Quick weekday dinner ideas are prized in busy homes across the world. Whether there are after-school activities keeping things going or work and play have time at home limited, being able to get dinner on the table in under a half hour is something to sing about. Now, what if you could get a general technique that would allow you to do that and work some variety into the rotation as well? Well, meet the Lickity Split Pizza Braid:
What makes this a super weekday meal idea is that all you need are a couple of packages of refrigerated crescent dough and some ideas for fillings. I've started you out with a super simple pepperoni pizza filling, but everything from tacos to sausage and country gravy can take turns wrapped inside the flaky pastry. What's more, you can even prepare the braid ahead of time and simply preheat your oven and pop it in for a super fast dinner. While it's in the oven, just toss together a green salad and you've got dinner on the able in about 20 minutes.
So the next time you think you need to resort to sandwiches or takeout for dinner again, give this quick recipe a try. Before you know it, you'll be finding ways to combine your favorite dinners and a delicious crescent roll dough wrapping for days that aren't rushed, too!
Lickity Split Pizza Braid
- 2 packages refrigerated crescent rolls (8 in a package)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 8 oz. sliced pepperoni
- 8 oz. shredded cheese
- Cooking spray
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
On a silicone baking mat or parchment paper placed on a cookie sheet, carefully roll the dough from the first package out without separating the rolls. Place the dough from the 2nd package onto the first dough, so that now you have a rectangle. Gently roll it out a bit, so that it's about 18 inches long and 15 inches wide. Visually divide the length of the dough into 3 equal parts. The middle part is where our filling will go. So using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into slices on each outside tab, making equal slits on each side.
Fill the middle tab with the the tomato sauce, pepperoni, and shredded cheese, layering and aligning it down the center tab.
Alternating from side to side, fold the cut pieces over the middle part. You might have to stretch them a bit so you can pinch them over to the other side. At this point, you can carefully wrap the cookie sheet in plastic wrap and refrigerate the braid until you are ready to bake it, if you'd like a make-ahead option.
Spray lightly with the cooking spray and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Yields: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes