Name: Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: All-purpose flour (for dusting); 1 pound pizza dough; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Marinara sauce (for dipping)

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If you’re looking to add a fun and spooky twist to your Halloween menu, you absolutely must try these Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones. They are irresistibly soft and savory breadsticks shaped like spooky bones, oozing with melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, perfect for dipping in tangy marinara. These breadstick bones bring just the right amount of cheesy goodness and eerie charm to any gathering, making them a festive treat that’s both playful and downright delicious.

Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet crucial, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect stretchy, cheesy texture and that golden, baked crust. From the pizza dough that forms your breadstick base to the cheeses that bring richness and flavor, every item counts.

All-purpose flour: Dusting your surface to prevent sticking and help shape the dough smoothly.
1 pound pizza dough: The soft, stretchy base that pulls together the whole breadstick bone look and taste.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Brushed on top for a golden, rich finish that also helps the cheese stick perfectly.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and a slight crisp beneath the melted mozzarella.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty star of the show that gives each breadstick its irresistible gooeyness.
Marinara sauce for dipping: A tangy, savory partner that complements the cheesy breadsticks perfectly.

How to Make Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

First things first, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready to bake your breadstick bones to golden perfection. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Shape the Dough Into Bones

Let your pizza dough come to room temperature for easier handling. Dust your workspace with flour to keep the dough from sticking, then divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch long rope, pinching the ends a bit thicker to mimic the shape of bones. Snip about 1 inch deep at both ends and gently pull apart the cuts to create that clever “bone joint” effect.

Step 3: Butter and Parmesan Layer

Place your shaped breadsticks spaced nicely on the lined sheets. Brush them all generously with melted butter; this step is what gives them that inviting golden hue. Then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top for a sharp, salty layer that will crisp up as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake and Add Mozzarella

Bake the breadsticks for 15 minutes until they start to puff up and take on a delicate golden color. Remove from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each one. Pop them back into the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey, bubbling perfection.

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let your Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones cool just a bit — warm enough to be wonderfully melty but cool enough to handle. Serve alongside a bowl of marinara for dipping and prepare for lots of happy cravings!

How to Serve Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of chili flakes can add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor to your cheesy bones. For a spooky twist, you might even use tiny edible eyes or drizzle some colored sauces to make them more Halloween-themed.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones pair beautifully with simple sides like a fresh garden salad, a pot of hearty tomato soup, or even roasted vegetables. These sides balance the richness of the breadsticks while keeping your meal festive and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable Halloween party, arrange your breadstick bones to look like a skeleton on a large platter. Use small ramekins of marinara as the “blood pools” at the “wrist” area. You could also serve them nestled in a black or orange basket lined with themed napkins to pump up the holiday spirit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they rarely last long), keep your Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps keep the breadsticks from drying out while preserving that melty cheese goodness.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked breadstick bones by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring your Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones back to life, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method revives the crispness of the breadstick exterior and melts the cheese perfectly without drying out the bread.

FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the pizza dough with a gluten-free pizza dough available at most grocery stores or make your own. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly but will still taste delicious.

Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella and Parmesan?

Yes, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different twist. Just choose cheeses that melt well to keep that gooey texture.

Is it okay to use store-bought dough?

Definitely! Store-bought pizza dough works wonderfully and saves you time. Just ensure it’s thawed properly and at room temperature before working with it.

Can these be made vegan?

With a few tweaks, yes. Use vegan pizza dough and substitute butter and cheese with plant-based versions. There are many delicious vegan cheeses that melt well and taste great.

How do I get that perfect cheesy melt without burning the bread?

Bake the breadsticks first, then add the mozzarella cheese for the last few minutes. This prevents the cheese from burning while ensuring it melts into a gooey topping.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with these Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones. They’re fun to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed crowd-pleasers at any Halloween celebration. From the shape to the cheesy goodness, this recipe is a keeper that brings warmth, flavor, and festive spirit to your table. I hope you give these a try and watch them disappear faster than ghost stories around a campfire!

Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 15 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 37 minutes
Yield: 10 breadstick bones 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightfully spooky and irresistibly cheesy, these Halloween Breadstick Bones are a fun and festive appetizer perfect for holiday parties. Made with soft pizza dough, coated in melted butter, Parmesan, and mozzarella, and served with tangy marinara sauce, they are sure to impress guests of all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough and Coating

All-purpose flour (for dusting)
1 pound pizza dough
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Serving

Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking the breadsticks.
Prepare Dough: Allow the pizza dough to come to room temperature. Dust your working surface lightly with all-purpose flour to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces.
Shape Breadsticks: Roll each piece of dough into an 8-inch long rope, making sure the ends are slightly thicker to resemble bones. Snip each end about 1 inch deep with scissors or a knife and gently pull apart each snip to create a bone-like effect.
Arrange on Sheets: Place the shaped breadsticks spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for rising and even cooking.
Brush and Sprinkle: Brush each breadstick generously with the melted butter and then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory crust.
Bake First Time: Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until they start to puff up and turn a light golden brown.
Add Mozzarella: Remove the breadsticks from the oven and evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the breadsticks to cool slightly so they can be handled comfortably. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the flavor and festive presentation.

Notes

Ensure the pizza dough is at room temperature for easier shaping and better texture.
Use a sharp scissor or knife to create ‘bone’ cuts for a more distinct appearance.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder or Italian herbs on the breadsticks before baking.
Serve immediately for the best taste and texture, although leftovers can be reheated in the oven.
Marinara sauce can be store-bought or homemade depending on preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American