Candy Cane Pizza Twists Recipe

You’re going to love this Candy Cane Pizza Twists Recipe — it’s such a fun and festive twist on a classic favorite. What makes this recipe special is how it transforms simple pizza dough into these charming, peppermint-shaped twists with melty cheese and savory tomato sauce inside. It’s a great little snack or appetizer that’s perfect for holiday parties, cozy movie nights, or even a casual lunch with the family.

I remember making these for the first time during a holiday gathering, and everyone was instantly drawn not just by the cute candy cane shape but by the delicious flavors packed in each bite. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which is a win when you’re juggling a busy holiday schedule. The Candy Cane Pizza Twists Recipe will definitely become a go-to whenever you want something impressive but simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Candy Cane Pizza Twists Recipe come together beautifully to create that perfect balance of flavors and textures — soft pizza dough, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella with just a hint of oregano for that classic pizza touch. They’re straightforward pantry staples, but if you pick quality items, it really shines.

• Pizza dough: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade if you want that fresh-baked bread taste; either works great.
• Tomato sauce: A good marinara or basic pizza sauce works perfectly here. Avoid anything too watery.
• Shredded mozzarella: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded and gives you a creamier finish.
• Olive oil: Adds richness to the crust and helps it turn golden and crisp during baking.
• Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that complements the cheese and sauce beautifully.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Candy Cane Pizza Twists Recipe is — you can easily make it your own based on what you have on hand or personal taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with fillings or seasonings to make it truly unique!

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce—I’ve done this and it gives just the right hint of heat without overpowering the flavors.
• Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme instead of dried oregano brings a fresh twist that I’ve come to really enjoy in summer.
• Cheese swaps: Try provolone, gouda, or even a sprinkle of parmesan on top for a more complex flavor profile.
• Veggie fillings: Finely chopped bell peppers or olives sneak in some extra nutrition and color—my kids don’t even notice!

How to Make Candy Cane Pizza Twists Recipe

Step 1: Roll Out and Prepare Your Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour your workspace and roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle about 12 by 9 inches. This makes it easy to cut neat strips and twist them later. Pro tip: If the dough is springing back a lot, let it rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten—that’ll make rolling smoother.

Step 2: Add Sauce and Cheese

Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges so it doesn’t leak out. Scatter the shredded mozzarella all over next. Don’t be shy here; the cheese is the best part, but avoid piling on so much that it oozes out when baking. Sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano on top for that classic flavor boost.

Step 3: Cut and Twist into Candy Cane Shapes

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 8 equal strips lengthwise. Take each strip and gently twist it a couple of times. Then curve one end over to create the familiar candy cane hook shape. I find it easiest to handle the twists gently so the cheese doesn’t spill out but the twist stays nice and defined.

Step 4: Brush with Olive Oil and Bake

Place all your candy cane pizza twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them some space to puff up. Brush the tops with olive oil for a golden finish and extra flavor. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the dough is golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on them around the 12-minute mark so they don’t burn.

How to Serve Candy Cane Pizza Twists Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little more dried oregano or even some flaky sea salt on the twists right after they come out of the oven—it adds a wonderful burst of flavor and makes them look a bit fancy. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also be a delightful touch if you want to get creative.

Side Dishes

These pizza twists pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or even a simple bowl of marinara for dipping. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a warm soup like tomato basil or minestrone — I’ve found that combo is a total crowd-pleaser!

Creative Ways to Present

During holiday parties, I like arranging these Candy Cane Pizza Twists Recipe in a circular pattern on a festive platter so they look like a wreath. It’s a simple trick but it gets tons of compliments every time, plus it makes serving a breeze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the pizza twists have cooled completely, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They remain surprisingly fresh, and the flavors even develop a bit more.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, I recommend freezing the twists before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the pizza twists in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This brings back that beautifully crisp crust and melty cheese—way better than the microwave, which tends to make them a bit soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane Pizza Twists Recipe has become such a favorite in my kitchen because it’s easy, festive, and delicious — a perfect trifecta. I highly encourage you to give it a try next time you want to impress friends or just treat your family to something fun and tasty. Trust me, once you see how quickly they disappear, you’ll be glad you made these festive little twists!

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