Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks Recipe
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.
- 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
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 (204°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent the breadsticks from sticking during baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
