Festive Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks (Printable)

Soft garlic butter breadsticks twisted into candy cane shapes, loaded with mozzarella and pepperoni for a festive holiday treat.

# What You'll 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 Steps:

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. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal strips lengthwise.
03 - 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.
04 - Brush each breadstick with melted butter mixed with minced garlic.
05 - Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over each breadstick. Arrange pepperoni slices diagonally along each breadstick to mimic candy cane stripes.
06 - Sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian herbs. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
07 - Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The moment someone bites through that crunchy cheese crust into soft buttery dough, their eyes light up like a Christmas tree
  • These disappear so fast from party platters that I started hiding a few in the kitchen for myself
  • The pepperoni stripes make them look fancy but they are easier than making regular pizza
02 -
  • Dough keeps stretching while you work, so twist it gently—overworking makes the breadsticks tough instead of tender
  • If your candy canes lose their shape in the oven, do not stress—the rustic look just proves they are homemade
  • The pepperoni releases oil as it bakes, so place them slightly apart or they will fuse together at the edges
03 -
  • Use a pizza cutter to slice the pepperoni if you want thinner, more delicate stripes
  • Tuck the loose end of each candy cane under the curve so they hold their shape in the oven
  • Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the finished breadsticks—it makes the cheese flavor pop

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