Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks Appetizer Recipe
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.
- 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
