Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks Recipe

Introduction

These festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks are a fun and delicious twist on a classic favorite, perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a playful snack. Shaped like candy canes and topped with marinara and cheese, they’re sure to brighten up your table and satisfy pizza cravings.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide. Gently twist each strip, then curve one end to form a candy cane shape.
3. Step 3: Spoon marinara sauce lightly over each dough strip in a swirled pattern to resemble the red stripes of a candy cane. Add small dollops or thin strips of mozzarella between the sauce swirls to mimic white stripes.
4. Step 4: Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil and sprinkle dried oregano over the breadsticks.
5. Step 5: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly caramelized.
6. Step 6: Optionally garnish with fresh thyme or basil. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Bake directly on the baking sheet instead of parchment for a crispier crust.
• Add a sprinkle of garlic powder to boost the flavor.
• Try different cheeses like provolone or Parmesan for a unique twist.
• Mix in red pepper flakes with the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
• Prepare ahead and store in the refrigerator, reheating in the oven before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispness and warm the cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly and allows you to control ingredients and flavors. Just roll it out and cut into strips about 1 inch wide, then proceed with the recipe steps.

What can I use if I don’t have marinara sauce?

You can substitute with any tomato-based pasta sauce or pizza sauce. If you prefer, a pesto or white garlic sauce could also add a delicious variation.

Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks Recipe

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4.9 from 92 reviews

These Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks are a fun and delicious holiday twist on classic breadsticks. Crafted from twisted pizza dough shaped like candy canes, they feature a swirl of flavorful marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a delightful combination of colors and tastes. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, they are baked to golden perfection with a sprinkle of oregano and optional fresh herb garnish for added aroma and flavor.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 breadsticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent the breadsticks from sticking during baking.
2. Shape Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and cut it into 1-inch wide strips. Gently twist each strip and curve one end to form a festive candy cane shape.
3. Add Sauce and Cheese: Lightly spoon the marinara sauce over each twisted dough strip in a swirling pattern that resembles the red stripes of a candy cane. Place small dollops or thin strips of shredded mozzarella cheese between the sauce swirls to mimic the white stripes.
4. Prepare for Baking: Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil to enhance browning and flavor. Sprinkle dried oregano evenly over the strips to add herbal notes.
5. Bake: Place the prepared breadsticks on the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the dough turns golden brown and the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly caramelized.
6. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish the warm breadsticks with fresh thyme or basil for an aromatic touch. Serve accompanied by additional marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• For a crispier crust, bake the breadsticks directly on the baking sheet without parchment paper.
• Add a sprinkle of garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile.
• Try different cheeses such as provolone or Parmesan for varied tastes.
• Include a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce for some heat.
• These breadsticks can be prepared ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and reheated in the oven before serving.

Keywords: Festive breadsticks, candy cane breadsticks, pizza dough appetizers, holiday snacks, mozzarella breadsticks, easy appetizer recipes