Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones

These breadsticks are rolled into long, thin bone shapes, brushed with egg and baked until golden brown. The dough is a quick one: flour, baking powder, garlic powder and shredded mozzarella, brought together with milk and melted butter, so there is no yeast and no waiting for a rise. Cut the dough into 8 pieces and you have a tray of bones in 33 minutes, ready to dip in marinara sauce.

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The dough is easy to handle, which makes the shaping a good job for kids. Each piece is rolled about 8 inches long, and you can make the bones as spooky as you like.

What Goes into the Dough

The full amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom.

• All-purpose flour (2 cups): the base, which gives the breadsticks their structure.
• Baking powder (1 tablespoon): this makes them rise, so they come out light and fluffy.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon), salt (1 teaspoon) and sugar (1 tablespoon): seasoning, with the sugar adding a hint of sweetness.
• Shredded mozzarella (3/4 cup): the cheese that runs through the dough.
• Milk (1/2 cup) and melted unsalted butter (1/4 cup): milk binds the dough, and the butter adds richness.
• Egg (1, beaten) and Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): the egg wash gives a golden finish, and the seasoning goes on top.
• Marinara sauce: for dipping.

From Dough to Bones

Mix the dry ingredients, stir in the mozzarella, then add the milk and melted butter until a dough forms. Turn it onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 1 minute. It should be smooth but not overworked, because too much kneading makes the breadsticks less tender.

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each one into a long, thin bone, about 8 inches long. Set them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, which stops sticking and makes cleanup easy. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown, then let them cool slightly before serving.

For a bone-like texture, make small cuts in the dough with a knife before baking. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top before baking adds richness. If you want another bone recipe for the same table, there are Halloween biscuit bones too.

Ways to Change Them

• Other cheeses: cheddar, gouda or pepper jack can replace the mozzarella, and each gives the breadsticks its own taste and texture.
• Olives or pepperoni: chopped into the dough for extra flavor.
• Herbs and heat: rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist, or red pepper flakes for a little spice.
• Vegetables: finely chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can go into the dough and add some color.
• Almond flour: swap it for the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version with a nutty flavor. Almond flour absorbs moisture differently, so adjust the liquid slightly. The almond flour garlic cheese biscuits on the site use the same flour.

What to Serve with Them

Marinara is the standard dip. Ranch dressing, garlic butter or sriracha mayo are other options, and for more garlic butter there are the cheesy garlic butter bombs .

A crisp salad balances the cheese. Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, and dress it with olive oil and vinegar or a creamy ranch. A heartier salad such as roasted eggplant summer pasta salad also works, and vanilla berry crepes can follow as a sweet finish.

A cheese platter with cheddar, gouda and brie, plus olives and nuts, fits a party spread. For a drink, sparkling water with lemon or lime cleanses the palate between bites.

Other dishes that suit a Halloween table:

• Ghostly cauliflower pizza bites
• Sea salt caramel ice cream bars, for dessert

Time and Nutrition

Prep takes 15 minutes and baking takes 18 minutes, for a total of 33 minutes. One breadstick has approximately 220 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated), 28g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 1g sugar, 7g protein and 400mg sodium. These figures are estimates.

FAQ

• Can the breadsticks be made ahead? Yes. Make the dough in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
• How do you store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for longer storage. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the crisp texture.
• Can the dough be frozen? Yes. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, put it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking.
• What other dips work? Ranch dressing, garlic butter or sriracha mayo all go well with the cheesy breadsticks.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us