Name: Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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

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Introduction

These Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks are a fun and festive twist on traditional breadsticks, perfect for holiday gatherings or a playful snack. Combining savory marinara, melted mozzarella, and a charming candy cane shape, they bring both flavor and cheer to your table.

The image shows three braided bread sticks on a white marbled surface. Each bread stick has multiple layers twisted together, with the top layer covered in melted white cheese that looks stretchy and smooth. Between the cheese layers, there are slices of reddish-brown pepperoni, adding a glossy and slightly greasy texture. Red tomato sauce is spread unevenly over the cheese and pepperoni layers, giving a vibrant color contrast. Small green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of freshness. The bread underneath appears soft with a light golden crust. 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 (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. Gently twist each strip for texture, then curve one end to shape it like a candy cane. Place the shaped strips spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Spoon marinara sauce lightly over each dough strip in a swirled pattern to resemble 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.
Step 4: Brush the exposed dough edges with olive oil to help them crisp and turn golden during baking. Sprinkle dried oregano evenly over all the breadsticks.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden-brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle fresh thyme or basil over the warm breadsticks for added aroma and color. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
You can swap mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a richer cheese taste.
If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free refrigerated pizza dough available at many stores.
To make these vegetarian-friendly, ensure your marinara sauce contains no added meat products.

Storage

Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until crisp and heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the breadsticks soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows three twisted breadsticks on a white marbled surface, each twist made by layering soft white dough with melted orange cheese and red pepperoni slices. The breadsticks have a golden-brown baked crust with some melted cheese bubbling on top, sprinkled with green herbs. The twisted shape creates visible layers of dough, cheese, and pepperoni spiraled together, giving a textured and colorful look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these breadsticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the breadsticks and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from cold dough.

What can I use if I don’t have marinara sauce?

If you don’t have marinara sauce, a simple tomato sauce seasoned with garlic and herbs works well. Alternatively, you can try pesto or even a white garlic sauce for a different flavor profile.