought
1/2 pound italian sausage, mild or hot, your choice
12 slices pepperoni, or more
6 slices ham, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups cheese, your choice

How To Make awesome italian braided pizza

Step 1

PREP/PREPARE

Step 2

Gather and prep your ingredients.
Step 3

Add the Italian sausage to a skillet, over medium heat.
Step 4

Cook until browned, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 5

Remove from skillet and thoroughly drain on paper towels.
Step 6

Chef’s Note: Make sure that the sausage is completely drained.
Step 7

Chef’s Tip: To remove as much grease from the pepperoni as possible, I place them on a paper towel and put them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. The paper towel will absorb most of the oil.
Step 8

Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 350f (175c)
Step 9

Add a piece of parchment paper to a large baking sheet, and lightly dust with some flour.
Step 10

Roll out your pizza-crust dough to a 10 by 15 inch (25 by 40cm) rectangle.
Step 11

Chef’s Note: I use my own homemade pizza crust, but choose your favorite dough and go for it.
Step 12

Cut slices into the pizza crust about 1 inch thick by three inches deep.
Step 13

Lay the ham on the bottom of the pizza crust.
Step 14

Add the Italian sausage.
Step 15

Add the pizza sauce in a layer on top of the sausage.
Step 16

Add some pepperoni.
Step 17

Add a layer of cheese.
Step 18

Braid the dish by placing one of the cut pieces over and on top of the other.
Step 19

This is what the completed braided pizza should look like.
Step 20

Brush the top of the braid with some oil, and sprinkle on a few herbs of your choice.
Step 21

Add some cheese and pepperoni to the top of the braid.
Step 22

Place the braided pizza into the preheated oven.
Step 23

Allow to bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Step 24

Plate/Present
Step 25

Cut into thick slices and serve while still nice and warm. Enjoy.
Step 26

Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

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