These Breadstick Snakes are not just a fun Halloween treat but also a savory delight that appeals to all ages. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or casual family dinners, these playful snacks bring creativity to the table. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, they are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these breadsticks in no time.
- Fun Presentation: The snake shape adds an element of playfulness that makes them perfect for Halloween festivities.
- Versatile Snack: These breadsticks can serve as an appetizer, side dish, or even a party snack.
- Kid-Friendly: Children will love helping to create these spooky treats, making it a fun family activity.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different seeds or toppings for added flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Breadstick Snakes, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wooden chopsticks or metal straws
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Wooden chopsticks or metal straws: These tools help shape the breadsticks perfectly while baking.
- Parchment paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Baking sheets: A sturdy baking sheet provides even heat distribution for golden-brown breadsticks.
Ingredients
To prepare your delicious Breadstick Snakes, gather the following ingredients:
For the Dough
- 13.8 ounce tube refrigerated pizza dough
For the Decorations
- 3 black olives
- Piece of a red bell pepper
For Brushing and Sprinkling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
How to Make Breadstick Snakes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350° F. This ensures that your Breadstick Snakes bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Snake Features
- Cut the black olives into small pieces for eyes.
- Slice the red bell pepper into forked tongues and set aside.
Step 3: Unroll Pizza Dough
Unroll the tube of refrigerated pizza dough on a clean surface.
Step 4: Cut Dough Strips
Cut the dough into 12 strips along the long side. Roll each strip into a 12-inch rope:
– Taper one end to create the tail.
– Flatten the other end to form the head.
Step 5: Shape the Snakes
Wrap each rope in a spiral around a greased wooden chopstick or metal straw:
– Brush each breadstick with olive oil.
– Sprinkle poppy seeds or sesame seeds over each snake’s body.
Step 6: Add Eyes
Place the cut black olives on top of each snake’s head to create eyes.
Step 7: Bake
Place your snakes on two parchment-lined baking sheets:
– Bake at 350° F until they turn golden brown, about 11 to 15 minutes.
– Allow them to cool for about 3 minutes before carefully removing chopsticks.
Step 8: Add Tongues
While still warm, use a toothpick or skewer to thread pieces of red pepper into the tip of each flat end to make tongues.
Enjoy your delightful Breadstick Snakes at your next gathering!
How to Serve Breadstick Snakes
These fun and tasty Breadstick Snakes are a delightful treat for any occasion, especially Halloween parties. They can be served in various creative ways that will impress both kids and adults alike.
Dipping Sauces
- Marinara Sauce: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the breadsticks.
- Garlic Butter: Melted garlic butter adds a rich taste that enhances the breadsticks.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch provides a cool contrast to the warmth of the baked snakes.
Themed Platters
- Spooky Snack Board: Create a Halloween-themed platter with veggies, fruits, and these Breadstick Snakes for a fun presentation.
- Monster Munchies: Arrange the breadsticks surrounded by other spooky snacks like gummy worms or popcorn balls.
Kid-Friendly Fun
- DIY Snake Assembly: Let kids customize their own snakes with different toppings or dips for an interactive experience.
- Storytime Snack: Pair the breadsticks with a spooky story session for an engaging activity during Halloween.
How to Perfect Breadstick Snakes
To ensure your Breadstick Snakes come out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Flourish: Make sure to taper one end of each dough strip properly to create distinct snake tails.
- Bold Seasoning: Don’t shy away from seasoning; experimenting with additional spices can elevate the flavor of your breadsticks.
- Bold Baking Time: Keep an eye on them while baking; ovens can vary, so check for a golden brown color around 11 minutes.
- Bold Cooling Technique: Allow them to cool briefly before removing from sticks for easier handling and better shape retention.
Best Side Dishes for Breadstick Snakes
Breadstick Snakes make an excellent addition to any meal or gathering. Here are some delightful side dishes that complement them well.
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies in olive oil, garlic, and parmesan for a flavorful side.
- Creamy Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup pairs wonderfully as a dip for your breadsticks.
- Stuffed Mini Peppers: Stuff mini bell peppers with cheese and herbs for a colorful, tasty side dish.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing creates a refreshing contrast to the savory breadsticks.
- Vegetable Platter with Hummus: Fresh vegetables served with hummus provide crunch and nutrition alongside your snakes.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs, veggies, and lemon dressing offers a healthy balance to your meal.
- Cheesy Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges topped with cheese make for an indulgent side dish that complements the breadsticks well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Breadstick Snakes, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using the wrong dough: Always opt for refrigerated pizza dough for the best texture. Other dough types may not hold their shape as well.
- Skipping the oil: Brushing with olive oil is crucial for achieving a golden color and enhancing flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Not tapering the ends: Tapering one end creates a realistic snake tail. Forgetting this can lead to less appealing shapes.
- Overcrowding the baking sheets: Give each breadstick enough space on the baking sheet to bake evenly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Ignoring cooling time: Allowing them to cool slightly before removing chopsticks helps maintain their shape. Patience is key!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Breadstick Snakes
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Breadstick Snakes
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350° F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, but this may make them a bit soft.
- Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Breadstick Snakes.
Can I customize the toppings on my Breadstick Snakes?
Absolutely! You can use different seeds or add herbs like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
What can I use instead of black olives for eyes?
If you don’t have black olives, you can use small pieces of green olives or even cherry tomatoes cut in half.
Are these Breadstick Snakes suitable for kids?
Yes! These fun snacks are perfect for kids and can be made together as a Halloween activity.
How do I ensure my Breadstick Snakes stay crispy?
Make sure they are brushed with olive oil before baking and don’t overcrowd the baking sheets.
Can I make these Breadstick Snakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them ahead and store them in the refrigerator or freezer, then reheat when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Breadstick Snakes are not just delicious but also a creative addition to any Halloween party. Their customizable nature allows you to experiment with different flavors and decorations. Give this recipe a try, and let your imagination run wild!
Breadstick Snakes
Breadstick Snakes are a fun and savory addition to your Halloween festivities! These playful, snake-shaped breadsticks are not only easy to make but also deliciously appealing to both kids and adults. Perfect for parties or cozy family dinners, they offer a unique twist on traditional snacks. With simple ingredients and customizable toppings, you can create a delightful experience that sparks creativity in the kitchen. Serve these spooky treats with your favorite dips and watch as they disappear in no time!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 13.8 oz refrigerated pizza dough
- 3 black olives (for eyes)
- Piece of red bell pepper (for tongues)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cut black olives into small pieces for eyes and slice red bell pepper for tongues.
- Unroll pizza dough on a clean surface and cut into 12 strips, rolling each into a 12-inch rope.
- Shape each rope into snakes, tapering one end for the tail and flattening the other for the head.
- Wrap the dough around greased chopsticks or metal straws, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with poppy and sesame seeds.
- Add olive pieces as eyes on each snake's head.
- Bake on parchment-lined baking sheets for about 11 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- While warm, insert red pepper tongues into the flat ends.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick (approximately 30g)
- Calories: 107
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 245mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg