Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks Recipe
Introduction
Get into the holiday spirit with these charming Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks! Made with simple refrigerated pizza dough, marinara sauce, and mozzarella, these festive treats are shaped like candy canes and perfect for holiday parties or cozy family nights.
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 (200°C). 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. Place the shaped strips on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3: Lightly spoon marinara sauce over each dough strip in a swirled pattern to mimic the red candy cane stripes. Add small dollops or thin strips of mozzarella cheese between the sauce swirls to resemble the white stripes.
- Step 4: Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly caramelized.
- Step 5: 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 the baking sheet instead of parchment paper.
- Add a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra savory flavor.
- Try different cheeses like provolone or Parmesan for a unique taste.
- Include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- Prepare the shaped breadsticks ahead of time and refrigerate before baking to save time.
Storage
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 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 refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake or reheat in the oven until warm and bubbly.
What cheese options work best for this festive appetizer?
Mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, but provolone and Parmesan also work well. Using a cheese blend can add more complex flavors.
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Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks Recipe
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6 to 8 breadsticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Create festive and delicious Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks using refrigerated pizza dough, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Shaped like candy canes and baked to golden perfection, these breadsticks make a perfect appetizer or snack for holiday parties and family gatherings. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, they feature red and white stripes to mimic candy canes, enhanced with oregano and optional fresh herbs for a flavorful touch.
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 (optional, for garnish)
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 allow for easy cleanup.
- Form Dough Strips: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into strips approximately 1 inch wide. Gently twist each strip and curve one end to shape it like a candy cane.
- Apply Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce in a swirled pattern over each dough strip to imitate the red stripes of a candy cane. Add small dollops or thin strips of mozzarella cheese between the sauce swirls to create the white stripe effect.
- Season and Bake: Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil and sprinkle dried oregano over the breadsticks. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle fresh thyme or basil over the warm breadsticks. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, bake the breadsticks directly on a lightly greased baking sheet instead of parchment paper.
- Add a sprinkle of garlic powder on the sauce for enhanced savory flavor.
- Try different cheeses such as provolone or Parmesan to vary the taste.
- For a spicy kick, mix red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce.
- These breadsticks can be prepped ahead; store covered in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) 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, pizza breadsticks, holiday appetizer, festive snacks, vegetarian appetizer, easy party food, marinara breadsticks, mozzarella breadsticks
