Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks Recipe
Introduction
Get into the holiday spirit with these festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks! Using simple refrigerated pizza dough, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, you can create a fun and delicious appetizer shaped like candy canes. Perfect for parties or cozy family nights, these breadsticks are 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. 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, then curve one end to form a candy cane shape. Place the shaped dough on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3: Spoon marinara sauce over each dough strip in a swirled pattern to mimic the red stripes of a candy cane. 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 over the breadsticks.
- Step 5: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the dough is 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
- For a crispier crust, bake the breadsticks directly on a greased baking sheet instead of using parchment paper.
- Add a sprinkle of garlic powder to the sauce or over the breadsticks before baking for extra flavor.
- Try different cheeses like provolone or Parmesan for a unique taste.
- Mix red pepper flakes into the marinara for a spicy kick.
- Prepare the breadsticks in advance by assembling, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispiness and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breadsticks 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, then cover and refrigerate them. When ready, bake until warm and the cheese bubbles again.
What cheese options work best for this festive appetizer?
Mozzarella is classic for its melt and stretch, but provolone, Parmesan, or cheese blends also work well to vary the flavor.
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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 are a fun and easy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made from refrigerated pizza dough twisted into candy cane shapes and topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese to mimic the classic candy cane stripes, they bake to a golden, bubbly perfection. Garnished optionally with fresh herbs and seasoned with oregano and olive oil, these breadsticks are a crowd-pleasing, vegetarian-friendly snack that’s quick to prepare and sure to bring festive cheer to any table.
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 1-inch wide strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Gently twist each strip for texture, then curve one end to shape it like a candy cane. Place shaped strips spaced apart on the prepared sheet.
- Apply Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce lightly over each dough strip in a swirled pattern resembling the red stripes of a candy cane. Add small dollops or thin strips of shredded mozzarella in between the swirls to create the white stripe effect.
- Season and Bake: Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil to promote golden crispness. Sprinkle dried oregano evenly over the breadsticks. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the dough is golden-brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle fresh thyme or basil over the warm breadsticks for a burst of aroma and color. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, bake the breadsticks directly on the greased baking sheet instead of using parchment paper.
- Enhance flavor by sprinkling garlic powder over the sauce before adding the cheese.
- Try substituting mozzarella with provolone, Parmesan, or an Italian cheese blend for varied taste.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- You can prepare the shaped breadsticks ahead of time; store covered in the refrigerator and bake or reheat before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: candy cane breadsticks, holiday appetizer, pizza dough breadsticks, festive snack, mozzarella breadsticks, marinara breadsticks, vegetarian appetizer, Christmas snack
