This recipe is a family favorite. Adapted from my husband’s cousin, Cindy Benedetti, this sausage roll is a must try. Perfect for movie nights or a quick appetizer for entertaining. 

Italian Sausage Roll 

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 
• 1 pound loose Italian sausage
• 2 cups of mozzarella cheese
• 1 package of Trader Joe’s pizza dough 
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 jar of Trader Joe’s pizza sauce (optional)

Directions

Place your pizza dough on a floured work surface to rest for 20-30 minutes. While your dough is resting, heat pan over medium high heat with olive oil and brown the Italian sausage, approximately 8-10 minutes. Make sure to use a wooden spoon to crumble the sausage into smaller pieces while cooking. When sausage is done, place in bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. 

As the sausage is cooling, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. When your oven is heated, your dough should be rested and your sausage should be almost cooled. 

Spray a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil spray and set aside. 

Using a rolling pin, roll your dough, making sure not to roll too thin. Spread dough on baking sheet so it covers entire sheet. Place sausage all over the dough, then top with cheese. Roll the dough “jelly style”. Make sure the seam is on the bottom and you crimp the ends shut. Brush the beaten egg on the sausage roll. Put the roll in the oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until golden brown.

Let cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. It’s great as is or heat up some pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy!