Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones are a fun and spooky treat that’s perfect for any Halloween party or just a cozy night in. These breadsticks are soft and warm, loaded with gooey cheese, and shaped like little bones, which makes them both tasty and festive. The combination of garlic and melted cheese on golden bread is hard to resist!
I love making these when friends come over because they’re always a big hit, especially with kids who get excited about how the breadsticks look. I like to add a little bit of marinara sauce on the side for dipping — it adds a nice tangy flavor that matches perfectly with the cheesy bread. Plus, shaping the dough into bones is a fun little project that makes baking even more enjoyable for me.
These cheesy bone breadsticks are great to serve alongside a big bowl of soup or a fresh salad for an easy dinner. But honestly, they’re so good that sometimes I just eat them straight out of the oven as a snack. They bring a little extra Halloween spirit to the table, and that cheesy, warm comfort is exactly what I want on a crisp fall evening.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breadstick or Pizza Dough: Using refrigerated dough makes this recipe simple and quick. If you prefer, you can make your own dough or use pre-made pizza dough from your local store for similar results.
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and has a mild taste that pairs well with garlic. If you want a sharper flavor, try a mix of mozzarella and cheddar or provolone.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a nice salty kick and helps with browning. You can swap this with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a different taste.
Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: These bring the classic Italian flavor to the breadsticks. Fresh garlic can be used too, finely minced, but reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the bread.
Melted Butter: Brushing butter keeps the breadsticks moist and adds richness. You can substitute with olive oil if you want a lighter touch or a bit of garlic-infused oil for extra flavor.
How Do You Shape the Dough Into Bone-Like Breadsticks?
Shaping the dough to look like bones gives this recipe its Halloween charm. Here’s an easy way to do it:
- Pinch both ends of each breadstick to form rounded “knobs” similar to the ends of a bone.
- Make two small rounded bumps on each end to mimic the bone shape more closely.
- Don’t worry about perfect shapes—rustic little bones look great and add to the fun.
- Place them a little apart on your baking sheet to allow for expansion while baking.
Taking your time on this step can really make the breadsticks more festive and fun to serve. Plus, it’s a neat little project that kids especially enjoy helping with!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use a standard sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Rolling pin or hands – helps you stretch and shape the dough into bones; I prefer hands for a rustic look.
- Pastry brush – for brushing melted butter onto the breadsticks; I like it because it spreads evenly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for measuring seasonings accurately, keeping everything balanced.
- Grater – to shred the mozzarella, which melts nicely and covers the breadsticks evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese Mix: swap mozzarella with provolone or add a touch of blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Boost: sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like basil or thyme on top before baking for a fresh taste.
- Spicy Kick: add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the melted butter or seasoning for some heat.
- Meat Option: sprinkle cooked crumbled bacon or small pieces of cooked sausage on the breadsticks before baking to make them more filling.
How to Make Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated breadstick dough or pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 12 to 15 minutes to bake, so you’ll have these tasty and spooky breadstick bones ready in roughly 25 minutes total. Perfect for a quick Halloween snack or party treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep the breadsticks from sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Shape the Breadstick Bones:
Unroll your breadstick dough onto a clean surface and separate it into individual sticks. To make bone shapes, pinch and round both ends of each stick to form little “knobs.” You can make two small rounded bumps on each end to look more like bones. Don’t worry about perfect shapes — the rustic look is part of the fun!
3. Season and Add Cheese:
Place the shaped breadsticks on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Brush each one with melted butter to keep them moist and flavorful. Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly over the breadsticks. Finally, generously top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a melty, cheesy finish.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake the breadsticks in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like. Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping — it makes a delicious match!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Breadstick Bones?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the dough completely in the fridge overnight before shaping and baking. This helps the dough roll out smoothly and bake evenly.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can shape the breadsticks and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Bring them to room temperature before popping them in the oven for best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Breadstick Bones?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to keep them crisp and melty.
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Yes, feel free to use different cheese varieties like provolone, cheddar, or a blend. Just keep in mind that cheeses with higher moisture content might make the breadsticks a bit softer.