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Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks

Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks combine the comforting flavors of classic pizza with a fun and festive candy cane pattern. These sweet and savory breadsticks are easy to make using simple pantry staples and bring a cheerful twist to holiday appetizers. Perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings, they offer a visually striking and delicious treat that balances tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and subtle seasonings with a hint of sweetness.

  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: About 8-10 breadsticks

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • Pizza dough (enough to roll into two long strips)
  • Tomato sauce (thin layer for spreading)
  • Mozzarella cheese (generous, shredded)

Color and Seasoning

  • Red food coloring or natural beet juice (mixed with water for brushing)
  • Garlic powder (to sprinkle)
  • Italian seasoning (to sprinkle)
  • Sugar (optional, a pinch to sprinkle)

Finishing

  • Butter (melted, for brushing on top)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a long rectangle and divide it into two equal strips. Gently brush one strip with red food coloring or beet juice diluted with water to create the candy cane red stripes, leaving the other strip plain white.
  2. Add Tomato Sauce and Cheese: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce lightly over both strips, keeping the red and white pattern visible. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of each strip to ensure perfect melting.
  3. Season and Twist: Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of sugar evenly over the cheesy layers. Stack the two strips together carefully and gently twist them to reveal the candy cane spiral pattern.
  4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the twisted breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the top with melted butter to add richness and promote browning. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the breadsticks to cool slightly so the cheese sets and they become easier to handle. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • Use natural beet juice as a healthier alternative to red food coloring for vibrant color without artificial dyes.
  • Layer mozzarella cheese both under and over the tomato sauce for deeper flavor and improved melt.
  • Twist the dough gently to preserve the distinct candy cane pattern and avoid overly dense breadsticks.
  • Bake at a consistent temperature to achieve a golden crust without burning the cheese.
  • Serving the breadsticks warm enhances their texture and ease of eating.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free dough)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 breadstick (approx.)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Festive breadsticks, candy cane breadsticks, holiday appetizers, pizza breadsticks, sweet and savory breadsticks, holiday snacks, festive pizza