Description of this recipe
These cheesy Halloween breadstick bones are a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for parties, snacks, or a spooky-themed dinner. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are always a hit with kids and adults alike. The combination of warm, gooey cheese inside a flavorful, buttery breadstick, shaped like a bone, makes them irresistible. Dip them in marinara sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness!
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll love this recipe for several reasons:
- Festive and Fun: These breadsticks are shaped like bones, making them perfect for Halloween celebrations or any spooky-themed event.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have these ready in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping to shape the breadsticks and enjoy eating this playful snack.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese creates a savory and satisfying flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the cheese, seasonings, and dipping sauce to suit your preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or breadstick dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or 6-8 string cheese sticks)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce or pizza sauce, for dipping
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the breadsticks from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper ensures even baking and avoids any burnt bottoms.
Step 2: Roll out the pizza or breadstick dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. This ensures the dough cooks evenly and creates a light and airy texture.
Step 3: Cut the dough into strips about 6–7 inches long and 1 inch wide. A pizza cutter or a sharp knife works best for creating even strips. Consistent strip sizes will ensure uniform baking and appearance.
Step 4: Place shredded mozzarella cheese or a piece of string cheese along the center of each strip. If using string cheese, cut each stick into 2-3 smaller pieces to fit the length of the dough strip. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed to provide a consistent cheesy center.
Step 5: Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the edges to seal tightly. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking. Ensure there are no openings or gaps.
Step 6: Shape the filled dough strips into bones. There are a couple of ways to do this:
- Knot Method: Gently tie each end of the dough strip into a loose knot. This creates the rounded “bone” ends.
- Slit Method: Make a small slit at each end of the dough strip and gently curl the edges outward to form the bone tips. This method creates a more defined bone shape.
Step 7: Place the shaped breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for even baking.
Step 8: Brush the breadsticks with melted butter. This adds flavor, richness, and helps the breadsticks to brown beautifully.
Step 9: Sprinkle the breadsticks with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated parmesan cheese. These seasonings enhance the flavor profile and add a delightful aroma.
Step 10: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Keep a close eye on the breadsticks to prevent them from burning. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
Step 11: Serve the cheesy Halloween breadstick bones warm with marinara sauce or pizza sauce for dipping.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer at a Halloween party.
- Enjoy as a snack with a side of marinara sauce.
- Pair with a bowl of soup for a comforting meal.
- Include in a Halloween-themed lunchbox.
- Offer as a fun and festive alternative to regular breadsticks.
Tips:
- For extra cheesy breadsticks, use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a little heat.
- Use pre-shredded cheese to save time.
- Make the breadsticks ahead of time and reheat them just before serving.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, pesto, or garlic butter.
- If you want a crispier breadstick, bake them for a couple more minutes.
- To prevent the cheese from melting out, make sure the dough is sealed tightly.
- You can also add black olive slices to resemble eyeballs on the bones for a spookier effect.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
12-15 minutes
Total Time:
27-30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
Conclusion
These spooky and fun cheesy Halloween breadstick bones are a guaranteed hit at any Halloween gathering or themed dinner. They are easy to prepare, customizable to your liking, and offer a delightful combination of cheesy, savory, and buttery flavors. This recipe offers a fun and creative way to get into the spirit of Halloween and create memorable moments with family and friends. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious and spooky treats! Enjoy experimenting with different variations and making them your own. Happy Halloween baking!
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I use gluten-free pizza dough for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can definitely use gluten-free pizza dough. Keep in mind that gluten-free dough can sometimes be a bit stickier, so make sure to flour your work surface well. Also, baking times may vary slightly, so keep a close eye on them to ensure they are golden brown and cooked through.
Q2: What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
A: If you don’t have mozzarella on hand, you can substitute it with other cheeses that melt well, such as provolone, cheddar, or a mozzarella-provolone blend. String cheese is also an excellent alternative, offering convenience and a fun texture.
Q3: Can I make these breadsticks ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the breadsticks ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the breadsticks up to the point of baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary to ensure they are heated through. This can be a great time-saver when preparing for a party.
Q4: What dipping sauces go well with these breadstick bones besides marinara?
A: While marinara sauce is a classic choice, other delicious dipping options include ranch dressing, pesto, garlic butter, Alfredo sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for those who like a bit of heat.
Q5: How can I make these breadstick bones even spookier for Halloween?
A: To enhance the spooky factor, you can add small black olive slices to resemble eyeballs on the bones before baking. You can also use edible food markers to draw cracks and other bone-like details on the baked breadsticks. Consider using different cheeses, such as a green-tinted cheese, to add a monster-like look.
