Cheesy Breadstick Bones

Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for a fun, spooky, and delicious recipe to add to your party menu, these Cheesy Breadstick Bones are the perfect fit! Not only do they look like eerie bones, but they’re also crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with melty cheese. Whether you’re planning a spooky movie night, a Halloween gathering with friends, or a fun dinner for the family, these cheesy breadsticks will be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

What’s so great about this recipe? For starters, it’s super easy. You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own from scratch, and the cheesy filling adds an extra layer of deliciousness that makes these breadstick bones absolutely irresistible. Pair them with a side of marinara sauce (or “bloody dipping sauce” for that extra Halloween touch), and you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleaser that’s festive, tasty, and fun.

The first time I made these, I was hosting a Halloween-themed dinner, and the breadsticks were gone in minutes! Everyone loved the cute (but creepy) bone shape, and when they took a bite, the ooey-gooey cheese sealed the deal. Now, I make them every year, and they’re always the first thing to disappear from the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these Cheesy Breadstick Bones are a must-make for Halloween:

• Fun and festive: The bone shape adds a spooky, Halloween-themed touch to your spread, making them perfect for parties, movie nights, or family dinners.
• Easy to make: Whether you’re using store-bought dough or homemade, these breadsticks come together quickly and with minimal ingredients.
• Cheesy goodness: Each breadstick is stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese, making every bite irresistibly cheesy and delicious.
• Kid-friendly: Kids love shaping the dough into bones and dipping them into marinara sauce. It’s a fun, hands-on recipe that they can help with!
• Customizable: You can switch up the cheeses, seasonings, or even make them gluten-free with the right dough. I’ll share some variations later on.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes (10 minutes prep, 20-25 minutes cook time)
• Servings: 12 breadstick bones
• Calories per serving: Approx. 180

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Cheesy Breadstick Bones:

• 1 lb pizza dough: You can use store-bought or homemade dough. I’ll include a quick homemade dough recipe below!
• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks: These are easy to work with and melt beautifully inside the breadsticks.
• 2 tbsp melted butter: For brushing over the tops of the breadsticks before baking.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a delicious garlic flavor to the breadsticks.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme to give the breadsticks extra flavor.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling over the top of the breadsticks before baking.
• Marinara sauce (for dipping): This is optional, but it adds a fun, spooky touch when you call it “bloody dipping sauce”!

Homemade Pizza Dough (optional):

If you’d like to make your own pizza dough, here’s a quick recipe:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 cup warm water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Pizza Dough (Skip this step if using store-bought dough)

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy, indicating it’s activated.
• In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
• Stir until the dough starts to come together, then transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for 20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

3. Prepare the Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Unwrap the mozzarella string cheese sticks and cut each one in half, so you have 24 shorter sticks. Set them aside.

4. Shape the Dough into Bones

• Divide the pizza dough into 12 equal portions. Take each portion and roll it into a rope about 6-8 inches long.
• Place one half of a cheese stick in the center of each dough rope.
• Fold the dough over the cheese and pinch the edges together to seal, making sure no cheese is exposed. This will prevent the cheese from oozing out too much while baking.
• To create the “bone” shape, gently twist or pinch the ends of the dough ropes to form little knobs that look like the ends of bones.

5. Season the Breadstick Bones

• In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
• Place the shaped dough bones on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
• Brush the tops of each breadstick with the melted butter mixture.
• Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tops of the breadsticks for added flavor and texture.

6. Bake the Breadsticks

Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The cheese inside will melt beautifully, making them ooey-gooey once you bite into them!

7. Serve with Marinara Sauce

Warm up some marinara sauce for dipping and serve alongside the cheesy breadstick bones. Call it “bloody dipping sauce” for a fun, spooky Halloween twist!

How to Serve

Here are a few ideas for serving these Cheesy Breadstick Bones:

• As a party appetizer: Arrange the breadstick bones on a large platter with a bowl of marinara sauce in the middle. The spooky bone shapes make for a fun Halloween centerpiece.
• With a Halloween dinner: Serve these cheesy breadsticks alongside a big bowl of pasta or soup for a cozy, Halloween-themed meal.
• For movie night: Pair these with other fun Halloween snacks, like popcorn, candy, and a scary movie, for the ultimate movie night snack.
• Dipping bar: Set up a dipping station with different sauces like marinara, ranch, or cheese dip to give guests more options.

Additional Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to make sure your Cheesy Breadstick Bones turn out perfectly every time:

1. Seal the dough well: Make sure to pinch the dough around the cheese tightly to prevent the cheese from leaking out while baking.

2. Don’t overstuff: While it’s tempting to pack in as much cheese as possible, using one half of a cheese stick per breadstick is the perfect amount to avoid too much leakage.

3. Use parchment paper: If you want to prevent the breadsticks from sticking, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

4. Customize the flavor: If you like spicy breadsticks, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top before baking for an extra kick.

5. Serve fresh: These breadsticks are best served fresh and warm when the cheese is melty and the bread is soft and crispy. If you need to make them ahead of time, you can reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispness.

Recipe Variations

These Cheesy Breadstick Bones are super versatile! Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:

• Cheddar Breadstick Bones: Swap the mozzarella for cheddar cheese sticks for a sharper, tangier flavor.
• Herb Breadsticks: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the butter mixture for an herby twist.
• Stuffed Breadstick Bones: Instead of cheese, stuff the breadsticks with pepperoni, sausage, or spinach and ricotta for a savory variation.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe gluten-friendly.
• Sweet Breadsticks: For a sweet twist, brush the breadsticks with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Cheesy Breadstick Bones with these other Halloween-themed dishes for a complete spooky meal:

• Spooky Pasta: Serve alongside a bowl of black spaghetti with a marinara “blood” sauce for a Halloween dinner.
• Witches’ Brew Soup: These breadsticks would be perfect for dipping into a hearty, comforting soup like tomato bisque or butternut squash soup.
• Halloween Charcuterie Board: Add these breadsticks to a Halloween-themed charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, fruits, and other spooky snacks.

Freezing and Storage

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Cheesy Breadstick Bones:

• Storage: Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the breadsticks on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked breadstick bones by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Special Equipment

You don’t need any fancy tools for this recipe, but here are a few things that can help:

• Baking sheet: For baking the breadstick bones.
• Pastry brush: To brush the butter mixture over the breadsticks.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: To prevent sticking.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the pizza dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicier option.

3. What if I don’t have string cheese?
You can cut a block of mozzarella into sticks or use any other firm, meltable cheese.

4. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to pinch the dough tightly around the cheese to seal it completely. Also, avoid overfilling the dough with cheese.

5. Can I use a different dough?
You can use crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or even biscuit dough for a different texture.

6. What can I serve as a dipping sauce?
Marinara sauce is classic, but ranch, garlic butter, or a cheesy queso dip would also be delicious.

7. Can I make these without cheese?
Yes! You can make plain breadstick bones without cheese and serve them with a dipping sauce.

8. How long will they stay fresh?
These are best eaten fresh, but they’ll keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

9. Can I make mini breadstick bones?
Yes! You can make smaller versions by using less dough and smaller pieces of cheese.

10. Can I add toppings to the breadsticks?
Sure! You can sprinkle them with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor.

Conclusion

There you have it—Cheesy Breadstick Bones, the perfect Halloween appetizer or snack! These spooky, cheesy treats are fun to make, delicious to eat, and sure to be a hit at any Halloween party. Whether you’re making them with kids, serving them as part of a Halloween dinner, or simply enjoying them with a side of marinara sauce, they’re bound to disappear quickly.

I can’t wait to see your cheesy breadstick bone creations! Don’t forget to share pictures and tag me on social media. Happy Halloween, and enjoy your spooky feast! 🎃👻

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