Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks Recipe
Introduction
Get into the holiday spirit with these charming Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks! This festive appetizer turns simple refrigerated pizza dough into delightful candy cane-shaped breadsticks topped with marinara and mozzarella. Perfect for parties or family fun, they’re quick to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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 (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide. Twist each strip gently, then curve one end to form a candy cane shape. Arrange the shaped dough on the prepared baking sheet with some space between each piece.
- Step 3: Spoon marinara sauce in a swirled pattern over each dough strip to mimic the candy cane’s red stripes. Add small dollops or thin strips of mozzarella cheese between the sauce swirls to create the white stripes.
- Step 4: Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil and sprinkle dried oregano evenly over the breadsticks.
- Step 5: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly caramelized.
- Step 6: Optionally garnish with fresh thyme or basil. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Bake breadsticks directly on a greased baking sheet instead of parchment to crisp the crust more.
- Add a sprinkle of garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Try provolone, Parmesan, or an Italian cheese blend for different tastes.
- Mix red pepper flakes into the marinara for a spicy kick.
- Prepare shaped and topped breadsticks ahead of time; refrigerate and bake just before serving.
Storage
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispness and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soft.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these pizza breadsticks in advance?
Yes, you can shape and top the breadsticks ahead of time, cover them, and store in the refrigerator. When ready, bake them until warm and the cheese is bubbly.
What cheese options work best for this festive appetizer?
Mozzarella is classic for its melt and stretch, but provolone, Parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses also work well to add different flavors.
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Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks Recipe
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6 to 8 breadsticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks make a delightful and easy holiday appetizer or snack. Using refrigerated pizza dough twisted into candy cane shapes, topped with swirled marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese stripes, they bake into golden, crispy, cheesy treats perfect for holiday parties or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main 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
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Form Dough Strips: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into strips approximately 1 inch wide. Gently twist each strip and curve one end to shape it like a candy cane. Place shaped dough strips spaced apart on the baking sheet.
- Apply Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce lightly over each dough strip in a swirled pattern to create the red candy cane stripe effect. Add small dollops or thin strips of shredded mozzarella cheese between the sauce swirls to mimic white stripes, giving a festive appearance.
- Season and Brush: Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil for a golden crisp and sprinkle with dried oregano evenly over all breadsticks.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle fresh thyme or basil on top after baking for added aroma and color. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, bake the breadsticks directly on a lightly greased baking sheet instead of parchment paper.
- Adding a sprinkle of garlic powder over the sauce before the cheese can elevate flavor.
- Try different cheeses like provolone or Parmesan for varied flavor profiles.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- These breadsticks can be made ahead, stored in the refrigerator, and gently reheated in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: candy cane pizza breadsticks, festive appetizer, holiday snack, pizza breadsticks, easy party food, cheesy breadsticks, holiday appetizer recipe
