Breadstick Bones Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, delicious twist on traditional breadsticks, you’re going to absolutely love this Breadstick Bones Recipe. Not only are these breadsticks perfectly soft and buttery, but their playful bone shape makes them irresistible for parties, Halloween, or just a cozy family snack. I discovered this recipe when I wanted to add a little whimsy to our dinner table, and my family went crazy for them. Keep reading because I’m sharing everything you need to make them turn out perfectly every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to give you soft, flavorful breadsticks that are easy to handle. Just a heads up: using warm water is key to waking up that yeast, so keep a kitchen thermometer handy if you want to be precise.

• Warm water: Make sure it’s comfortably warm—not hot—to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Active dry yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise with a nice fluffy texture.
• Sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and add a touch of sweetness.
• Salt: Balances the flavors perfectly and strengthens the dough structure.
• Canola oil: Keeps the breadsticks moist and tender without overpowering other flavors.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works great—just add a little at a time to get the right dough consistency.
• Butter (for topping): Melted butter brushed on warm breadsticks gives that wonderful buttery shine.
• Garlic salt: Adds subtle garlicky goodness with a touch of saltiness.
• Grated parmesan cheese: A topping that brings a cheesy, savory finish you’ll want every time.
• Marinara sauce: Perfect for dipping and taking these breadsticks to the next level.

Variations

I love how easy it is to personalize this Breadstick Bones Recipe. You can experiment with flavors, toppings, or even shape them differently if you want something less spooky. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

• Herb-Infused Variation: I once added chopped rosemary and thyme to the dough and it turned out incredible for a more rustic flavor.
• Cheesy Twist: Mixing shredded mozzarella inside the dough before shaping makes these even more irresistible for cheese lovers.
• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and although the texture shifts slightly, the taste still wins the day.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes on the butter topping for a little heat that balances beautifully with the garlic and parmesan.

How to Make Breadstick Bones Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water. This part is crucial—you want the water warm enough (around 105-110°F) to wake up the yeast, but not so hot it kills it. Wait for it to get foamy and bubbly on top; this is your sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Add salt, oil, and about two cups of flour to the yeast mixture and stir until combined. Then, gradually add the remaining flour, about a quarter cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and feels soft but not sticky. I usually knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, a dough hook does the job beautifully here.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour—or until it’s doubled in size. This rise makes your breadsticks light and airy, so patience really pays off here.

Step 4: Shape Your Breadstick Bones

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles, then divide it into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope. Here’s the fun part: cut a 2-3 inch slit on each side of the rope, then twist the dough on either side of the slit in opposite directions to form a bone shape. It sounds tricky, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s actually quite satisfying.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Place your shaped bones on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them again, and let them rise for another 45 minutes to an hour until doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F during the last 10 minutes of rising. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.

Step 6: Butter and Top

Right after they come out of the oven, brush each breadstick bone with melted butter, then sprinkle garlic salt and parmesan cheese over the top. Serving them warm is best because that butter soaks in and the cheese melts slightly, making these breadsticks simply irresistible.

How to Serve Breadstick Bones Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling extra freshly grated parmesan and a tiny pinch of finely chopped parsley on top to add color and freshness—that little touch makes these breadstick bones look extra special and taste amazing.

Side Dishes

These breadstick bones are fantastic with classic marinara for dipping, but they also pair beautifully with cozy soups like tomato basil or creamy chicken noodle. I often serve them alongside a big salad or even a batch of spaghetti for a fun, crowd-pleasing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween or themed parties, I like arranging the breadstick bones on a platter shaped like a skeleton or in little “graveyards” with tombstone-shaped cheese slices. Another fun idea is to tie a little ribbon around the middle “knot” of each bone—kids think it’s like a gift just for them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover breadstick bones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best eaten within that window because they can dry out, but you can always refresh them in the oven to bring back some softness.

Freezing

If I’m making these ahead for a party, I freeze shaped, unbaked breadstick bones by placing them on a tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw and let rise as usual before popping them in the oven. This method saves so much time on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I like wrapping the breadsticks in foil and warming them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them soft without drying out or toughening the crust.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Breadstick Bones Recipe turns out every single time. It’s the perfect combo of soft, buttery, and just a little bit cheesy, with that playful bone shape that makes everyone smile. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving something comforting and fun, these breadstick bones never disappoint. I highly recommend giving them a try—you might just find yourself making them on repeat like I do!

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