These Yummy Halloween Appetizers, Cheesy Breadstick Bones, are fun, festive, and packed with gooey cheese and crispy breadstick goodness. They look like spooky skeleton bones, which makes them perfect for any Halloween party. The golden, cheesy breadsticks are easy to hold and even easier to eat, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
I love making these cheesy breadstick bones because they are simple to prepare but always get big smiles around the table. I usually sprinkle a little garlic powder and Italian seasoning on top before baking, which adds a tasty twist. It’s fun to shape the dough into bone-like sticks, and my friends think it’s a clever and playful touch.
When I serve these at a party, I like to set them out with a few dips like marinara sauce or ranch dressing. It’s the perfect combo of melty cheese and crunchy bread that everyone can snack on while chatting and enjoying the spooky vibe. These cheesy breadstick bones always disappear quickly, so I make sure to have plenty ready to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza dough: The ready-made refrigerated dough saves time and makes shaping easy. If you prefer, use homemade dough or even biscuit dough for a quicker option, though it might be less stretchy.
Cheese mix: Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that stretchy texture. Cheddar adds sharpness, while Parmesan gives a nice salty punch. Feel free to swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or use all mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: These add great aroma and flavor without overpowering. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme works well.
Butter: Brushing melted butter on dough helps the cheese stick and promotes a golden crust. You can use olive oil for a different flavor.
How Do You Shape the Dough to Look Like Bones?
Shaping the dough into bones is easier than it seems, and it adds a festive touch!
- Roll the dough into an even rectangle about ½ inch thick.
- Cut the dough into long rectangular sticks for the bone ‘shaft.’
- At the ends of each stick, make two small rounded cuts or notches on opposite sides to resemble knobby bone ends.
- Don’t worry about perfect shapes; a loose bone form looks great and fun.
- Lay them on the baking sheet spaced apart so they cook evenly and keep their shape.
These simple steps help make your breadsticks look like cute, spooky little bones that guests will love grabbing and dipping!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat tray helps your breadstick bones bake evenly and hold their shape.
- Parchment paper – keeps the breadsticks from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – great for cutting the dough into bone shapes without tearing.
- Bowl – to mix the cheeses and seasonings together simply and quickly.
- Pastry brush – lets you spread melted butter evenly over the dough for a golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to add a little spicy kick that’s fun for grown-ups.
- Add finely chopped cooked bacon bits into the cheese mix for a smoky flavor twist.
- Stir in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an earthy note that pairs well with garlic.
- Skip Italian seasoning and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and color contrast.
Yummy Halloween Appetizers: Cheesy Breadstick Bones Recipe for Your Spooky Party
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tube (about 13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 12-15 minutes to bake. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for last-minute Halloween party snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so your breadsticks don’t stick.
2. Shape Your Bones:
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into long, rectangular strips. To make them look like bones, create small rounded notches or bulges at each end of the strips. Don’t stress about perfect shapes—a fun, spooky look is what counts!
3. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Place the shaped dough strips on your baking sheet with a little space between each. In a bowl, mix together the mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cheese mixture generously on top, covering each breadstick bone.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on the edges. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your spooky, cheesy breadstick bones – perfect for sharing at any Halloween celebration!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the frozen dough completely in the fridge overnight before using. Let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before rolling it out to make shaping easier.
Can I Make These Breadstick Bones Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can shape and top the dough a few hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftover Breadstick Bones?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
What Are Good Dipping Sauces for These?
Marinara sauce is classic and perfect, but ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy sriracha mayo work great for a fun twist!
