Shelly's Recipe

SAVORY THREE-CHEESE ITALIAN POCKETS

Category: Hot

1/2 cup finely chopped pepperoni
1 (4 oz) jar mushrooms, drained and finely chopped
2 tbsp black olives, finely chopped
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp dried oregano, plus extra for garnish
1/2 tsp garlic powder
4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Pinch of salt and pepper
4 (.83 oz) pkgs mozzarella string cheese sticks
1 (14 oz) can refrigerated pizza crust
3 tbsp bottled Italian dressing, divided
Pizza or marinara sauce

Preheat oven to 375. Combine pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, cream cheese, oregano, garlic powder, 2 tbsp Parmesan, and salt and pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Stir well. Cut each mozzarella stick into six 1/2 inch slices.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out pizza dough to a 12-by-18 inch rectangle. Brush dough with 2 tbsp Italian dressing. Cut into 24 equal pieces. Place one piece of mozzarella cheese and a scant tbsp of pepperoni mixture on each square. Bring all four corners together above filling and pinch to seal.

Brush with remaining Italian dressing and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and extra dried oregano. Place bundles on a jelly-roll pan about 1 inch apart. Bake 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with warmed pizza or marinara sauce. Yield: 24 appetizers