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Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks

Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks are a fun and unique holiday treat that blends sweet and savory flavors with a vibrant red and white candy cane swirl. Featuring soft pizza dough layered with tangy tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese, these breadsticks are perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings. Easy to customize and visually stunning, they bring festive cheer and delicious flavor to any occasion.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 breadsticks

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • Pizza dough (fresh or store-bought) – enough for 2 equal portions
  • Red food coloring – a few drops

Fillings and Toppings

  • Tomato sauce – enough to spread evenly over plain dough
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese – generous amount to cover the sauce

Seasonings and Finishes

  • Olive oil – for brushing
  • Garlic powder – for sprinkling
  • Italian herbs (dried oregano or basil) – for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Divide the pizza dough into two equal portions. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one portion and knead thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed. Leave the other portion plain to create the traditional candy cane contrast.
  2. Roll and Layer: Roll out both dough portions into long rectangular shapes of equal size. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the plain dough and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Carefully cover this layer with the red-colored dough, pressing gently to bind the layers together.
  3. Shape the Candy Canes: Cut the layered dough stack into long strips about 1 inch wide. Twist each strip several times and then bend one end to form the curved candy cane shape. Arrange the shaped breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking tray.
  4. Season and Oil: Lightly brush each breadstick with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder and dried Italian herbs evenly over the top to infuse flavor and help create a golden crust.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake the breadsticks in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Twist the dough strips evenly for a neat candy cane look and uniform baking.
  • Avoid overloading the breadsticks with too much sauce or cheese to prevent sogginess.
  • Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
  • Brush with olive oil both before baking and halfway through for a crispier exterior.
  • Allow breadsticks to cool for 5 minutes after baking so the cheese sets and is safe to eat.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 breadstick (approx.)
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: holiday appetizer, candy cane breadsticks, pizza breadsticks, festive snack, party food, holiday treat