Every Halloween, I get giddy thinking about fun, spooky snacks that make both kids and adults smile. My absolute favorite? These insanely easy Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones with Marinara Blood for Dipping—they’re the perfect mix of creepy and delicious. Last year, I whipped up a batch for my niece’s monster-themed party, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than a ghost in the night! The best part? You probably have most ingredients in your kitchen already. Just wait till you see the kids’ faces when you serve these “bones” with their “blood” dipping sauce—total Halloween magic!
Table of contents:
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones
Trust me, these breadstick bones will become your new Halloween tradition—here’s why:
- So easy a zombie could make them: Just unroll, shape, sprinkle, and bake. No fancy skills needed!
- Kid-approved creepy fun: My little monsters go wild for the “blood” dipping sauce—it’s edible Halloween theater.
- Party superstar: They disappear fast at gatherings (last year, I caught adults sneaking thirds!).
- Totally customizable: Swap cheeses, add pepperoni “bandages,” or make them extra garlicky—it’s your spooky kitchen!
Ingredients for Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these spooktacular breadstick bones—I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz)—the kind that pops open always makes me jump, perfect for Halloween!
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (packed)—go for the pre-shredded kind to save time, or grate your own for extra melty goodness
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce—use your favorite jarred brand or homemade if you’re fancy
- 1 tbsp olive oil—just enough to give the bones a golden glow
- 1 tsp garlic powder—because everything tastes better with garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano—for that classic pizza parlor aroma
See? Told you it was simple! Now let’s get those bones baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
No fancy gadgets required—just grab these basics from your kitchen:
- Baking sheet (line it with parchment if you’re smart like me—easy cleanup!)
- Rolling pin (or a wine bottle in a pinch—we’ve all been there)
- Bone-shaped cookie cutter (or get creative with a knife if you’re feeling crafty)
- Small bowl for your “blood” sauce—Halloween vibes demand dramatic presentation!
That’s it! Now let’s make some magic (and maybe a little mess).
How to Make Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones
Okay, let’s turn that pile of ingredients into spooky, cheesy magic! This is seriously so easy—I’ve made these half-asleep after work and they still came out amazing. Here’s exactly how to do it:
Shaping the Breadstick Bones
First, flour your counter lightly so the dough doesn’t stick (pro tip: I keep a little bowl of flour nearby for dusting my fingers too). Unroll the pizza dough—that *POP!* always makes me jump, which feels appropriately Halloween-y! Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Too thin and they’ll be crispy, too thick and they’ll be doughy—aim for Goldilocks perfection.
Now the fun part! Press your bone cookie cutter straight down—no twisting or the edges won’t seal right. If you don’t have a cutter, just cut rectangles and pinch the ends to form little bone knobs. Place them on your prepared baking sheet about an inch apart—they’ll puff up like little ghosts rising from the grave!
Baking to Golden Perfection
Pop those bad boys in a preheated 375°F oven (middle rack position is best for even baking). Bake for 12-15 minutes—you’ll know they’re done when the cheese is bubbly and the edges turn that perfect golden brown. I like to give them the “tap test”—if they sound hollow when lightly tapped, they’re ready to come out!
While they bake, heat your marinara in a small saucepan or microwave until warm (but not lava-hot). Pour it into a creepy little bowl—I sometimes use a mini cauldron for extra Halloween points. Let the breadsticks cool for just a minute before serving—that cheese is molten right out of the oven!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones
After making these dozens of times (yes, we eat them year-round!), here are my foolproof tricks:
- Chill the dough for 10 minutes if it’s being stubborn—cold dough is SO much easier to shape into perfect little bones!
- Double the cheese if you want that ooey-gooey pull—I won’t tell if you sneak extra mozzarella!
- Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes—they crisp up like new (though let’s be honest, leftovers are rare!).
- Add black sesame “bugs” before baking for extra creepy-crawly effect—the kids go nuts for this!
Now go make some magical (and slightly spooky) memories! For more fun recipes, check out our recipes section.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy bones steal the show all on their own, but oh boy—they’re even better with friends! Serve them alongside other Halloween treats like “witch finger” pretzels or “eyeball” deviled eggs for a full monster mash of snacks. Want extra creep factor? Sprinkle black sesame “bugs” over the marinara blood right before serving—the kids will scream (with delight)! For adults, I love adding a bowl of spicy arrabbiata sauce labeled “Zombie Blood” for an extra kick. However you serve them, just be ready—these bones get snatched up faster than candy on Halloween night! You can find more spooky inspiration on Pinterest.
Storing and Reheating
If by some miracle you have leftovers (rare in my house!), pop them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When reheating, skip the microwave—toss them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back that perfect crispiness. Trust me, they’ll taste like fresh-baked spooky perfection!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in these deliciously spooky breadstick bones—just remember these are estimates (your favorite brands might change things slightly):
- Calories: 180 per bone (worth every cheesy bite!)
- Fat: 8g (that’s the good melty cheese doing its thing)
- Carbs: 20g (perfect for fueling little monsters)
- Protein: 6g (cheese power!)
My philosophy? Halloween treats should be fun first—but it’s nice knowing these aren’t total nutrition zombies! Now go enjoy that cheesy goodness. If you’re looking for other fun holiday treats, try our pumpkin spice pull-apart bread.
FAQs About Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones
Got questions? I’ve got answers—here’s everything you need to know about these spooky snacks:
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of canned? Absolutely! My grandma’s pizza dough recipe works beautifully—just roll it slightly thinner than store-bought since it rises more. Bonus: homemade dough lets you add black food coloring for “dirty bone” effect!
How do I make these gluten-free? Easy! Use your favorite GF pizza dough (I like the cauliflower crust kinds) and check your marinara labels. The cheese is naturally GF—hooray!
Can I freeze the breadstick bones? You bet! Freeze before baking—lay shaped dough on parchment, freeze solid, then bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes. They’ll taste like fresh-baked Halloween magic!
What other cheeses work? Get creative! Pepper jack adds “spooky spice,” while smoked gouda gives “campfire ghost” vibes. Mixing cheeses is my secret for extra flavor—just keep it to 1 cup total.
Can I make these ahead? Totally! Shape the bones, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Next day—sprinkle cheese and bake! The dough might need 1-2 extra minutes since it’s cold.
Spooky Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones Kids Love in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 8 breadsticks
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make these fun Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones with Marinara Blood for Dipping. Perfect for Halloween parties or spooky-themed snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out pizza dough and cut into bone shapes.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on each breadstick.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Heat marinara sauce in a small bowl for dipping.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Use cookie cutters for uniform bone shapes.
- Add extra cheese for a gooey texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American