Candy Cane Breadsticks (Printable)
Soft breadsticks shaped like candy canes with garlic butter, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Perfect festive holiday appetizer.
# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough
→ Toppings
02 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 - 24–32 slices pepperoni
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1 clove garlic, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
→ To Serve
08 - 1 cup marinara sauce for dipping
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a 12 x 8-inch rectangle.
03 - Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal strips lengthwise.
04 - Take one strip, twist it slightly, and shape it into a candy cane. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strips, spacing them apart.
05 - Brush each breadstick with melted butter mixed with minced garlic.
06 - Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over each breadstick.
07 - Arrange pepperoni slices diagonally along each breadstick to mimic candy cane stripes.
08 - Sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian herbs.
09 - Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
10 - Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- They look impressive but come together in under 40 minutes using store bought dough
- The combination of garlic butter and pepperoni satisfies both kids and adults at holiday parties
02 -
- The dough will expand slightly in the oven, so space the candy canes further apart than you think necessary
- Let them cool for just 2 to 3 minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly and doesnt slide off completely
03 -
- Twist the dough strips before shaping to create ridges that hold more cheese and toppings
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the garlic butter for a subtle heat that balances the rich cheese