Cheesy Breadstick Bones are a fun and tasty treat that’s perfect for sharing, especially around Halloween or any time you want a little playful snack. These breadsticks are soft, warm, and packed with gooey melted cheese inside and out. The crispy, golden crust and the cheesy pull make every bite super satisfying.
I love making these because they’re not only delicious but also easy to shape into little bone shapes that everyone finds irresistible. It’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen too—they can help twist and shape the dough while dreaming up spooky stories. I always sprinkle a little garlic powder and Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor that makes these breadsticks feel extra special.
These cheesy breadstick bones go perfectly with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. I like to serve them fresh from the oven when the cheese is still warm and gooey, making every bite into a little cheesy adventure. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a Halloween party, these breadstick bones always bring smiles and happy bellies around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza dough: Using refrigerated pizza dough keeps things quick and easy. If you prefer, homemade dough works great too! For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pizza dough in stores or make your own.
Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives that classic cheesy stretch. You can swap in provolone or a mild cheddar if you want a different flavor.
Butter & seasonings: Melted butter keeps the tops soft and adds flavor. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning bring a tasty punch. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Marinara sauce: This is the perfect dip to balance the cheesy breadsticks. Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade sauce for an even fresher taste.
How Can You Shape Perfect Cheesy Breadstick Bones?
Shaping the dough to look like bones is easier than it seems! Here’s a tip to get it just right:
- Roll your dough evenly so it bakes the same all over.
- Cut strips about 1 inch wide for easy handling.
- At each end of the strip, pinch the dough wider and round it off to create the “bone ends.”
- Seal the cheese inside by pinching edges tightly, so no cheese leaks out while baking.
- Brush with butter last to help the seasoning stick and give a nice golden color.
With these steps, your breadsticks will look great and hold their cheesy goodness inside every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I like a rimmed one because it helps contain any cheese that might melt out a bit.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – makes cleanup easy and keeps the breadsticks from sticking.
- Rolling pin – helps get the dough to an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – essential for slicing the dough into even strips.
- Pastry brush – I use it to spread melted butter evenly over the breadsticks for a perfect golden finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar for a different cheesy flavor and slight heat.
- Add cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage or pepperoni inside for a meaty version.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan or a herb blend over the tops before baking for extra flavor.
- Mix chopped herbs like basil or parsley into the dough for fresh notes in every bite.
Cheesy Breadstick Bones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 ounces)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total — 5 minutes for prep and around 15 minutes for baking. It’s a quick snack or appetizer, perfect when you want something cheesy and fun without a long wait.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to keep the breadsticks from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Roll Out and Cut the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Cut the dough into strips roughly 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
3. Shape the Breadstick Bones:
Pinch and gently widen each strip at both ends to form rounded knobs, resembling the ends of a bone. This makes the fun bone shape for each breadstick.
4. Add the Cheese and Seal:
Place a handful of shredded mozzarella evenly along the center of each strip. Fold the dough over the cheese lengthwise and pinch the edges tightly to seal the cheese inside so it doesn’t leak out while baking.
5. Season and Bake:
Arrange the breadstick bones on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Brush the melted butter on top, then sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly over them.
Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until the breadsticks turn golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
6. Cool and Serve:
Let the breadsticks cool for a couple of minutes so they’re safe to eat but still warm and melty. Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy breadstick bones—they’re sure to be a fun hit!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for This Recipe?
Yes! Just thaw the frozen dough in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before rolling out. This will make it easier to shape and prevent tearing.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the breadstick bones and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any 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 (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Absolutely! Mozzarella melts best, but you can try provolone, cheddar, or a mix for different flavors. Just make sure they melt well to keep that gooey interior.
