25-Minute Cheesy Breadstick Bones That Disappear Instantly

You know that moment when you need a snack that’s fun, cheesy, and disappears within minutes? That’s exactly what happened when I first made these Cheesy Breadstick “Bones” for my nephew’s dinosaur-themed birthday party. I swear, the kids (and let’s be honest, the adults too) couldn’t get enough of them! Crispy on the outside, gooey with cheese on the inside, and shaped like adorable little bones—these are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s game day, Halloween, or just a random Tuesday when you’re craving something cheesy, these breadstick bones are my go-to. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up—you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them forever!

Table of contents:

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Breadstick Bones

Honestly, these little guys check all the boxes for me:

• Quick & easy: Ready in 25 minutes flat – even my toddler can “help” shape them!
• Party superstar: The bone shape makes them perfect for game days, Halloween, or dinosaur-themed birthdays (trust me, kids go wild for them)
• Texture heaven: That perfect combo of crispy edges with melty, stretchy cheese in every bite
• Endlessly adaptable: Swap cheeses, add spices, or serve with different dips – they’re like the little black dress of appetizers

I’ve made these for everything from book club to preschool parties, and they never last more than 10 minutes on the plate!

Ingredients for Cheesy Breadstick Bones

Grab these simple ingredients – I promise your pantry probably has most of them already:

• 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (the kind that pops open scares me every time, but it’s worth it!)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (pack it lightly in your measuring cup – we want cheesy, not dense)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (the powdery kind works best for sticking to the dough)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (I use extra virgin for that extra flavor punch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt – we’ll add our own salt separately)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano (crush it between your fingers to wake up the flavor)
• 1/2 tsp salt (I like kosher salt for even distribution)

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

No stress if you need to swap things around:

• Cheese options: Cheddar, provolone, or even a blend work great if you’re out of mozzarella
• Fresh herbs? Use 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano instead of dried
• Dough DIY: Homemade pizza dough works too – just roll it slightly thicker than usual
• Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF pizza dough (add an extra minute to baking time)
• Spice lovers: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the oregano for a kick

How to Make Cheesy Breadstick Bones

Trust me – these are way easier to make than they look. Here’s how we’ll transform basic pizza dough into cheesy bone-shaped magic:

1. Heat things up: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) – this gives the dough that instant crisp when it hits the hot pan.
2. Roll it out: On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick (no need to be perfect – rustic is charming!).
3. Shape those bones: Cut the dough into 12 strips (more on shaping tricks below), then twist and pinch to form bone shapes.
4. Flavor boost: Brush each bone with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, and salt – this creates that irresistible golden crust.
5. Cheese it up: Pile on the mozzarella first for melty goodness, then the parmesan for that crispy-cheesy crust contrast.
6. Bake to perfection: 12-15 minutes does the trick – you’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is bubbly and the edges turn golden brown.

Pro tip: Let them cool just 2 minutes before serving – that’s when the cheese is at its perfect stretchy peak!

Shaping the Breadstick Bones

The secret to perfect bones is in the twist! Cut your dough strips about 1-inch wide and 6-inches long. Pinch both ends to form the “knobs” of the bone, then give the middle a gentle twist (like wringing out a towel). If the dough sticks to your hands, just dust your fingers with a tiny bit of flour. No stress if they’re not perfect – irregular bones look more realistic anyway!

Baking Tips for Perfect Cheesy Breadstick Bones

Use the middle rack for even baking – too high and the cheese browns too fast. Watch for three signs they’re done: 1) cheese is fully melted with light golden spots, 2) edges are crisp, and 3) bottoms sound hollow when lightly tapped. If the cheese starts browning too quickly, just lay a piece of foil loosely over the top for the last few minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Breadstick Bones

Oh, the possibilities! These cheesy bones are delicious plain, but I love getting creative with how I serve them. For parties, arrange them on a platter with small bowls of marinara sauce (my go-to), garlic butter, or even ranch dressing for dipping. They’re fantastic alongside a big pot of tomato soup – the ultimate cozy combo! At kids’ parties, I’ll sometimes stick them upright in a bowl of “dirt” (crushed Oreos) for a playful dinosaur dig snack. Pro tip: Sprinkle extra parmesan and herbs over the platter for that fancy bakery look with zero extra work!

Storing and Reheating Cheesy Breadstick Bones

Here’s the good news – these cheesy bones actually reheat beautifully! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container with parchment between layers (that cheese likes to stick). They’ll keep for up to 2 days at room temperature – though mine never last that long! To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven crispness, pop them in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes or toast them lightly in your toaster oven. Microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose that perfect crunch – though the cheese will still be gloriously melty!

Nutritional Information for Cheesy Breadstick Bones

Just so you know what you’re biting into, here’s the scoop per breadstick bone (based on standard brands – yours may vary slightly): about 120 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated), 15g carbs, 1g fiber, and 4g protein. Not bad for something this delicious! Remember, exact numbers change with different cheese brands or dough types, but let’s be real – nobody counts calories when there’s melty cheese involved.

Common Questions About Cheesy Breadstick Bones

I get asked about these all the time – here are the answers to the questions that pop up most:

Can I use homemade pizza dough? Absolutely! Just roll it slightly thicker than store-bought (about 1/3 inch) since homemade tends to puff more. My grandma’s recipe works beautifully if you want to go full scratch.

How do I make these gluten-free? Easy swap – use your favorite GF pizza dough. You might need an extra minute or two in the oven since GF doughs often take longer to crisp up.

Why do my breadsticks stick to the pan? Oh, I’ve been there! Make sure you’re using enough olive oil underneath – that golden crust needs lubrication. A silicone mat works wonders too.

Can I prep these ahead? You bet! Shape them, then refrigerate covered for up to 4 hours before baking. Just add an extra minute to the bake time since they’ll be cold.

What’s the best cheese blend? While mozzarella is classic, I’ve had amazing results mixing in sharp cheddar or even pepper jack for grown-up versions. The key is using at least one melty cheese!

Did You Try This Recipe?

I’d love to see your cheesy bone creations! Tag me on Instagram with your best breadstick bones – nothing makes me happier than seeing these little guys at your parties. And hey, if you tweaked the recipe in an awesome way, shout it out in the comments below. Your ideas might just make it into my next batch!

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