1 pound store-bought pizza dough, thawed

1/4 cup marinara sauce

4 mozzarella cheese sticks

1/4 cup baking soda

1 egg (beaten)

1 tbsp. pretzel or course sea salt

Preheat the oven to 425 F.  On a floured surface, cut the dough into 16 even small balls.  Cut the mozzarella sticks into fourths for a total of 16 pieces.  Working with one ‘ball’ of dough at a time, press an indentation into the ball, spoon about a tsp. or less of marinara sauce into the indentation then press in a cheese cube.  Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the ends tightly together.  Place aside and repeat with the remaining dough balls.

Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper.  Heat a large pot of water and bring to a boil.  Add the baking soda.  Boil the pretzel balls in small batches for about 30 seconds or until they float.  Transfer with a slotted spoon to the baking sheet.  Brush the tops of the boiled balls with the beaten egg and sprinkle with the salt.  Bake for approx. 15 minutes or until golden brown.  Be careful not to over-bake.  Cool slightly before serving.

Serving suggestion – serve with a mustard cheese dip or a nacho cheese dip!