These cheesy breadstick bones are the perfect spooky treat for your Halloween party! Crispy, golden breadsticks shaped like creepy bones and loaded with melty, gooey cheese make for a fun and tasty appetizer that both kids and adults will enjoy. The combination of buttery dough and savory cheese creates a snack that’s hard to put down.
I love making these bone-shaped breadsticks because they add a playful touch to any Halloween gathering. They’re super simple to prepare, and shaping the dough into little bones is a fun activity to do with family or friends. I usually sprinkle a little garlic and parmesan on top to boost the flavor—it’s a small step that really takes these snacks to the next level.
These cheesy breadstick bones are great served warm with your favorite marinara or ranch dip. They’re perfect for munching on while chatting or waiting for the trick-or-treaters to arrive. Honestly, they disappear so fast at my parties, so I always make an extra batch just in case! If you want to bring some spooky fun and tasty bites to your Halloween, these are a guaranteed hit.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breadstick dough: The canned refrigerated dough makes this recipe easy and quick. If you prefer, you can substitute with homemade pizza dough for a fresher taste, but the canned version saves time.
Cheese: I love the combo of mozzarella and cheddar for gooey texture and sharp flavor. Feel free to swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder taste. Parmesan adds a nice punch, but you can skip it if you don’t have it.
Black olives or capers: These small toppings make the “eyes” and “noses” look spooky. If you don’t like olives, you could try small pieces of roasted red pepper or even peppercorns.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning and garlic powder bring classic flavors. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra smoky vibe.
How Can I Shape the Breadsticks to Look Like Bones?
Shaping the dough is the fun part that makes this recipe unique. Here’s how to nail the bone shape:
- Take two dough strips for each bone: one for the straight “shaft,” one for the “knobs.”
- Lay one strip straight down on your pan as the bone’s middle part.
- Pinch both ends of the second strip into little rounded balls, then place them perpendicular at the ends of the first strip to look like bone ends.
- Press the edges gently to seal so the shape holds during baking.
Don’t worry about being perfect—each bone looks best with a slightly messy, homemade vibe. The key is to keep the dough joined firmly so it doesn’t separate while baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a basic must-have for baking the breadstick bones evenly.
- Parchment paper – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
- Small bowl – perfect for melting butter and mixing seasonings.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – to easily slice the dough into strips.
- Pastry brush – great for brushing melted butter over the baked breadsticks.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella with pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Add cooked crumbled sausage inside the dough strips for a meaty surprise in each bone.
- Mix in some fresh chopped rosemary or thyme with the Italian seasoning for an herby twist.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of olives for eyes to give a sweeter, tangy flavor.
How to Make Yummy Halloween Cheesy Breadstick Bones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Breadstick Bones:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated breadstick dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 8 small black olives or capers (for eyes and noses)
Dipping Sauce:
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 12-15 minutes to bake, and a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. So, plan for roughly 25-30 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or a shallow casserole dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Shape the Breadstick Bones:
Unroll the breadstick dough and separate it into strips about 1 inch wide. For each bone, take two strips: lay one strip straight as the “bone shaft.” Take the second strip, pinch the ends into rounded “knobs,” and place it across the top and bottom ends of the first strip to shape the bone. Press the edges gently to seal.
3. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Arrange the shaped breadstick bones on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Then, sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the cheese for extra flavor.
4. Add the Spooky Details:
Press small pieces of black olives or capers onto the rounded ends of the breadstick bones to create eyes and noses, giving them a spooky look.
5. Bake and Finish:
Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and brush the warm breadstick bones with melted butter for a shiny finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your cheesy breadstick bones warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. They’re perfect for a fun and tasty Halloween appetizer!
Can I Use Frozen Breadstick Dough Instead of Refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen breadstick dough, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking. This helps the dough rise properly and bake evenly.
How Should I Store Leftover Breadstick Bones?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can shape the breadstick bones and add cheese and seasonings, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add olives or capers right before baking so they don’t dry out.
What Are Some Good Dipping Sauces for These Breadstick Bones?
Marinara and ranch are classic choices, but you can also try garlic butter, creamy spinach dip, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a fun twist.
