Twisted Pizza Sticks

Twisted Pizza Sticks are a fun, easy, and incredibly addictive snack or appetizer. They’re essentially pizza-flavored breadsticks twisted into a cute, pull-apart shape, perfect for dipping.

Here are a few ways to make them, from super simple using pre-made dough to a version you can make completely from scratch.

Method 1: The Easiest Way (With Pre-Made Dough)

This is the ultimate quick fix for a party snack or a fun family dinner activity.

Yields: About 12-16 sticks
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12-15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza crust dough (like Pillsbury)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus more for serving

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Optional toppings: Pepperoni slices (finely chopped), cooked sausage crumbles, sliced olives, red pepper flakes.

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll Out Dough: Unroll the pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently stretch it into a rough rectangle, about 10×12 inches.

3. Add Toppings: Brush the entire surface with olive oil. Spread the 1/2 cup of pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

4. Cheese It Up: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and any optional toppings.

5. Fold and Cut: Carefully fold the dough in half lengthwise, so you have a long, narrow rectangle (about 5×12 inches). Press the edges gently to seal. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 12-16 even strips.

6. Twist! Grab one strip from each end and gently twist it in opposite directions 2-3 times. Place the twisted stick back on the baking sheet. Repeat with all strips.

7. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

8. Serve: Serve immediately with warm pizza sauce or marinara sauce for dipping.

Method 2: From-Scratch Dough (For the Ultimate Experience)

This dough is soft, fluffy, and worth the extra time.

Yields: About 16 sticks
Prep time: 15 minutes (+1 hour rising)
Cook time: 12-15 minutes

Ingredients for the Dough:

• 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions for Scratch Dough:

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make Dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape and Bake: Once risen, punch down the dough. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 10×14 inch rectangle. Then, follow the topping and twisting steps from Method 1 (steps 3-8).

Flavor Twist Ideas:

• Buffalo Chicken: Mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce. Use this instead of pizza sauce, and top with mozzarella and a drizzle of ranch after baking.

• Garlic Parmesan: Skip the pizza sauce. Brush with garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella, and twist. Brush with more garlic butter after baking.

• Everything Bagel: Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with mozzarella and an “Everything Bagel” seasoning mix before twisting.

Pro Tips for the Best Twisted Pizza Sticks:

• Don’t Over-sauce: Using too much sauce will make the dough soggy and hard to twist.

• Seal the Edge: Press the folded edge firmly to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.

• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft and sticky to handle after adding toppings, pop the whole baking sheet into the freezer for 5-10 minutes before cutting and twisting. This makes it much easier.

• Get Creative with Dipping Sauces: Besides pizza sauce, try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy marinara.

These are always a huge hit! Enjoy your fun and delicious creation.