These fun Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones are a spooky delight! Made with soft breadsticks and gooey cheese, they look just like bones, perfect for your Halloween party.
Everyone loves a cheesy treat, and these bones are no exception! I love serving them with a tasty marinara dip—it makes the perfect spooky snack for my guests. 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yeast: Using active dry yeast makes the breadstick fluffy. If you’re out of it, instant yeast is a good substitute and can be added directly with the flour.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for these breadsticks, but you can use bread flour for extra chewiness. Just remember that bread flour absorbs more liquid, so you might need to adjust the water slightly.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a gooey texture, and Parmesan adds a salty kick. You could replace mozzarella with any melting cheese like cheddar, but be cautious as it can be sharper. For dairy-free options, try vegan cheese alternatives.
Egg Wash: The egg wash gives a nice golden finish. If you want a vegan substitute, use a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup or just brush with water.
How Can I Make Sure My Breadsticks Rise Properly?
Allowing your dough to rise correctly is essential for fluffy breadsticks. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your water is warm, but not too hot—about 110°F. If it’s too hot, you might kill the yeast!
- Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area. An oven with just the light on works well.
- Cover the dough with a clean towel to keep moisture in and help it rise faster.
- Don’t rush it! Let it rise until it’s doubled, which usually takes about an hour.
How to Make Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Breadsticks:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
For the Cheese Topping:
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg white, beaten
Extras:
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes in total. You’ll spend 15 minutes prepping and shaping the bones, plus about 1 hour for the dough to rise! Baking takes another 15-18 minutes. A perfect spooky addition to your Halloween festivities!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is activated and ready to help your dough rise!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and add the olive oil. Stir everything together until you form a dough. It will be a bit sticky, but that’s okay!
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead in the remaining 1/2 cup of flour a little at a time, working the dough until it is smooth and elastic—this should take about 6-8 minutes.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is the “magic” that makes your breadsticks fluffy!
5. Preheat & Prepare:
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so your breadsticks don’t stick!
6. Shape the Bones:
Punch down the risen dough to release the air, and then divide it into 12 equal pieces. To turn each piece into a bone, roll it into a 6-7 inch long rope. Pinch or fold the ends slightly to create a rounded shape that looks like a bone!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place all your shaped dough bones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush them lightly with the beaten egg white to give a lovely golden finish.
8. Cheese it Up:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder (if you want some extra flavor) evenly over the breadsticks. They’ll get all melty and delicious in the oven!
9. Bake:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
10. Cool & Serve:
Once baked, take the breadstick bones out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your spooky, cheesy treats with friends and family!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is perfect for that gooey texture, you can substitute it with any melting cheese, such as cheddar or provolone. Just keep in mind that each cheese will give a different flavor profile!
What Should I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to the yeast not being activated properly. Make sure your water is warm (not hot) and that the yeast is fresh. If it still doesn’t work, try placing the dough in a warmer environment, as cooler temperatures can affect rising.
Can I Make These Breadsticks Vegan?
Yes! You can replace the egg wash with a mixture of non-dairy milk and a bit of maple syrup for brushing. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives to complete the recipe without any animal products.
How Should I Store Leftover Breadsticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warm and crispy!
