Imagine a romantic dinner that combines the irresistible charm of pizza with the elegant presentation of a beautifully braided pastry. This Valentine's Day Pizza Braid is not just a meal—it's a culinary love story that will make your taste buds fall head over heels! Perfect for date night or a special celebration, this show-stopping dish transforms classic pizza ingredients into a stunning centerpiece that's as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular shape, approximately 12x16 inches.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly down the center third of the dough, leaving about 2-3 inches of space on each side.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, creating an even layer.
- Arrange pepperoni slices on top of the cheese in a decorative pattern.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni for additional flavor.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make diagonal cuts along the sides of the dough, creating 1-inch wide strips.
- Carefully fold the strips over the filling in a braided pattern, alternating sides and slightly overlapping.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush the entire surface of the braid with the egg wash.
- Transfer the baking sheet with the pizza braid to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Ensure your pizza dough is at room temperature for easier rolling and stretching.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean, precise braid strips.
- Don't overload the filling—too many ingredients can make braiding difficult.
- For a golden, glossy finish, make sure to brush the entire surface evenly with egg wash.
- Let the braid rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make slicing easier.
- Experiment with different filling combinations like ham and Swiss or vegetarian options.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
- For a romantic touch, use heart-shaped pepperoni or arrange toppings in a heart pattern.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
