These fun and spooky witch finger breadsticks are sure to grab attention! Shaped like little fingers, they’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for a party.
Honestly, how can you resist? They’re great for dipping in sauce, and you can pretend they’re real witch fingers! 😂 I love serving them with a side of marinara. Kids will have a blast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: I use refrigerated pizza dough because it’s convenient and easy to work with. If you prefer homemade, just roll out your favorite recipe. You can even try gluten-free pizza dough if needed!
Almonds: Whole almonds serve as the fingernails and add a crunchy texture. You can substitute with pecan halves for a different look or sunflower seeds if you’re avoiding nuts.
Olive Oil or Butter: Both add flavor, but I lean towards olive oil for a lighter taste. If you’re dairy-free, stick with olive oil. For a rich flavor, melted butter is great!
Seasonings: The garlic powder and Italian seasoning enhance flavor but aren’t necessary if you prefer plain dough. Feel free to use garlic salt for added punch!
How Do You Shape the Breadsticks Like Fingers?
Shaping the dough can be tricky! Here’s how to make them look like spooky fingers:
- Roll out your dough to a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut into strips (1 to 1.5 inches wide) and taper one end to create a fingertip.
- Pinch the sides to form knuckles and add segments for joints. This step makes them look realistic!
- Press an almond into the tip for that creepy fingernail effect. Make sure it sticks well.
This shaping technique makes all the difference in presentation. Have fun with it and don’t stress over perfection; it adds to the spooky charm!
Witch Finger Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or breadstick dough
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 10-20 whole almonds (blanched or unblanched) for fingernails
- Marinara or other dipping sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to bake, for a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick Halloween snack or party treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the breadsticks will cook evenly and get nice and crispy. While it’s heating, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light grease.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza or breadstick dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. The thinner you roll it, the crunchier the breadsticks will be. Be sure to keep them uniform in thickness.
3. Cut the Strips:
Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips that are approximately 1 to 1.5 inches wide and about 6 inches long. These will form the fingers of the witch. They don’t have to be perfect—remember, they’re spooky!
4. Shape the Fingers:
To create the witch fingers, take each strip and slightly taper one end to form the fingertip. Then pinch along the length of each strip to create knuckle indentations. This step adds a creepy touch!
5. Add the Fingernails:
At the pointed end, pinch and form 3-4 small segments for the fingernails or knuckle joints, then press an almond into the tip of each finger. This will give your breadsticks a truly spooky appearance!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the shaped ‘fingers’ onto the prepared baking sheet. They can be close together since they won’t spread out much while baking.
7. Season the Breadsticks:
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil or melted butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Brush this seasoned mixture over each shaped finger, ensuring to get into all the little crevices and around the almonds for extra flavor.
8. Bake the Breadsticks:
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve your creepy witch finger breadsticks warm with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the spooky fun!
Have a spine-tingling time enjoying your delightfully creepy and tasty witch finger breadsticks!
Can I Use Homemade Dough Instead of Store-Bought?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade pizza or breadstick dough for a fresher taste. Just roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick, and follow the same shaping instructions!
How Can I Make These Breadsticks Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! Just ensure that any sauces or dips you serve alongside are also vegetarian. Marinara sauce is a great option!
Can I Store Leftover Breadsticks?
Yes, you can! Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crunch.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough fingers in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just brush with the oil mixture before baking for that fresh taste!