There's something incredibly special about food that brings a smile to your face before you even take a bite. These Halloween breadstick bones do exactly that, turning a simple snack into a playful, spooky centerpiece.
They are the perfect combination of cute and creepy, ideal for setting a festive mood. Best of all, they are deceptively simple to create, requiring no special skills or fancy tools.
Let's be honest, half the fun of Halloween is in the themed treats. These breadstick bones deliver that festive spirit in a delicious, warm, and savory package.
They are incredibly versatile, fitting right in at a large costume party or making a simple family movie night feel like an event. Pair them with a film like *Frankenweenie* for a wonderfully cohesive, dog-friendly theme that everyone will adore.
Gathering your ingredients is the first easy step. You'll be amazed at how such a clever treat comes from such a short, simple list.
That is genuinely all you need to get started. The pre-made dough is the ultimate shortcut, letting you focus on the fun shaping part.
Creating the iconic bone shape is far easier than it looks, I promise. It all comes down to a simple knot-tying technique.
You'll find your rhythm quickly, and before you know it, you'll have a whole baking sheet full of adorable, knobby bones. Just ensure your dough strips are long enough to give you room to work.
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a hot start for a perfect bake.
Take a moment to lightly grease your baking sheet; this simple step prevents any unfortunate sticking and ensures golden-brown bottoms.
Carefully unroll the can of pizza dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Try to keep it in one neat rectangle if you can.
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice the dough into 12 even strips. Consistency in size helps them bake uniformly.
Now for the magical part. Take each strip of dough and gently tie a loose knot at each end.
The middle section will remain straight, instantly creating that classic, spooky bone silhouette. Don't worry if they're not perfect—a little irregularity adds character.
This is where the flavor comes alive. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over all of your shaped bones.
Follow this with a dusting of garlic powder and a pinch of salt, to your personal taste. This savory coating is what makes them utterly irresistible.
Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end.
You're looking for a lovely golden-brown color and a firm, cooked-through texture. The cheesy topping should be lightly melted and fragrant.
While these breadstick bones are fantastic on their own, dipping sauces truly elevate them. A warm pizza sauce is a classic and delicious choice.
For a spooky twist, you can always playfully refer to the marinara as "blood sauce"—it’s a surefire hit with the kids. A creamy Alfredo or a cheesy beer dip would also be wonderfully decadent.
If your dough feels too sticky, a light dusting of flour on your hands and work surface makes handling it a breeze. You want to work relatively quickly so the dough doesn't become too soft.
For an extra flavor boost, consider brushing the shaped bones with a very light coating of melted butter or olive oil before adding the cheese and seasonings. This helps the toppings adhere and promotes a beautiful, golden finish.
If you're making these for a party, you can shape them a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the fridge on the baking sheet until you're ready to bake and serve.
Don't feel limited to the savory route. For a sweet and spooky treat, try a cinnamon-sugar version.
Simply skip the cheese and garlic, and instead brush the bones with melted butter before rolling them in a mix of cinnamon and sugar. A vanilla glaze drizzled over the top after baking makes them a ghostly dessert.
If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and crispness, reheat them in a 350-degree oven for about 5 minutes. The microwave can make them soft and chewy, so the oven is definitely the better choice.
These breadstick bones are the perfect starter for a full Halloween dinner. Serve them alongside a creepy-crawly pasta dish or a spooky spider web pizza.
They also make a fantastic, interactive appetizer that gets guests mingling as they grab a bone and dip. It’s the little details that transform a regular gathering into a memorable Halloween party.
The joy of this recipe is how it encourages creativity, both in the kitchen and in your party planning. So embrace the fun, get a little messy, and create some deliciously spooky memories.
These spooky Halloween breadstick bones are a fun, easy-to-make appetizer perfect for Halloween parties, dog-themed gatherings, or family movie nights—especially while watching Frankenweenie! Made with store-bought pizza dough and seasoned with garlic, salt, and Parmesan, they’re delicious, cute, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Servings 12
Serving Size 1 breadstick
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.