Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones are a fun and spooky twist on classic breadsticks, shaped like creepy bones and loaded with gooey, melted cheese. These breadsticks have a nice crispy outside and soft, cheesy inside that make them perfect for a Halloween party or just a festive snack. The playful bone shapes add a little extra excitement to snack time, especially for kids and anyone who loves Halloween.
I like to make these with plenty of mozzarella because it melts so well and makes each bite feel like a tasty, cheesy surprise. A little garlic and herb seasoning on top gives them a nice punch without being too much, and the whole thing comes together quickly, which is great when you want something festive without spending all day in the kitchen.
Serving them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping makes these cheesy bones even more fun to eat. I often bring these out at gatherings, and they’re always a hit—I think because they’re both tasty and a little silly, which makes everyone smile. Plus, they’re a great way to get into the Halloween spirit while munching on something delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza dough: Using refrigerated pizza or breadstick dough makes this recipe quick and easy. If you prefer, you can substitute with homemade dough or pre-made biscuit dough for a softer result.
Mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, giving that perfect stretchy, gooey texture inside the breadsticks. For a sharper taste, add some cheddar or provolone as I did.
Butter and seasoning: Melted butter with garlic powder and Italian herbs adds delicious flavor to the outside. If you want a different twist, you could try using garlic-infused olive oil or fresh herbs like rosemary.
Marinara sauce: A simple tomato dipping sauce pairs perfectly. You could swap it for ranch or a spicy marinara for a different flavor kick.
How Do You Shape the Breadstick Bones to Look Realistic?
Shaping the dough carefully makes all the difference. Here’s how to get those spooky bone ends:
- Cut strips of dough about 1 inch wide and 5-6 inches long for manageable breadsticks.
- At each end of the strip, snip two small semicircles opposite each other to create the “knobby” bone ends.
- Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the edges firmly to seal the cheese inside and emphasize the bone shape.
- Pinch the ends a bit more to round them and help resemble real bones.
Take your time with this step—it makes the breadsticks fun to look at and extra festive to serve!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – A flat surface for baking breadsticks evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper – Makes cleanup easy and prevents breadsticks from sticking to the pan.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – Helps you cut neat strips and shape the bone ends precisely.
- Pastry brush – For brushing melted butter evenly over the breadsticks.
- Mixing bowl – To mix the garlic powder, herbs, and salt for sprinkling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon inside for a smoky, savory touch that pairs well with cheese.
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to add a mild spicy kick.
- Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra aroma and freshness.
- Stuff breadsticks with cooked spinach and artichoke for a veggie-packed cheesy surprise.
Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or breadstick dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to bake. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have delicious and spooky cheesy breadstick bones ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Shape and Fill the Breadstick Bones:
Cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide and 5-6 inches long. At both ends of each strip, snip two small semicircles to create the rounded “bone” knobs. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella (and cheddar if you like) along the center of each strip. Fold the dough over the cheese lengthwise, pressing gently to seal and shape the ends by pinching to make them look like bones.
3. Season and Bake:
Place the shaped breadsticks on your prepared baking sheet, spaced a bit apart. Brush each with melted butter. Mix garlic powder, Italian herbs, and salt together and sprinkle evenly over the breadsticks. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. Let cool a few minutes before serving.
4. Serving:
Serve your cheesy Halloween breadstick bones warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the spooky fun with every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the frozen dough completely in the refrigerator overnight before using it. This will make it easier to roll out and shape the breadsticks.
Can I Make These Breadsticks Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can shape the breadsticks and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and bake straight from the fridge, adding a couple extra minutes if needed.
How Should I Store Leftover Breadstick Bones?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crisp.
What Are Some Good Dipping Sauces Besides Marinara?
Ranch dressing, garlic butter sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo all work great for dipping and add a fun twist to the flavor!
