Spaghetti Braid

     I think without a doubt, my Taco Braid  is the most popular recipe on my blog! I have received so many sweet emails from you awesome readers and have also had my family and friends telling me how much they love it! It means so much to me for you all to take time from your day to email me or leave me a comment. I really do love and look forward to reading them. I want you all to know how much I appreciate it!  : )

    Because the Braids are so popular, I have been trying to think of ways to create a new one for you all. I was talking to my hubby last week telling him about my idea for this Spaghetti Braid. I thought it would be so delish to put some Spaghetti fixins inside this great pizza dough, but without the noodles! (Less carbs, right?! ha)

   Kale thought it sounded awesome, and he also gave me a little idea. He told me once I wrap up the braid, I should somehow make it taste like garlic bread. I was shocked! "What a genius idea!" It sounded like a perfect way to finish it off! So thats what I did. It turned out AWESOME! Let me know if you give it a try!

SPAGHETTI BRAID

Recipe By:  Holly Lofthouse

• 1 can Pillsbury Pizza Dough
• 1 pound lean Ground Beef
• 1 1/2 cups of your favorite Spaghetti Sauce ( I use Ragu Traditional)
• 2 tablespoons Cream Cheese ( I used 1/3 less fat version and it was great!)
• 2 cups shredded Mozzerella Cheese

Glaze for the top:

• 2 tablespoons Butter, melted
• 1/8 tsp Garlic Salt
• 1/8 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/8 tsp Dill Weed
• 1/8 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:  Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Unravel roll of pizza dough and lay out onto a greased cookie sheet. Set aside.

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet and cook until browned. Drain the grease. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and heat to boiling. Reduce heat and let simmer 5-10 minutes or until sauce is thoroughly heated.

Dough should now be room temp and easy to work with. Shape it out onto the cookie sheet and form into a large rectangle. Down each side of dough, cut 2 inch wide slits with a pizza cutter.

Spread beef mixture down center of dough. Take the cream cheese and dot evenly over the meat.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and start to braid the dough over the top of the filling. Criss-crossing to form a braid and making sure to cover any holes.

Microwave butter to melt completely. Add in all the seasonings and mix well. Brush evenly over the top of the braid.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven. Sprinkle the braid evenly with parmesan cheese. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing.