pizza stuffed pretzels...YUM!

yesterday all i wanted to do is cook. so thats exactly what i did when i got home last night. while our supper was baking, i made pizza stuffed pretzels. (brad and i are having them for lunch today.) give it a try. if you aren't feeling fancy...im usually not...you can use the already made pizza dough. it might not be as good but its still really delish! i havent attempted making dough yet. still impressive right? hmm. i would show you a picture but its not cute so just use your imagination.


Pizza Stuffed Pretzels
recipe from joelen

Pizza Dough:
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 package quick-rising yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2-2/3 cup hot water (120-130°F)
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Combine flour, yeast, salt and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer to mix fitted with a dough hook.

Combine hot water and oil in a measuring cup. With the stand mixer is running, gradually pour in enough of the hot liquid until the mixture forms a sticky ball. The dough should be quite soft. If it seems dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons warm water; if too sticky, add 1 to 2 tablespoons flour. Continue mixing until the dough forms a ball, then process for 1 minute to knead.

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Coat a sheet of plastic wrap with cooking spray and place it, sprayed-side down, over the dough. Let the dough rest for 10 to 20 minutes.

Filling:
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup pepperoni slices
1/4 cup chopped mushrooms
1 egg slightly beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup marinara or pasta sauce (homemade or store bought)

Preheat oven to 400ºF.
Cut the prepared pizza dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each out into a rectangle. Scatter the cheese, pepperoni and mushrooms over the dough. Brush the one of the long sides with a little egg wash then, starting with the opposite side, roll the dough up into a log, enclosing the toppings inside. Shape the log into a pretzel and transfer to a baking sheet.

Brush the top of the pizza pretzel with olive oil and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.

While the pizza pretzel is baking, place a medium pot over medium-high heat to heat up marinara or pasta sauce, until warm. Serve the pizza pretzel with the marinara/pasta sauce dipper alongside.

* To make ahead/freezer meal - Prepare the pretzels as directed above and do not bake. Instead, wrap prepared pretzels in plastic wrap and foil. Place in a freezer bag and freeze. When ready to prepare, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place frozen stuffed pretzel on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes. No need to defrost pretzel before baking.


enjoy!

xoxo. manda