Stuffed Italian Appetizer Braid

Makes 10 servings (20 sample servings)

ingredients

1 1/2 oz sliced pepperoni (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup pitted ripe olives, sliced
1 can (7 oz) mushroom stems and pieces, drained and chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup onion, chopped
4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup)
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning mix
2 packages (6.5 oz each) pizza crust mix
3/4 cup hot water
1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
Olive oil
2 Tbsp fresh grated Parmesan cheese

directions

Preheat oven to 425°. Cut pepperoni into quarters; place in batter bowl. Slice olives and chop mushrooms, bell pepper, and onion; add to pepperoni. Shred cheese over mixture in bowl; add garlic and 1/2 tsp seasoning mix; mix gently. Combine pizza crust mix and remaining 1 tsp seasoning mix. Prepare dough according to package directions using 3/4 cup hot water. Place dough in center of 12“ x 15” baking stone and roll into rectangle. On longest sides of baking stone, cut dough into strips 1.5 inches apart, 3 inches deep (there will be 6 inches in the center for filling). Spread filling evenly over middle of dough; top with 1/2 cup pizza sauce. To braid, lift strips of dough across filling to meet in center, twisting each strip on turn. Continue alternating strips to form a braid. Fold up ends of braid to seal. Lightly spray dough with olive oil; sprinkle with paremesan cheese. Bake 18-22 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cut with bread knife. Serve with remaining warmed pizza sauce.

Source: The Pampered Chef