Veggie Stromboli

First off, I love pepperoni roll.  But gobbs of cheese and pepperoni aren't exactly healthy.  So a few years ago for a Super Bowl party I decided to make a healthier version.  It still has cheese, but in place of pepperoni I added veggies.  Now you may be thinking, "My husband/kids/friends/whoever-you-cook-for will never accept vegetables as a replacement for pepperoni!"  But you are wrong.  They will eat it and they will love it.  End of story.

This stuff is delicious!

First you make the dough:
2 Tablespoons Sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon tarragon
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup warm water
3 Tablespoons (melted if not using a bread maker) butter
1 egg, beaten
3 cups flour (I use half whole wheat and half white, but either would be fine)


I use a bread machine, but you don't need to use one.  Combine all the ingredients in the bread machine. Set to bread machine to 'dough only.'

If mixing by hand: Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl, except for the flour.  Add the water, butter, and egg and mix until combined.  Stir in enough flour to make a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth about 8-10 minutes.  Place in a greased bowl.  Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled - about an hour.

While the dough is rising I chop up the veggies.  Our favorites are roasted red peppers, red onions, spinach, mushrooms, and fresh basil.  You can use whatever you like/have.  I usually have about three cups of vegetables total.

Vegetables chopped and ready to go!

After the dough rises, punch the dough down.
 

Next I make the egg wash.  This isn't necessary, but it helps give the roll a crispy golden outside.  Stir one egg with about 1 Tablespoon of water

Egg wash

Then I roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface into a "rectangle" and sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by all the vegetables, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.  If you didn't have any fresh basil, feel free to sprinkle some dried basil on top.

Ready to rock 'n roll!

Roll the dough into a cylinder, tucking the ends underneath.  Brush the entire roll with one Tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Brush with the egg wash.

Place the dough onto a baking sheet, seam side down.  Bake for 25 minutes at 400 degrees.

Ready to bake.

Allow the roll to cool for a few minutes and then cut into 1 inch slices.

Serve proudly to family and friends :)


Extras:

• Instead of making your own dough, use frozen bread dough. 
• To spice it up, add crushed red pepper.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before baking.
• Serve with pizza or marinara sauce for dipping.