These Cheesy Breadstick Bones are the perfect Halloween appetizer to add some spooky fun to your party table. Soft, golden breadsticks are shaped like bones and loaded with gooey melted cheese that stretches with every bite. They’re not only playful but also packed with flavor, making them a hit for both kids and grown-ups.
I love making these breadstick bones because they’re super easy to shape and bake, and the cheesy center always brings everyone together. A little sprinkle of herbs on top adds just the right touch without taking away from the fun bone shape. I find it’s a great way to get everyone excited about the food, especially when the breadsticks start looking extra creepy and cute!
For serving, I like to place them on a dark or orange platter to make the “bones” really stand out. You can pair them with marinara sauce or a creamy dip for dunking, which makes eating these even more enjoyable. They bring a lighthearted vibe to the party and always spark conversations and smiles — a perfect treat to make your Halloween gathering feel extra special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza dough: Using refrigerated dough makes this recipe quick and simple. If you want a gluten-free option, there are gluten-free pizza doughs available that work well, just adjust baking time slightly.
Mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and gives that stretchy, gooey effect. I prefer whole milk mozzarella for richer taste, but part-skim works fine too. You can swap it with provolone or mild cheddar if desired.
Sharp cheddar: Adds a nice flavor contrast to mozzarella. If you like, try smoked cheddar for an extra flavor kick or use parmesan for a sharper profile.
Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: These add flavor without overpowering. Fresh garlic can be used instead of powder but use less. Dried herbs work nicely, but fresh basil or oregano could be tossed on after baking for a fresh touch.
How Do You Shape Breadsticks into Bone Shapes Easily?
Forming perfect breadstick bones can seem tricky, but with a few simple steps, it’s quite fun and easy:
- Roll out dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness to ensure even baking.
- If you don’t have a cookie cutter, cut rectangles roughly 5 inches long and 2 inches wide.
- Pinch or fold each end to create two rounded knobs, mimicking a bone shape.
- Make sure to seal edges well around the cheese stuffing to prevent leaks during baking.
- If dough sticks, lightly flour your hands and the surface to help shape bones smoothly.
This shaping adds a playful Halloween touch, and the tender texture of the breadstick stays soft and cheesy inside. Take your time to shape a few practice pieces—you’ll get better with each one!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – A flat tray to bake the breadstick bones evenly and catch any melty cheese drips.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
- Rolling pin – Helps you roll out the dough evenly to the right thickness for shaping bones.
- Sharp knife or bone-shaped cookie cutter – For cutting fun bone shapes; a cookie cutter makes it quicker and neater.
- Pastry brush – Great for brushing melted butter and seasoning on top for extra flavor and golden color.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or mix in some diced jalapeños for a little heat.
- Cheese swap: Use pepper jack or smoked gouda instead of mozzarella for a more intense flavor.
- Herb add-in: Toss fresh chopped rosemary or thyme into the butter mixture for a fresh, woodsy note.
- Stuffed variation: Add small pieces of cooked bacon or pepperoni inside with the cheese for a meatier bite.
How to Make Cheesy Breadstick Bones for Halloween
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough and Cheese Filling:
- 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or breadstick dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For The Seasoning and Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving (Optional):
- Marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 12-15 minutes to bake, and just a few minutes to cool—so you’re looking at around 30 minutes total. It’s quick and easy, perfect for last-minute Halloween fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Area:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup simple.
2. Shape the Breadstick Bones:
Unroll the refrigerated dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Using a knife or a bone-shaped cookie cutter, cut the dough into bone shapes. If you don’t have a cutter, cut long rectangles and pinch both ends to shape rounded “bone knobs.”
3. Fill and Seal the Bones:
Place half of the shredded mozzarella and all the cheddar cheese in the center of each dough bone, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the dough over the cheese and press gently to seal, reshaping as needed to keep the bone look.
4. Add Flavor and Bake:
Set the shaped breadstick bones on your lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brush this buttery mixture over the tops of the breadstick bones. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let your cheesy bones cool just a bit before serving. For a tasty finishing touch, serve warm with marinara sauce or any dip you like.
Can I Use Frozen Dough Instead of Refrigerated?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the frozen dough completely in the refrigerator overnight before using. Let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before rolling out for easier shaping.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can shape the breadstick bones and refrigerate them on the baking sheet, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 1 day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftover Breadstick Bones?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Yes! Mozzarella is best for meltiness, but you can mix in provolone, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for some spice. Just avoid cheeses that don’t melt well, like feta or hard aged cheese.
