Cheesy Za’atar Dough Balls

Prep time: 20 minutes

Bake time: 20 minutes

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease a 9-inch skillet or round baking dish.

Cut the pizza dough into 12 even pieces. Flatten each into a disk, about a 3-inch round. Place a piece of mozzarella into the center. Wrap the dough around the cheese ball, pinching closed at the bottom. Place seam side down in prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining dough and cheese.

Cover with plastic and let rise for 30 minutes. Remove plastic and brush the tops of the dough balls with melted butter. Sprinkle heavily with za’atar. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the dough balls are golden brown.

Serve immediately.

Servings: 18 dough balls

NOTE: Za’atar is a wildly popular and totally addictive spice blend found all across the Middle East (and of course here). The blend varies depending on where you are, but in general, it contains a mixture of dried oregano, thyme and marjoram along with sesame seeds and sumac. It can also contain dried dill, citrus zest, salt and/or the wild herb called za’atar (AKA hyssop) that grows throughout the Mediterranean. It’s delicious sprinkled on pretty much anything and everything like these Dough Balls stuffed with Real California Mozzarella. They are so easy to make and even easier to eat.

Recipe courtesy of By Alison Needham/CA Grown