Cheesy Breadstick Bones are a fun and tasty twist on your classic breadsticks, shaped like little bones and loaded with melty cheese. They’re crispy on the outside with a soft, chewy center that’s packed with gooey, golden cheese. Perfect for adding a playful touch to your meals or snacks, especially around Halloween or anytime you want a little extra fun with your food.
I love making these because they’re simple and always a hit, no matter the occasion. I usually mix mozzarella with a bit of parmesan to get that rich, cheesy flavor, and sprinkle some garlic and herbs on top for an extra burst of taste. Plus, shaping the dough into bones is quick and really fun—it even gets kids involved in the kitchen!
These cheesy breadstick bones go great dipped in marinara sauce, ranch, or even a little garlic butter. I often serve them alongside soups, salads, or pasta dishes to add a comforting, cheesy touch that everyone loves. They’re a warm, tasty snack that somehow feels special without any fuss, making them one of my go-to treats to share when friends drop by or when I want to brighten up a quiet night in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza dough: Using refrigerated pizza dough makes this recipe quick and easy. If you prefer, you can make your own dough or use pre-made breadstick dough for a different texture.
Mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic stretchy, gooey feel. You could swap it for provolone or a mild cheddar for a different flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great alternatives.
Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: These add warmth and spice without overpowering the cheese. You can adjust the herbs to suit your taste—fresh herbs work well too!
How Can You Shape Perfect Bone-Shaped Breadsticks?
To get those cute bone shapes, roll out the dough evenly to about ¼ inch thick. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, no worries! Just shape rectangles with rounded ends and pinch the middle a little narrower.
Place your shapes on a baking sheet with room between them so they bake evenly. Press the cheese gently onto the dough so it sticks but doesn’t slide off during baking. Brush the garlic butter evenly on top for a golden, flavorful crust.
Remember, the oven temperature is key—375°F ensures the cheese bubbles nicely without burning while the breadsticks cook through. Keep an eye on them near the end to catch that perfect golden brown color.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use a standard sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Rolling pin – helps evenly roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick for that perfect shape.
- Bone-shaped cookie cutter or knife – a cookie cutter shapes the bones quickly; a knife works well if you don’t have one.
- Basting brush – for applying the garlic butter mixture evenly on top.
- Shredder – to grate the mozzarella and Parmesan; fresh shredded melts best.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch up the cheese: try provolone or cheddar for different flavors and melting textures.
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon or chopped cooked sausage to the cheese for a meaty twist.
- Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or Italian herbs on top before baking for extra flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley mixed into the cheese for a fresh, green note.
Cheesy Breadstick Bones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and roughly 12-15 minutes for baking. So, in around 25 minutes total, you’ll have warm, cheesy breadstick bones ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dough:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to stop the breadsticks from sticking. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
2. Shape the Breadstick Bones:
Use a bone-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough. If you don’t have one, simply cut rectangles with rounded ends and pinch the middle a bit narrower to shape them like bones. Place these dough shapes onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over each breadstick bone. Press lightly so some cheese sticks to the dough. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then brush this mixture over the top of each breadstick.
4. Bake and Finish:
Bake the breadsticks in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until they turn golden brown and the cheese bubbles with a little browning. As soon as you remove them from the oven, sprinkle coarse sea salt on top while they’re warm. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw frozen dough completely in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out. This helps the dough roll smoothly and bake evenly.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can shape the breadstick bones and add the cheese and butter mixture, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover breadstick bones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to crisp the crust and melt the cheese again.
What Sauces Pair Well with Cheesy Breadstick Bones?
Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but ranch dressing, garlic butter, or a spicy pizza dipping sauce also work great for dipping these cheesy treats.
