Candy Cane Pizza Twists Recipe

Let me tell you, the Candy Cane Pizza Twists recipe is one of those fun, festive treats that manages to be both playful and downright delicious. I first made these during a holiday party, and they instantly became the star of the table—everyone was intrigued by the candy cane twist shape, but they kept coming back for the cheesy, flavorful bites. If you’re looking for a cool appetizer that feels seasonal without all the fuss, this recipe is a winner.

What makes this Candy Cane Pizza Twists recipe especially worth trying is how simple the ingredients are, yet the final result looks impressive. Plus, it’s a great option for when you want to add a festive touch but don’t have hours to prep. You’ll love how easily you can customize it, and since it’s handheld, it’s perfect for cocktail parties or even casual family get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here works together to give you that perfect savory pizza flavor wrapped in a fun candy cane shape. When shopping, look for fresh, good-quality pizza dough because it makes a big difference in texture and taste.

• Pizza dough: Store-bought dough works great, but if you want to go homemade, that’s even better for flavor and freshness.
• Tomato sauce: Use a simple, well-seasoned sauce—too watery and your twists might get soggy.
• Shredded mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is lovely, but shredded is less messy and melts perfectly.
• Olive oil: Brushing the twists with olive oil before baking adds a subtle, rich flavor and helps them brown nicely.
• Dried oregano: This herb is classic pizza seasoning that brings everything together.

Variations

I love how versatile the Candy Cane Pizza Twists recipe can be. Feel free to experiment with fillings or spices based on your personal favorites—after all, the twists are just the canvas!

• Add pepperoni slices: I tried layering thin pepperoni strips on the dough before twisting, and it gave a spicy, meaty kick that my family adored.
• Use different cheeses: Mixing mozzarella with a bit of sharp cheddar or parmesan can up the flavor profile nicely.
• Make it vegetarian: Toss in some roasted veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a heartier, meat-free option.
• Herb variations: Swap oregano for basil or add garlic powder to brighten the taste.
• Gluten-free dough: For those with dietary needs, gluten-free pizza dough can be used—just adjust baking time slightly.

How to Make Candy Cane Pizza Twists Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your workspace and preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out your pizza dough on a large, lightly floured surface. I find it easiest to roll it out into a neat rectangle to help keep the candy cane shape consistent. Having all your ingredients nearby makes the next steps smooth.

Step 2: Spread the tomato sauce evenly

Using the back of a spoon, gently spread the tomato sauce over the pizza dough, leaving about an inch border around the edges. Don’t overload with sauce; you want just enough to add moisture and flavor without making the dough soggy. I like to add a sprinkle of dried oregano over the sauce at this point to infuse that classic pizza vibe.

Step 3: Add the cheese

Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauced dough. This is where the cheesy goodness comes in! Make sure you get some cheese near the edges, but keep it well-distributed to avoid clumps that might ooze out during baking.

Step 4: Create your candy cane shape

Here’s the fun part—cut the rectangle of dough into medium strips, about 1 inch wide. Take each strip and gently twist it a few times to get that swirl effect, then bend it into a hook shape resembling a candy cane. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; handmade charm is the best kind! Lay each twist on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Brush with olive oil and bake

Brush each candy cane twist lightly with olive oil to help them bake to a beautiful golden brown. Then pop them in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on them—ovens vary, and you don’t want any burning.

How to Serve Candy Cane Pizza Twists Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra dried oregano and freshly cracked black pepper on top right after baking—it amps up the aroma and gives a nice finishing touch. Sometimes, I even add a bit of grated parmesan right before serving to add a salty zing.

Side Dishes

These twists call for simple sides like a crisp green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette or a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. I swear, dipping these warm twists into a little extra tomato sauce makes all the difference when you want to savor every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like arranging the Candy Cane Pizza Twists recipe in a circle on a festive platter, almost like a wreath. Adding some fresh basil leaves or rosemary sprigs around them really dresses up the presentation and makes guests smile before the first bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying most of the batch, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay surprisingly good for up to 3 days, but I always recommend reheating to bring back the crispiness of the dough and warm the cheese.

Freezing

I’ve frozen Candy Cane Pizza Twists before, and they freeze wonderfully. Just let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you want a quick snack, you can bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the twists in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore their crunch and warms the cheese without making them soggy. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a rush, as it tends to make the dough rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane Pizza Twists recipe is one of those delightful surprises that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. I’ve made it multiple times during the holidays and honestly, the twisted shapes bring out smiles even before tasting. If you’re craving a festive twist on a classic pizza flavor that’s easy, adaptable, and shareable, you’re going to love this one—plus, it’s a great way to get everyone in the kitchen helping out. Give it a try, and I bet it becomes a new seasonal favorite in your home too.

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