Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks
Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks combine the fun and festive candy cane shape with the classic flavors of pizza breadsticks. Featuring soft, garlicky bread dough twisted into candy cane shapes, topped with savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, and baked to golden perfection, this appetizer brings a playful holiday vibe and delicious taste to any gathering.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 breadsticks
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free dough option)
Base Ingredients
- Pizza Dough (store-bought or homemade) – enough for about 8-10 breadsticks
- Marinara or Pizza Sauce – 1/2 cup
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – 1 to 1 1/2 cups
Seasonings & Finishes
- Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons, for brushing
- Red and White Food Coloring (optional) – food-grade, as needed to color dough
- Prepare the Dough: Bring store-bought pizza dough to room temperature to make it easier to handle. If using red food coloring, divide dough in half; knead red food coloring into one half and leave the other plain to create candy cane stripes.
- Roll and Shape: Roll out both colored and plain dough into thin strips. Lay the strips side-by-side and gently twist them together to form a candy cane pattern. Shape each twisted strip into a candy cane shape with a curved hook at the top.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Lightly brush each candy cane breadstick with a thin layer of marinara or pizza sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over each breadstick, ensuring it settles into every twist and curve.
- Season and Brush: Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly over the breadsticks. Lightly brush with olive oil to encourage a crispy golden crust during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and breadsticks turn golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Remove breadsticks from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature dough for easier shaping and less tearing.
- Apply a thin, even layer of sauce to prevent sogginess.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar or parmesan for richer flavor.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Monitor baking time closely to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: holiday appetizer, candy cane breadsticks, festive snack, pizza breadsticks, Christmas snack, party appetizer