this twisty pizza braid is so much easier to make than it looks and it is delicious! the perfect appetizer or snack for any get together.
the inspiration
Back in 2018 I was having a lot of fun making bread braids. They came out so beautiful, tasty, and they look very impressive. So, this year when I was thinking about Thanksgiving recipes I wanted to bring the bread braid back.
Now, I originally was going to do a pesto bread braid but then I wasn’t able to find any vegan pesto. While I could make it, I was feeling rather lazy. So, we switched gears and I went with a twisty pizza braid instead.
The best part about this recipe is it is only 3 ingredients, super easy to customize, and it looks beautiful.
the ingredients
- Pizza Dough: of course to make a pizza braid we will need dough. There are a few ways you can get pizza dough. Most food stores will have it in the refrigerated section. It can vary in location but typically by pre-packaged pasta, sauce, and cheese. You can also buy it from your local pizzeria. Finally, pizza dough is very easy to make so you can do that too.
- Pizza or Marinara Sauce: you can use any tomato, marinara, or pizza sauce you like. Whether it is homemade or store bought. I personally just use Rao’s Marinara sauce for most things because it is delicious.
- Vegan Mozzarella: finally, we need some vegan mozzarella. Again you can go store bought or homemade here. I have a bunch of vegan mozzarella recipes on the blog but I think this cashew-based one would be best. However, I did use store bought and went with Follow Your Heart.
how to make the twisty pizza braid
Making the pizza braid is not hard at all. If you prefer a video feel free to watch that in the recipe card. However, if you know how to braid hair you can braid dough!
- Divide the dough into 3 even balls.
- Roll one of the dough balls out in into a long rectangle. At least 12 to 16 inches long.
- Down the middle of the dough place about 1 ¼ tablespoons (18g) of vegan mozzarella.
- Cover with about ¼ cup (60ml) of marinara or pizza sauce.
- Roll the dough up into a long log shape. Repeat with the other 2 pieces of dough.
- Attach the 3 strands at the top. Push them together with your hands to connect them. And use a sharp serrated knife to cut down the center of each of the strands. This will make for a beautiful pizza braid.
- Then braid the strands. Start by keeping them nice and distant from one another. Take one of the outside strands and cross it over to the middle. Then take the the other outside strand and move it over top to the middle. Rearrange the strands so you have a left, middle, and right again. Repeat the process until you have made the braid.
- Then, take the ends of the pizza braid and turn them in to make an S shape. Then, you are ready to bake in the oven.
Baking the twisty pizza braid
Now, when it comes time to bake your pizza braid it is very important to know your oven! All ovens operate and work differently. So, please know if your oven tends to run cooler or hotter.
To bake a dough you want the pizza at 450°F especially when we are dealing with dough that is thicker in the middle. It will help to ensure everything cooks nicely.
You of course want a beautiful golden brown color on the outside. However, if you feel your pizza braid is getting too burnt or dark in certain spots you can always cover it with foil.
tips for making the twisty pizza braid
Here are some tips and tricks that can help ensure your bread braid comes out beautifully:
- Braid where you bake. After you have the dough filled with sauce and vegan mozzarella cheese, transfer the 3 strands onto a baking sheet. You can either line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Braiding the pizza braid on there makes it easier so you don’t have to transfer the braid.
- Don’t overfill. While it is always tempting to fill the rectangles of dough up with a lot of vegan cheese and sauce it is better not to. Less is more especially when dealing with 3 strands of dough.
- Work promptly. The longer the dough sits there with the sauce the more wet it becomes. So, you want to cut the dough open and braid as quickly as you can. Of course don’t rush yourself but the quicker you can get it done the better off you will be.
more thanksgiving recipes
twisty pizza braid bread faq
It does not contain any nuts or soy. If you are gluten free make sure you use gluten free pizza dough.
You can store them in the fridge or even freeze it! You can reheat in either the microwave, air fryer, or oven.
You can store the pizza braid in the fridge for up to 5 days.
You can of course a vegan pesto or an olive tapenade. You can use vegan parmesan cheese instead of the mozzarella. You can also leave out the vegan cheese. A fun idea would be to add some chopped garlic on top of the bread braid before baking.
Yes! You can definitely bake this 1-2 days prior, store in the fridge, and then pop in the oven for a few minutes to warm before serving.
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Twisty Pizza Bread Braid
Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounce) package pizza dough
- ¾ cup pizza or marinara sauce
- ½ cup vegan mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (232°C).
- Divide the dough into 3 even balls.
- Roll one of the dough balls out in into a long rectangle. At least 12 to 16 inches long.
- Down the middle of the dough place about 1 ¼ tablespoons (18g) of vegan mozzarella.
- Cover with about ¼ cup (60ml) of marinara or pizza sauce.
- Roll the dough up into a long log shape. Repeat with the other 2 pieces of dough.
- Transfer the 3 strands to a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet. Attach the 3 strands at the top. Push them together with your hands to connect them. And use a sharp serrated knife to cut down the center of each of the strands. This will make for a beautiful pizza braid as it opens up all the layers inside.
- Then braid the strands. Start by keeping them distant from one another. Take one of the outside strands and cross it over to the middle. Then take the the other outside strand and move it over top to the middle. Rearrange the strands so you have a left, middle, and right again. Repeat the process until you have made the braid. Pushing the ends together to finished the braid.
- Then, take the ends of the pizza braid and turn them in to make an S shape.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes on a lower rack in your oven, the outside and bottom should be golden brown.
- Allow the braid to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into it.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition facts are based on my gram measurements put into Cronometer. Yours may vary, they are to help you get an idea.
- Please do not repost recipes without my permission. Sharing a direct link is always highly encouraged and appreciated.
- For any questions you may have please refer to the FAQ above the recipe card.
Nutrition
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hey there!
Hey, I’m Francesca!
Thank you for checking out my recipe! I am happy to have you here and hope you explore more delicious vegan recipes.
Nothing to not love! Delish!
so happy you enjoyed it Marlene!