SAUSAGE SANDWICH SQUARES
As Sunday school teachers, my husband and I often host youth groups, so I dreamed up this handy recipe to feed some hungry teenagers. They loved this pizza-like sandwich and still request it when they visit.
—MARY MERRILL BLOOMINGDALE, OH
PREP: 35 MIN. + RISING • BAKE: 20 MIN. • MAKES: 12-15 SERVINGS
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 1/3 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 medium sweet red pepper, diced
1 medium green pepper, diced
1 large onion, diced
4 cups (16 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Add the salt, remaining water and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a firm dough.
2. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 50 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 400°. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Saute peppers and onion in drippings until tender; drain.
4. Press half of the dough onto the bottom and 1/2 in. up the sides of a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Spread sausage evenly over crust. Top with peppers and onion. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Roll out remaining dough to fit pan; place over cheese and seal edges.
5. In a bowl, beat the egg and water. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Brush over dough. Cut slits in top. Bake 20-25 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cut into squares.