Gray Cardigan: TAILGATE FOOD - RICOTTA SAUSAGE BOMBS

These are great for Tailgating or at a Holiday Gathering --

RICOTTA SAUSAGE BOMBS

2 pkgs of pizza dough (roughly 12-16 oz. each depending what you find)

1 lb. bulk pork sausage

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp dried parsley

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp dried basil (+ another 1/4 tsp for later)

1/4 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp dried oregano (+ another 1/4 tsp for later)

1/4 tsp dried thyme

1 C. tightly packed baby spinach

2/3 C. ricotta cheese

1/3 C. parmesan cheese (+ 1/4 C. for later)

1 egg, beaten

flour, for rolling dough

Prepare the pizza dough according to the package directions. Divide each dough package into 12 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, place on a plate(s), cover, & set in a warm area (draft free) while you get the rest together.

Cook the sausage, salt, pepper, parsley, garlic powder, 1/4 tsp basil, paprika, 1/4 tsp oregano & thyme until the sausage is crumbled and cooked. Drain. On a low heat add the spinach, ricotta cheese & 1/3 C. parmesan cheese to the sausage mixture. Stir & cook until the spinach is wilted. Cool for 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Take each dough ball piece & roll it into a circle. Fill the center with 1-2 tablespoons of the filling & fold the edges in to form a ball, pinching the seams to seal. I lined my cookie sheets with parchment paper - place the sausage bombs on these. Brush them with the beaten egg. Mix together the 1/4 C. parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp oregano & 1/4 tsp basil and sprinkle this over the bombs. Bake at 400 degrees for 17 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with pizza sauce, etc.

These are delicious. Worth the time and they make a lot. As with all the Tailgate Foods that I have posted -- these have been great for lunch & microwaving for just a bit!!

The pizza dough getting ready --