Cheesy Bread Bites

Makes 20 cheesy balls

Ingredients:

• 1 jar Monte Bene Garlic Marinara pasta sauce
• 1 pizza dough recipe
  • 1 package instant yeast
  • 3 ¼ to 3 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/3 cups very warm water (120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • 1/3 cup shortening (gently dissolved in microwave and cooled)
  • 2 tbsp. honey (dissolved in warm water)
  • 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 20 cubes of mozzarella
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp. fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp. coarse pepper, freshly ground
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 375 and lightly grease 1 to 2 large baking sheets (there should be enough space for each cheesy ball to have an inch of room on the sheet).  

Combine 2 cups of flour with the instant yeast and salt in a large mixing bowl. Slowly add water and honey mixture, then add shortening, mixing for 1 to 2 minutes or until well blended. Add remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until a soft dough begins to form. The dough should be slightly sticky. Shape the dough into a ball and place it on a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 4 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Roll the dough into a large ball, then divide it into 20 equal sized pieces (about ½” inch pieces). Flatten the dough onto the baking sheet.

Place a mozzarella cube on each piece of dough and mold the dough around the cheese to form a ball. Press the seam together tightly and then turn the ball seam-side down on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining cheese and dough.

Cover the dough with a loose sheet of plastic wrap and let rise for about 30 minutes, until puffy.Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan with parsley, garlic cloves, pepper, and salt. Brush this mixture over the dough balls, then sprinkle them evenly with Parmesan. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and some of the cheese is beginning to ooze out.

While they bake, heat Monte Bene Garlic Marinara pasta sauce.Serve cheesy balls hot with sauce for dipping.