Pizza Rolls

I guess I'm on a food kick this week. Here is a recipe that is a family favorite. The idea comes from my mother-in-law, who I believe got the idea from Joe's cousin, Julia. I'm not sure there is a formal recipe for this, but I've made one up.Pizza rolls are quick, easy, and everybody loves them.

Pizza Rolls

• One bag (5 loaves) of frozen white bread dough (such as Rhodes)
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 lb mozzarella cheese (this amount is approximate)
• marinara sauce for dipping

1. Let the frozen dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight or put it on the counter to thaw in the morning. If you thaw it in the refrigerator, put it on the counter for a couple of hours before making the rolls so the dough is room temperature.
2. Brown the sausage and grate the cheese.
3. Combine half of the dough (2 1/2 loaves) and roll it out to between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness into a rectangle approximately 15"x18".
4. Spread half of the cooked sausage over the rolled out dough and cover with half the cheese.
5. Roll up the dough cinnamon roll style, starting with the 18" edge, and pinch the dough to seal at the end.
6. Cut a roll every 1 1/2 " to make 12 rolls and place onto a greased 18" cookie sheet (you can also cook these in a 13x9, but they will squish together and baking time will be a little longer.
7. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes if using 18" cookie sheet, or 20-25 minutes if using a 13x9 pan.
8. Rolls should turn lightly golden and the dough centers should reach an internal temperature between 180 and 190 degrees F with an instant read thermometer.
9. Repeat the above steps with the remaining ingredients.
10. Dip in Marinara sauce and enjoy.

NOTES: These freeze very well, so you can make them several days ahead and throw them in the microwave for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. You can also experiment with different pizza toppings. If you can't eat dairy, these also taste great without the cheese. I always make one batch with cheese and one without for Joe.