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Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks

Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks are a delightful holiday treat that combines classic pizza flavors with a colorful candy cane-inspired twist. Featuring soft yet crispy twisted breadsticks striped with red and white dough, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a savory marinara sauce, this recipe is perfect for holiday parties, family dinners, or casual snacking. Easy to make and customizable, these breadsticks bring festive cheer and irresistible flavor to any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough and Coloring

  • 1 portion pizza dough (enough for breadsticks)
  • Red food coloring, several drops

Sauce and Cheese

  • Marinara sauce, enough to lightly spread on dough
  • Generous amount shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasoning and Finishing

  • Butter, melted, for brushing
  • Garlic powder, to taste
  • Optional herbs (oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme) for butter or garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough and coloring: Divide the pizza dough into two equal parts. Leave one portion plain and knead several drops of red food coloring into the other portion until the color is evenly distributed.
  2. Roll and layer: Roll each portion of dough into thin rectangles of equal size. Place the red dough on top of the plain dough, pressing gently to adhere them together, creating a layered effect for the candy cane stripes.
  3. Spread sauce and add cheese: Lightly spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce over the layered dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  4. Cut and twist: Slice the layered dough into strips about one inch wide. Gently twist each strip several times to reveal the red and white spiral pattern that mimics a candy cane.
  5. Bake until golden: Arrange the twisted breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush them with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and optional herbs. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, until the breadsticks are golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Notes

  • Use room temperature dough for easier handling and better stretching.
  • Knead the red food coloring thoroughly for uniform, striking stripes.
  • Apply a thin, even layer of sauce to prevent sogginess.
  • Handle the breadstick strips gently to preserve the candy cane twist pattern and avoid breakage.
  • Brushing with butter before baking ensures a glossy, golden finish and enhances flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: holiday breadsticks, festive pizza breadsticks, candy cane breadsticks, Christmas appetizers, cheesy breadsticks, pizza twist snack