Star Pizza Bread by Mamta Mataji

 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb. store-bought or homemade pizza dough

9 tbsp. pesto, divided

3/4 c. shredded mozzarella, divided

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp. grated Parmesan

Marinara for serving or serve with soup 

Directions:

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece to an 11" circle. Place one circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread 3 tablespoons pesto over dough in an even layer, then top with 1/4 cup mozzarella. Top with a second piece of dough. Repeat with remaining pesto, mozzarella, and pizza dough, leaving the top layer of dough bare. Brush top layer with oil and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Step 2

Place a bowl or glass with a 3" diameter in the center of dough. Using a sharp knife, cut circle into 16 equal strips, starting at bowl and going all the way to edge, making sure to cut through all of the layers. Remove bowl.

Step 3

Take 2 strips next to each other and twist away from each other 4 times. Pinch edges together to create a point. Repeat with remaining strips to create 8 points.

Step 4

Bake stuffed bread until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm with marinara or hot soup alongside.