AWESOME ITALIAN BRAIDED PIZZA

Awesome Italian Braided Pizza image

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,...

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

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

Steps:

1. PREP/PREPARE
2. Gather and prep your ingredients.
3. Add the Italian sausage to a skillet, over medium heat.
4. Cook until browned, about 10 to 12 minutes.
5. Remove from skillet and thoroughly drain on paper towels.
6. Chef's Note: Make sure that the sausage is completely drained.
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.
8. Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 350f (175c)
9. Add a piece of parchment paper to a large baking sheet, and lightly dust with some flour.
10. Roll out your pizza-crust dough to a 10 by 15 inch (25 by 40cm) rectangle.
11. Chef's Note: I use my own homemade pizza crust, but choose your favorite dough and go for it.
12. Cut slices into the pizza crust about 1 inch thick by three inches deep.
13. Lay the ham on the bottom of the pizza crust.
14. Add the Italian sausage.
15. Add the pizza sauce in a layer on top of the sausage.
16. Add some pepperoni.
17. Add a layer of cheese.
18. Braid the dish by placing one of the cut pieces over and on top of the other.
19. This is what the completed braided pizza should look like.
20. Brush the top of the braid with some oil, and sprinkle on a few herbs of your choice.
21. Add some cheese and pepperoni to the top of the braid.
22. Place the braided pizza into the preheated oven.
23. Allow to bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
24. Plate/Present
25. Cut into thick slices and serve while still nice and warm. Enjoy.
26. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.