Savory Three-Cheese Italian Pockets Recipe

1/2 cup finely chopped pepperoni
1 (4-ounce) jar mushrooms, drained and finely chopped
2 finely chopped tablespoons black olives
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon dried oregano, plus extra for garnish
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
4 (.83-ounce) packages mozzarella string cheese sticks
1 (14-ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust
3 tablespoons bottled Italian dressing, divided
Pizza or marinara sauce

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. Combine pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, cream cheese, oregano, garlic powder, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and salt and pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Stir well.
3. Cut each cheese stick into six 1/2-inch slices.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out pizza dough to a 12-by-18-inch rectangle. Brush dough with 2 tablespoons Italian dressing. Cut into 24 equal pieces. Place one piece of mozzarella cheese and a scant tablespoon 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 about 1 inch apart on a baking sheet. Bake 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with warmed pizza or marinara sauce. Makes 24 appetizers.