These Cheesy Breadstick Bones are the perfect spooky snack to bring some fun to your Halloween party! Crispy, cheesy breadsticks shaped like bones give a playful twist to a classic favorite that everyone loves. The melted cheese inside makes each bite warm and gooey, while the golden crust adds a satisfying crunch.
I love making these breadstick bones because they’re simple to whip up but make such a big impression. It’s fun to see how the bone shapes come out, and kids especially get a kick out of pretending they’re munching on something truly Halloween-themed. Plus, cheese and bread are always a crowd-pleaser, so you know no one will be leaving hungry.
My favorite way to serve these is with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. It adds a nice zing and makes the whole experience even more delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a special treat for the day, these cheesy bone breadsticks are sure to add a little spooky fun to your table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breadstick Dough: Refrigerated breadstick dough is easy to work with and perfect for this recipe. No breadstick dough? Use pre-made pizza dough or even puff pastry for a flakier option.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella gives great meltiness and stretchiness. If you want a sharper flavor, try mixing in provolone or fontina.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bit of tang and color. Sharp or mild cheddar works fine. For a different twist, swap for Colby or Monterey Jack.
Egg Wash: Brushing with egg wash helps create a lovely golden-brown crust. If you prefer not to use eggs, milk or cream works well too.
How Do You Make Perfect Bone Shapes and Seal the Cheese Inside?
Creating the bone shapes and sealing the cheese can be tricky. Here are some tips to get it right:
- When cutting the dough, use a sharp knife to get clean edges. Make rounded ends and add “knobs” on the sides by pinching the dough slightly.
- Keep the cheese inside a little smaller than the dough piece to avoid leaks.
- Press the edges firmly together then pinch or crimp with a fork to seal them well.
- Cut small holes on top before baking to let steam escape and keep the breadsticks from puffing up too much.
Following these tips helps your cheesy bone breadsticks keep their shape, stay melty inside, and look fun and spooky!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat, rimmed tray to bake your breadstick bones evenly.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – to cut dough neatly into bone shapes.
- Small round cutter or straw – perfect for making the “holes” in the bread bones.
- Pastry brush – to apply egg wash for a golden, shiny crust.
- Mixing bowl – for beating the egg before brushing onto the dough.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try pepperoni slices or cooked sausage inside for a meaty surprise that adds flavor and protein.
- Use different cheeses like pepper jack or smoked gouda to change the taste and add a spicy or smoky note.
- Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or Italian seasoning on top before baking to boost the flavor.
- Mix in finely chopped spinach or roasted red peppers inside the cheese for some color and extra veggies.
How to Make Yummy Halloween Cheesy Breadstick Bones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Breadstick Bones:
- 1 can refrigerated breadstick dough (or pizza dough)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing baking sheet
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. You’ll need a few extra minutes to let the breadstick bones cool slightly before serving. Overall, it’s a quick and easy appetizer that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or butter to make sure your cheesy breadstick bones don’t stick.
2. Shape the Breadstick Bones:
Unroll the breadstick dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into bone-shaped pieces. Think rectangles with rounded ends and add small “knobs” on the sides to mimic bones. You can pinch or fold the ends slightly to get that shape.
3. Add the Cheese Filling:
Place a layer of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on half of the bone shapes. Leave a small border around the edges so the cheese doesn’t leak out.
4. Seal the Bones:
Cover the cheese-filled dough pieces with the remaining bone-shaped pieces. Press the edges firmly to seal the cheese inside.
5. Make the Bone Holes:
Use a small round cutter or a straw to cut out small holes on top of each breadstick bone. These holes give them a spooky, skull-like appearance and help steam escape while baking.
6. Apply Egg Wash and Bake:
Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the breadstick bones to give them a lovely golden color when baked. Place the bones on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is nice and melted.
7. Cool and Serve:
Remove the breadstick bones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Dough Instead of Refrigerated Dough?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the frozen dough completely in the fridge overnight before using it. Let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes to make shaping easier.
Can I Make These Cheesy Breadstick Bones Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the breadstick bones and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover breadstick bones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
What Are Some Good Dipping Sauces Besides Marinara?
Ranch dressing, garlic butter, or a spicy sriracha mayo all pair wonderfully with these cheesy breadstick bones for extra flavor variety.
