Nothing gets a Halloween crowd grinning like a plate of warm, cheesy breadstick bones fresh from the oven. Golden edges, gooey centers, and a “bloody” marinara dip make them look just creepy enough for the season while still being irresistibly delicious. And the best part? They’re quick, easy, and kid-approved.
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Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones

These spooky breadsticks bring together the best of Halloween fun and cozy comfort food. You only need a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes from start to snack time. The buttery Parmesan layer gives a crisp, savory bite, while the mozzarella melts into that perfect stretchy cheese pull we all crave. They’re party-friendly, great for after-school treats, and work just as well alongside soups or salads.
For an unforgettable Halloween spread, try serving them next to peanut butter spider cookies guests will love the mix of sweet and savory.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- All-purpose flour for dusting
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Optional swaps: gluten-free dough, dairy-free cheese alternatives, garlic butter for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Shape the Bone Breadsticks

Divide the dough into equal pieces. Roll each into an 8-inch rope, making the ends slightly thicker. Use kitchen scissors to snip a 1-inch cut at each end, then gently pull the tips apart to create a bone shape.

Add the Cheesy Magic

Place the shaped dough on the baking sheets. Brush generously with melted butter, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Serve with “Bloody” Marinara

Remove the breadsticks from the oven, sprinkle mozzarella over the tops, and bake for another 5–7 minutes until melted and bubbly. Serve warm with marinara sauce. For a full-on themed table, add a few witch’s broomsticks to the mix.
Expert Tips for Perfect Breadstick Bones
- Warm dough works best – Cold dough can be tricky to shape, so let it rest at room temp before rolling.
- Use fresh cheese – Pre-shredded cheese can be dry; fresh blocks melt beautifully.
- Don’t over-cheese before the first bake – Too much too soon can lead to soggy bottoms.
- Make-ahead friendly – Freeze unbaked shaped bones, then bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
If you’re setting up a big party table, these bones pair perfectly with marshmallow rice bubbles Halloween brains for a creepy-cute balance.
Variations & Fun Twists
- Add finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Brush with garlic herb butter before baking.
- Make a sweet version with cinnamon sugar and cream cheese icing for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange these bones on a wooden board with a big bowl of marinara in the center. Fill the rest of the board with Halloween goodies, like cookies, cupcakes, and themed candies. For a truly spooky vibe, dim the lights and add some flickering candles around your table.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe.
How do I make these ahead of time?
Shape and freeze the breadsticks before baking. When ready, bake straight from frozen.
What’s the best cheese for melting?
Freshly shredded mozzarella gives the best stretch and melt.
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Cheesy Halloween Breadstick Bones
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadstick bones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden-edged, gooey-centered breadstick bones with a ‘bloody’ marinara dip spooky enough for Halloween, but so delicious you’ll be making them all year long. Buttery Parmesan, stretchy mozzarella, and just 30 minutes from start to snack time make these a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- All-purpose flour for dusting
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- Optional: gluten-free dough, dairy-free cheese alternatives, garlic butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and dust lightly with flour.
- Divide dough into equal pieces. Roll each into an 8-inch rope, making ends slightly thicker.
- Use kitchen scissors to snip a 1-inch cut at each end, then gently pull tips apart to form a bone shape.
- Place on baking sheets, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Sprinkle mozzarella on top and bake another 5–7 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
For best shaping, let dough come to room temperature before rolling. Use freshly shredded mozzarella for perfect melt. Freeze shaped dough for easy make-ahead party prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick bone
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg