Introduction

Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks are a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. These twisted dough strips topped with marinara and mozzarella cheese resemble classic candy canes, adding a fun twist to your party spread.

Three crescent-shaped breadsticks lie on a silver baking tray, each twisted with alternating thick layers of melted white cheese and bright red tomato sauce. The bread has a golden-brown crust with a soft, fluffy texture inside. Small green herb sprinkles decorate the cheese on the breadsticks, adding contrast. The cheese is melted smooth and bubbly in places, while the tomato sauce appears glossy and fresh. The tray is resting on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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. 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 shape it like a candy cane.
Step 3: Spoon marinara sauce lightly over each twisted dough strip in a swirled pattern to mimic the red stripes of a candy cane.
Step 4: Place small dollops or thin strips of shredded mozzarella cheese between the sauce swirls to represent the white stripes.
Step 5: Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano for extra flavor.
Step 6: Bake the breadsticks for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly caramelized.
Step 7: Optionally garnish with fresh thyme or basil before serving to add a fresh herb aroma and festive look.

Tips & Variations

Use a pizza stone for extra-crispy breadsticks if available.
Try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or red pepper flakes for a flavor kick.
Substitute marinara with pesto for a green-striped effect and a different flavor profile.
Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows four twisted breadsticks on a baking tray. Each breadstick has three layers twisted together: the first layer is golden-brown baked dough with a soft texture, the second layer is bright red tomato sauce, and the third layer is melted white cheese with some brown spots from baking. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top. The baking tray is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works great. Just make sure it’s well chilled for easier handling and shaping.

What if I don’t have parchment paper for baking?

You can lightly grease your baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent the breadsticks from sticking.

Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks Appetizer Recipe

Print Recipe

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Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks are a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Twisted into candy cane shapes, these breadsticks are layered with savory marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese, then baked to golden perfection with a fragrant touch of oregano and olive oil.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8–10 breadsticks 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

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 removal of the breadsticks.
Form Dough Strips: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough on a clean surface. Cut the dough into strips approximately 1 inch wide. Gently twist each strip and curve one end to form a classic candy cane shape, creating a festive look for the breadsticks.
Apply Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce lightly over each shaped dough strip in a swirling pattern to mimic the red stripes of a candy cane. Add small dollops or thin strips of shredded mozzarella cheese between the sauce swirls to replicate the white stripes, alternating colors for the festive effect.
Bake Until Golden: Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil and sprinkle dried oregano evenly over the breadsticks. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly caramelized.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the breadsticks from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh thyme or basil leaves for added aroma and color. Serve warm as a delightful holiday appetizer or party snack.

Notes

If you prefer a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top before baking.
Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife for clean, even strips.
For a different flavor, substitute marinara sauce with pesto or garlic butter.
These breadsticks are best served fresh but can be reheated briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
To make this recipe vegetarian, ensure your marinara sauce contains no animal-derived ingredients.

Keywords: Candy Cane Breadsticks, Holiday Appetizer, Pizza Breadsticks, Festive Snack, Holiday Party Food, Italian Appetizer