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
Scale
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
