These spooky breadstick bones are fun and cheesy! Shaped like bones, they’re perfect for Halloween gatherings and are a great way to get everyone into the festive spirit.
Whenever I make these, they disappear fast! Everyone loves munching on these cheesy treats. I like to pair them with marinara sauce for a creepy dip—who wouldn’t want to? 👻
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: I recommend using refrigerated pizza dough for ease. However, you can make your own or use ready-made breadstick dough. If you’re avoiding gluten, look for gluten-free options available at your local store.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar is fantastic for its tanginess, but feel free to mix with mozzarella for extra stretch. If you want to avoid dairy, try vegan cheese alternatives that melt well!
Garlic Powder: This adds nice flavor, but fresh minced garlic works, too. Just use about a teaspoon of fresh garlic in place of the powder. You could also use garlic salt for added seasoning—just reduce any extra salt in your recipe.
Marinara Sauce: This is a classic dip, but you could try using ranch dressing for a twist or even a spicy salsa if you like some heat!
How Do You Shape the Bones for the Right Look?
Shaping the dough into bones can seem tricky, but it’s fun! Here’s how to make sure they look just right:
- Roll the dough into long strips, and don’t worry about making them perfect. The imperfections add to the charm.
- For the “knobs,” pinch the ends of the strips tightly to create the bone-like shape.
- You can also slightly flatten the center of each stick to create more of a bone appearance.
- Position them on the baking sheet so they have space to puff up a bit while baking.
Getting creative with your shapes can make this dish even more fun for the kids! Make them as spooky or as silly as you like!
How to Make Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Breadsticks:
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or breadstick dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
For Extra Flavor:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cheesy Halloween treat takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 12-15 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of around 25 minutes! Quick and perfect for a spooky snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the breadsticks from sticking and help them bake evenly.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Take your refrigerated pizza dough out of the can and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. If it’s a bit thick, gently stretch or roll it into a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—a little rustic charm is what we’re going for!
3. Cut and Shape the Bones:
Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips that are approximately 8 inches long and 1½ inches wide. To shape them like bones, pinch or roll the ends of each strip to create “knobs” that mimic bone ends.
4. Place on Baking Sheet:
Arrange your shaped breadstick bones on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them so they can puff up while baking.
5. Add Flavor:
Brush the melted butter over each breadstick to give them a nice golden color. Next, sprinkle the garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly over the dough. Then, pile on the shredded cheddar cheese for that cheesy goodness!
6. Optional Toppings:
If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. This is optional but highly recommended!
7. Bake the Bones:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let them bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let the breadsticks cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your spooky and cheesy Halloween snack!
Happy Halloween baking! 🎃👻
Can I Use Homemade Dough Instead of Store-Bought?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own dough, a basic pizza or breadstick dough recipe will work great. Just ensure it’s rolled out to about 1/4 inch thick for the best results.
What Can I Use Instead of Cheddar Cheese?
While cheddar adds a nice flavor, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses if you prefer. For a spicy twist, try pepper jack cheese!
How Do I Store Leftover Breadsticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in the oven for 5-10 minutes to get them warm and crispy again!
Can I Bake These in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the breadsticks and shape them, then refrigerate them on the baking sheet. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.