Candy Cane Breadsticks

The holiday kitchen was chaotic that year—my sister was wrestling with a failed gingerbread house while I frantically tried to salvage something, anything, for the neighborhood potluck. These candy cane breadsticks emerged from sheer desperation and a tube of pizza dough I'd forgotten in the fridge. They disappeared faster than anything else on the table, and now they're the one thing my kids actually request to help make.

Last Christmas Eve, my niece who insists she hates anything 'fancy' ate four of these while sitting on the kitchen counter. She asked if we could make them again for breakfast the next morning, which is how we accidentally started a new family tradition. Something about the shape makes food more approachable, more fun.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: Store bought works perfectly here, but homemade dough gives you an even better texture if you have the time
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded creates those beautiful melty pockets that hold everything together
• Pepperoni slices: Arranged diagonally they create the striped candy cane effect that makes these so festive
• Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with garlic, this is what makes the breadsticks irresistible
• Italian herbs: Dried oregano or basil adds that classic pizza flavor everyone recognizes
• Marinara sauce: Essential for dipping and adds a bright acidic contrast to the rich breadsticks

Instructions

Preheat and prepare:

Heat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier

Roll and cut the dough:

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12 by 8 inch rectangle, then cut it into 8 equal strips lengthwise using a pizza cutter

Shape into candy canes:

Take each strip, give it a gentle twist, then form it into a candy cane shape, placing them on the baking sheet with space between each

Add garlic butter:

Brush each breadstick generously with melted butter mixed with minced garlic, making sure to coat the entire surface

Layer on the cheese and toppings:

Sprinkle mozzarella over each stick, arrange pepperoni slices diagonally to create stripes, then finish with Parmesan and herbs

Bake until golden:

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown slightly

Save

My neighbor asked for the recipe after our cookie exchange last year, and when I told her how simple they were, she laughed out loud. Now she makes them for every holiday gathering and calls them her secret weapon.

Making Them Vegetarian

Use vegetarian pepperoni or replace the pepperoni entirely with roasted red peppers cut into thin strips. The red color still creates that candy cane stripe effect while keeping the dish meatless for your vegetarian guests.

Dough Options

While refrigerated pizza dough is convenient, you can use homemade dough, bread dough, or even crescent roll dough in a pinch. Each will give you a slightly different texture but all will work with this shaping method.

Serving Ideas

These breadsticks work beautifully as an appetizer, party snack, or even alongside soup for a festive dinner. Serve them warm with marinara for dipping, or offer additional sauces like ranch or garlic aioli for variety.

• Arrange them on a platter in a curve to mimic a candy cane shape
• Make a double batch because they disappear faster than you expect
• Keep them warm in a 200°F oven if serving over a long period

Save

Whether you are hosting a crowd or just want something special for a weeknight dinner in December, these breadsticks bring joy to the table in the simplest way possible.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these breadsticks ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and shape the breadsticks up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator, then brush with butter and add toppings just before baking.

→ What dough works best for candy cane shapes?

Refrigerated pizza dough holds shapes beautifully during baking. Homemade dough works too—just ensure it's not too sticky or the twists may unravel.

→ How do I keep the pepperoni from curling?

Press pepperoni slices gently into the dough before baking. The weight of melted cheese also helps keep them flat and creating those signature stripes.

→ Can I freeze these breadsticks?

Bake and cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.

→ What other toppings work well?

Try roasted red peppers, black olives, or cooked Italian sausage. Vegetarians can use meat-free pepperoni or add colorful bell pepper strips.