Name: Twisted Pizza Sticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 3 tablespoons tomato paste or pizza sauce; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Optional: chopped black olives, pepperoni slices, or fresh herbs for topping

Twisted Pizza Sticks are my go-to when I want something quick, cheesy, and satisfying without all the fuss of making a full pizza. With puff pastry as the base, these sticks come out golden, crisp on the outside, and gooey on the inside. I love making them for parties, movie nights, or as a fun after-school snack. They’re customizable, kid-friendly, and perfect for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how fast these Twisted Pizza Sticks come together—just 25 minutes from start to finish. Using store-bought puff pastry means I skip the dough-making process, but still get all the flaky, delicious layers. I can customize the filling with whatever pizza toppings I have on hand, which makes this recipe super flexible. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, which makes cleanup easier and the sticks a little lighter.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

3 tablespoons tomato paste or pizza sauce

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional: chopped black olives, pepperoni slices, or fresh herbs for topping

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, I roll out the puff pastry sheet.

I spread tomato paste evenly over the whole surface.

Then I sprinkle oregano, basil, and garlic powder to season the sauce.

Next, I layer on the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly.

I fold the pastry in half lengthwise and press gently to seal the edges.

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, I slice the pastry into 1-inch strips.

Each strip gets twisted a few times and placed on the baking sheet.

I brush the tops with beaten egg to give them that golden shine.

I bake them for 12–15 minutes until they’re puffed, crisp, and golden brown.

Once slightly cooled, they’re ready to serve—best enjoyed warm with dipping sauce!

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 8 sticks

Calories per serving: 190 kcal

Variations

When I want a meatier version, I like adding mini pepperoni slices before folding the pastry. For a veggie twist, I sometimes mix in chopped black olives or sautéed mushrooms. If I’m feeling fancy, I top them with a sprinkle of fresh basil after baking. I’ve also tried using pesto instead of tomato sauce, and it adds a great herby flavor.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until they’re crispy again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but it softens the pastry a bit.

Related Recipes:

Baked Parmesan Zucchini

FAQs

What dipping sauces go best with these pizza sticks?

I usually serve them with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping. If I want something different, a spicy sriracha mayo or pesto dip also works great.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare them up to the baking step and store them covered in the fridge for a few hours. Then I bake them just before serving for the best texture.

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of puff pastry?

I’ve tried it, and it works, but the result is more like a traditional breadstick than a flaky stick. Puff pastry gives a lighter, crispier texture.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, I freeze the unbaked sticks on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a bag. When I’m ready, I bake them from frozen—just add 3–5 extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I keep them from unraveling in the oven?

Pressing the folded pastry firmly before slicing and giving each twist a tight, secure shape helps a lot. I also avoid overstuffing the inside.

Conclusion

Twisted Pizza Sticks are one of my favorite ways to enjoy the flavor of pizza without the work. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and totally addictive when served warm and crispy. Whether I’m feeding a group or just want a cozy snack, this recipe never lets me down.

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