A friend of mine gave me this party-perfect recipe years ago, and it’s so incredibly good. I serve it warm with marinara sauce.
—BARRIE PEAGLER SCOTTSDALE, AZ
PREP: 20 MIN. + RISING • BAKE: 30 MIN. • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 large eggs, divided use
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 loaf (1 pound) frozen bread dough, thawed
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Marinara sauce, warmed, optional
1. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the Monterey Jack cheese, one egg and Italian seasoning.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into an 18x6-in. rectangle. Spoon sausage mixture over dough to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal.
3. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet; pinch ends together to form a ring. With scissors, cut from outside edge to two-thirds of the way toward center of ring at 1-in. intervals.
4. Beat remaining egg; brush over dough. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.
5. Bake at 350° for 28-32 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with marinara sauce if desired.