Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks Recipe
Introduction
Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks are a fun and delicious holiday treat that combines the warm flavors of pizza with a whimsical candy cane shape. These breadsticks make a perfect appetizer or snack to share at any celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 (13.8-ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh thyme or basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide. Gently twist each strip and curve one end to form a candy cane shape.
- Step 3: Lightly spoon marinara sauce over each dough strip in a swirled pattern to resemble the red stripes of a candy cane. Place small dollops or thin strips of mozzarella cheese between the sauce swirls to mimic the white stripes.
- Step 4: Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano.
- Step 5: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly caramelized.
- Step 6: Optionally garnish with fresh thyme or basil, then serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For a crispier crust, bake the breadsticks directly on the baking sheet without parchment paper.
- Try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or Parmesan for a unique twist.
- For a spicy kick, mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce.
- Prepare these breadsticks ahead of time, store in the refrigerator, and reheat in the oven before serving.
Storage
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works great. Just make sure it’s chilled and rolled out evenly before cutting and shaping into candy canes.
Can I make these breadsticks gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free pizza dough as a substitute, but baking times may vary. Keep an eye on the breadsticks to prevent overbaking.
PrintFestive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks Recipe
Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks are a fun and delicious holiday appetizer featuring twisted pizza dough shaped like candy canes, topped with swirled marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a festive treat, these breadsticks are aromatic with oregano and olive oil, baked to golden perfection, and optionally garnished with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 8 breadsticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Main Components
- 1 (13.8-ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh thyme or basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent the breadsticks from sticking.
- Shape Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide. Gently twist each strip and curve one end to form a candy cane shape, giving a festive and fun look to your breadsticks.
- Add Toppings: Lightly spoon marinara sauce over each candy cane-shaped dough strip, creating a swirled pattern that mimics the red stripes of a candy cane. Then place small dollops or thin strips of shredded mozzarella cheese between the sauce swirls to replicate the white stripes.
- Season and Prepare for Baking: Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil to ensure a golden, crispy finish. Sprinkle dried oregano evenly over the breadsticks for added herbaceous flavor.
- Bake: Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme or basil leaves. Serve the warm breadsticks with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a crisper crust, bake the breadsticks directly on the baking sheet without parchment paper.
- Add a sprinkle of garlic powder to the dough or topping for enhanced flavor depth.
- Try different cheeses like provolone or Parmesan to switch up the taste profile.
- Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- You can prepare these breadsticks in advance; refrigerate and reheat in the oven before serving.
Keywords: festive breadsticks, candy cane breadsticks, pizza dough breadsticks, holiday appetizer, mozzarella breadsticks, baked breadsticks, marinara breadsticks, Italian appetizer
