Name: Pizza Candy Cane Crescent Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491244H5S
Total time: PT-491244H5S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 227 grams (1 tube, 8 ounces) refrigerated rolled crescent dough; 80 milliliters (1/3 cup) prepared pizza sauce, plus extra for serving; 60 grams (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese; 24 slices pepperoni; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; 2 large fresh basil leaves

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Introduction

This playful Pizza Candy Cane Crescent is a fun twist on classic pizza, perfect for festive gatherings or a creative snack. Using crescent dough and familiar pizza toppings, it shapes into a charming candy cane that’s as tasty as it is eye-catching.

Several crescent-shaped rolls are placed close together on a white marbled surface. Each roll has a golden-brown outer layer with a slightly crispy texture, sprinkled with coarse white sesame seeds. Wrapped around each roll are thin bands of reddish-brown meat, twisted diagonally to cover the pastry in layers. Bits of melted white cheese peek between the folds of the dough and meat. Bright green basil leaves are placed on top of some rolls adding a fresh color contrast. A red-and-white striped candy cane is visible on the left side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

227 grams (1 tube, 8 ounces) refrigerated rolled crescent dough
80 milliliters (1/3 cup) prepared pizza sauce, plus extra for serving
60 grams (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
24 slices pepperoni
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 large fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (approximately 400°F). Unroll the crescent dough and separate it along the perforated lines. Then halve each triangle lengthwise to create 16 smaller triangles.
Step 2: Place two sheets of parchment paper overlapped to form a 60-centimeter long strip. Arrange the dough triangles in a row on the parchment, with points upright and bases slightly overlapping. Press gently on the overlapping areas to seal the dough together.
Step 3: Spread pizza sauce over the thickest part of the dough strip, approximately 4 centimeters wide. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then layer the pepperoni slices on top.
Step 4: Fold the pointed ends of the dough triangles over the filling, tucking the ends underneath to seal the filling inside. Carefully curve the upper end to the left, forming a candy cane shape roughly the length of your baking tray.
Step 5: Transfer the parchment with the shaped dough onto the back of a baking sheet. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese has melted.
Step 6: Once baked, tuck the fresh basil leaves into the bend of the candy cane to create a decorative bow. Slice into sections and serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Keep the crescent dough cold before shaping; this helps it hold its form and makes it easier to work with.
Try swapping the pepperoni for other toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives for a different flavor profile.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crescent’s texture.

How to Serve

The image shows five crescent-shaped pastries arranged on white parchment paper on a white oval plate. Each pastry has a golden-brown, flaky crust with visible layers and is wrapped with red slices of pepperoni all around. The tops of the crescents are sprinkled with shredded white cheese and small white sesame seeds. Fresh green basil leaves are placed on and around some of the pastries, adding a pop of color. The plate sits on a white marbled surface that contrasts softly with the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of crescent dough?

Yes, homemade dough can work well, but crescent dough is softer and easier to shape into the candy cane design. If using homemade dough, ensure it is rolled out and cut into triangles similarly.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the candy cane in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting it in the oven for best results.