Stromboli

This is one of our favorite recipes. Our original version came from another Soo Hill teacher Darcy, and we've combined and tweaked it with another from the Taste of Home Ground Beef Cookbook. This used to be one of those meals that took serious commitment, however, honestly when my husband and I began making it I had really only mastered Hamburger Helper! The original uses bread dough, which is delicious, but requires more effort. Recently I had a genius plan to use ready made pizza dough and it cut cooking and prep time considerably!

Pepperoni Stromboli (the short version)

1 Pillsbury refrigerated pizza crust

2 eggs, beaten

1/3 c. olive oil

1/2 tsp. each garlic powder, salt, pepper, ground mustard, and dried oregano

1 package of Jimmy Dean regular ground pork sausage

1 package of pepperoni

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 small onion, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On the stove top, brown sausage and onions. In a bowl, combine seasonings, eggs, and oil. Spread out the pizza dough on a greased pizza pan making sure not to create any tears. Try to stretch it as large as possible! Brush 2/3 egg mixture over the dough to within 1/2 inch of the edges. Sprinkle the cheeses evenly over the dough. Spread out pepperoni evenly over the dough. When it's done browning, sprinkle the sausage and onion mixture over the dough. Last, carefully peel up one edge and roll it up jelly roll style, seal the edges well. Brush the remaining egg mixture over the top of the "loaf".

Cook for 20-25 minutes or until browned and center is cooked!

The LONG version... this makes 2 loaves!

Substitute the pizza crust for:

2 loaves frozen Rhodes white bread dough (I usually get the three pack and just make a loaf of bread with the extra, yummy!)

all other ingredients remain the same

The night before you plan to make this meal, take out frozen dough and place on a large greased cooking sheet side by side. (If you are also doing a loaf of bread, place this in a separate greased loaf pan) Spray Pam cooking spray over the top of each loaf and cover with saran wrap, wrapping it around each loaf and allowing lots of extra overhang for when it rises. If air hits the dough it gets crusty, the pam helps it not to stick to anything! Leave it on the stove top to rise overnight.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Follow directions above to prepare all other ingredients, while you are browning the sausage, flour your counter top and roll out both loaves of bread dough try to get them about 9x13 and avoid tearing the dough! Spread all ingredients evenly over both sets of dough. Roll jelly roll style and brush with egg mixture, seal the edges well. Place each loaf on a large baking sheet side by side, leaving a space in between. Cook for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned.

This is a hearty comfort food that everyone loves. I hope you do too!