Halloween Bones & Blood Breadsticks

Bones & Blood Breadsticks (So Easy!)

These spooky Halloween breadsticks are buttery, soft, and shaped like bones—served with “blood” (marinara) for the perfect party snack or pre–trick-or-treat dinner. They come together in about an hour and are super fun for kids to help shape.

Ingredients & Supplies

Use our favorite breadstick dough (or the printable recipe card below). You’ll need:

• Warm water, sugar, active dry yeast
• All-purpose flour, salt
• Butter (for brushing), optional garlic powder or Italian seasoning
• Marinara or pizza sauce for “blood” dip

Helpful tools:
mixing bowl,
dough hook,
kitchen scissors,
half-sheet pan,
pastry brush.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1) Make & Rest the Dough (10 minutes)

Mix the dough and knead until soft and slightly sticky. Rest 10 minutes to relax the gluten (this makes shaping easier).

2) Shape the Bones

Roll the dough into a rectangle and cut into strips. Snip both ends of each strip with scissors, then curl the tips outward and down to form the bone “knobs.” Transfer to a buttered pan; brush tops with melted butter.

3) Rise Briefly & Bake

Let shaped breadsticks rise 10–15 minutes. Bake until golden. Brush with a little more butter, sprinkle with garlic powder or Italian seasoning if you like, and serve warm with marinara “blood.”

Serving Ideas & Tips

• Great with soup, chili, or pasta for a Halloween dinner.
• Make “mini bones” for an easy party appetizer platter.
• Parmesan + garlic butter = bakery-style flavor.
• Kids love shaping—make it a family activity!

FAQ

Can I prep these ahead?

Yes. Shape the bones, place on a sheet pan, cover, and refrigerate up to 6 hours. Bake just before serving for best texture.

Do they freeze well?

Cool completely, then freeze up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely. Refrigerated pizza dough or frozen bread dough both work. Cut, shape, rise briefly, and bake.

More Halloween Recipes You’ll Love

• Halloween Cheese Ball
• Mummy Hot Dogs
• Halloween Chocolate Pretzel Rods

Curious about yeast and dough science? Read this helpful guide from King Arthur Baking.

Bones & Blood Breadsticks Halloween Recipe

These breadsticks shaped liked bones are a fun side dish or appetizer Halloween recipe! Plus, they are easy to make!

5 / 5 ( 1 Review )

Print Rate

Prep Time: 40 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Serves: 28

Adjust Servings: 28

US CustomaryMetric

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon yeast
• 1 ½ cup warm water
• 3 ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4-1/3 cup butter
• Parmesan cheese
• garlic salt and onion powder

Instructions

• Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir together.
• Knead for 3 minutes and let rest for 10 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F/190°C. Melt the butter and spread half of it onto a baking sheet.
• Roll the dough out on a work surface into a rectangle, about the size of the baking sheet. Then use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into one-inch-wide strips. Split the ends of each strip of dough in half, make the cuts about 1-inch long. Then roll each end piece outward to make the end of the "bone." Place each breadstick on the buttered pan and brush the tops of the breadsticks with the remaining melted butter.
• Sprinkle with garlic salt, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese. Don’t be skimpy with the Parmesan. (There are lots of seasoning combinations that would be great!)
• Let rise for 10-15 minutes.
• Bake for about 20 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden brown.

Recipe Notes

These can be made earlier in the day: After seasoning them, cover with foil and refrigerate until about 1 hour before serving. Let come to room temperature and rise for 10 minutes, then bake.

Nutrition

Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 99mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

Recipe Adapted From: Our Best Bites