Cheesy Breadstick Bones are fun, cheesy, and perfect for any spooky occasion or just a snack that feels a little special. These breadsticks are soft and warm, loaded with melty cheese, and shaped like creepy little bones that make snacking playful and tasty. The combination of golden bread and gooey cheese is something everyone will smile at.
I love making these for Halloween parties or just as a fun surprise when I want to bring a little extra something to the table. The bone shape makes it a bit silly and perfect for kids and adults who enjoy a little themed treat. One tip I have is to watch the cheese carefully so it gets perfectly melted without burning — it’s all about that gooey, stretchy cheese!
I usually serve these with a simple marinara or garlic butter dip, which takes the flavor up a notch. They make a great snack to share during movie nights or as a fun starter before dinner. Every time I make them, they disappear fast because who can resist breadsticks and cheese, especially when they look this cool?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza dough: Using refrigerated pizza dough makes this recipe super easy and saves time. If you don’t have it, store-bought breadstick dough or homemade pizza dough works well too.
Mozzarella cheese: It melts beautifully and gives that stretchy, gooey bite. If you like, try provolone or a mild cheddar as substitutes for a different flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nice salty, nutty boost on top. You can swap it with Pecorino Romano or even a sprinkling of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Olive oil or butter: Brushing these on top helps create a golden, flavorful crust. Butter adds richness, olive oil feels lighter—choose based on what you prefer.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add classic flavors. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use a mix of dried basil and oregano or just garlic powder alone.
How Do You Shape the Perfect Bone for the Breadstick?
Shaping the dough into bone shapes gives these breadsticks their fun look but can feel tricky. Here’s a simple way:
- Cut the dough into 1-inch wide, 5-inch long strips.
- On each end, make two small indentations or pinch the dough slightly to form “knobby” ends, like real bones.
- Filling the dough with cheese before sealing helps keep the shape nice and adds gooeyness inside.
- Press the edges well so cheese doesn’t leak out while baking.
- Practice makes perfect—don’t worry if the shapes aren’t identical; they’ll still look great.
Putting in a little attention here makes the breadsticks look festive and inviting, perfect for parties or themed snacks!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use a standard size to hold all the breadsticks without crowding.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps the breadsticks from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Rolling pin – helps roll out the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Sharp knife or pastry cutter – for cutting the dough into strips.
- Small spoon or spatula – to add cheese onto the dough before folding.
- Basting brush – for brushing butter or oil on top for a golden crust.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Cheese swap: Use cheddar or pepper jack for more flavor or spiciness.
- Herb twist: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
- Protein boost: Mix cooked bacon bits or chopped cooked sausage into the cheese filling for extra heartiness.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a little heat.
Cheesy Breadstick Bones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or breadstick dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Coarse sea salt or garlic salt, for sprinkling
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12 to 15 minutes to bake, so you’ll have warm, cheesy breadstick bones ready in under half an hour. Perfect for a quick snack or fun party treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Roll and Cut the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Then, cut the dough into strips around 1 inch wide and 5 inches long.
3. Shape Your Bones:
Shape each strip into a fun bone shape by making two small indentations on each end to create the “knobby” ends of the bone.
4. Add Cheese and Seal:
Place a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on one half of each strip. Then fold the dough over and press the edges firmly to seal the cheese inside, keeping all that cheesy goodness within.
5. Season and Bake:
Arrange your shaped breadstick bones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning (if using), Parmesan cheese, and a little coarse or garlic salt on top to add flavor and a nice crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and the cheese inside has melted.
6. Serve Warm:
Enjoy your cheesy breadstick bones fresh from the oven with marinara sauce for dipping. They’re perfect for a spooky snack or just a tasty treat!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the dough completely in the fridge overnight before rolling it out. This helps the dough become easier to work with and bakes more evenly.
Can I Make These Breadstick Bones Ahead of Time?
You can shape the breadsticks and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. For best results, bake them fresh so the crust stays crispy and the cheese melts beautifully.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispiness.
What Can I Use Instead of Marinara Sauce?
If you don’t have marinara, try ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a spicy queso dip for a delicious alternative.