Breadstick Snakes

If you’re looking for a fun and spooky treat to brighten up your Halloween gathering, these Breadstick Snakes are just the ticket! They’re not only a hit with kids but also bring out the kid in adults—everyone loves a little whimsy at the dinner table. These delightful snacks are simple to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, they add a playful touch to any Halloween party spread!

What I love most about Breadstick Snakes is how customizable they are. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or alongside your favorite soup, they never fail to impress. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can have these adorable snakes ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping out, from rolling the dough to adding the “eyes” and “tongues.”
• Perfect for Gatherings: These breadsticks make a great addition to any party table, delighting guests of all ages.
• Customizable Toppings: Experiment with different seeds or toppings to make your snakes uniquely yours.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of olive oil and seeds creates a savory treat that pairs perfectly with dips.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Breadstick Snakes! You likely have most of these on hand, making it easy to get started.

For the Breadsticks

• 13.8 ounce tube refrigerated pizza dough
• 3 black olives
• Piece of a red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and try out different variations that suit your taste.

• Add some spice: Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes onto the snakes before baking for a little kick!
• Mix up the toppings: Instead of poppy seeds or sesame seeds, try using grated cheese for an extra cheesy twist.
• Switch up the colors: Use green bell peppers for tongues or even add sliced jalapeños for colorful variety.
• Make them sweet: Swap the savory toppings for cinnamon sugar if you’re feeling adventurous, transforming them into a sweet treat!

How to Make Breadstick Snakes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. Getting it nice and hot ensures that our breadsticks bake evenly and come out golden brown.

Step 2: Prep Your Ingredients

Cut the black olives into small pieces for the eyes of our snakes. Then cut a piece from the red bell pepper into forked tongues. Setting these aside will make assembly super easy later on!

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Unroll your tube of refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 12 strips along the long side. Each strip should be about one inch wide.

Step 4: Shape Your Snakes

Take each strip of dough and roll it into a 12-inch rope. Taper one end gently to create a tail while flattening the other end slightly for the head shape. This shaping is what gives our breadsticks their fun snake appearance!

Step 5: Create Spirals

Now comes the fun part! Wrap each dough rope in a spiral around either a greased wooden chopstick or metal straw. This not only adds visual interest but also helps achieve that classic snake shape.

Step 6: Brush & Season

Brush each wrapped snake with olive oil to give them that lovely shine as they bake. Then sprinkle poppy seeds or sesame seeds over their bodies—this step adds both flavor and texture!

Step 7: Add Eyes

Before baking, place two pieces of black olive on each snake’s head as eyes. This final touch brings your creations to life!

Step 8: Bake & Finish

Bake your Breadstick Snakes on parchment-lined baking sheets at 350° F until they turn golden brown—about 11 to 15 minutes should do it! Once done, let them cool for three minutes before carefully removing chopsticks or straws.

Finally, while still warm, use a toothpick or skewer to poke forked tongues made from red bell pepper into each snake’s head. And there you have it—your very own spooky Breadstick Snakes ready to impress at any gathering!

Pro Tips for Making Breadstick Snakes

Creating these whimsical Breadstick Snakes is a fun and easy process, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even better!

• Use fresh dough: Fresh refrigerated pizza dough will yield the best texture. It helps in achieving that golden-brown finish while keeping the inside soft.
• Customize your toppings: Feel free to get creative with seeds! Experiment with different toppings like garlic powder or Italian herbs to add extra flavor to your snakes.
• Mind the oven time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your breadsticks as they bake. You want them perfectly golden, not overdone.
• Make ahead of time: These breadsticks can be prepared in advance. Assemble them and store them in the fridge before baking—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
• Get the kids involved: This recipe is a great opportunity for kids to help out in the kitchen! They can roll the dough and place the eyes, making it a fun bonding activity.

How to Serve Breadstick Snakes

These playful Breadstick Snakes are sure to be a hit at any gathering, especially during Halloween! Presenting them creatively can elevate their appeal even more.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkling some chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving adds a dash of color and freshness.
• Spicy dipping sauce: Pair these snakes with a zesty marinara or spicy ranch dressing for a deliciously fun dip!

Side Dishes

• Veggie platter: A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and cherry tomatoes pairs nicely as a crunchy side. Serve with hummus for dipping!
• Cheesy garlic bread: This comforting side complements the snake breadsticks perfectly, bringing warmth and rich flavors to your party table.
• Pumpkin soup: A creamy pumpkin soup adds a seasonal touch that’s both tasty and comforting. Its smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the crunch of your breadsticks.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the savory snacks while adding freshness to your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Breadstick Snakes will not only taste fantastic but also look incredibly inviting on your Halloween spread! Enjoy creating this spooky treat that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Breadstick Snakes are not only fun to make, but they also lend themselves beautifully to meal prep. You can whip them up in advance, making your Halloween party planning a breeze!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the breadsticks to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Once the breadsticks are completely cooled, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped breadsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen breadsticks, first thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
• Preheat your oven to 350° F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds, but this may soften their crispy texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Breadstick Snakes.

Can I use a different type of dough for Breadstick Snakes?

Absolutely! While pizza dough gives these snakes their delightful flavor and texture, you can experiment with other doughs like bread or crescent roll dough.

How do I make Breadstick Snakes more colorful?

You can add additional toppings such as diced bell peppers or sprinkle multicolored seeds on top before baking for an extra festive touch!

Can I make Breadstick Snakes ahead of time?

Yes! These snakes can be made ahead and stored or frozen, making them perfect for your Halloween festivities!

What dipping sauces pair well with Breadstick Snakes?

These delightful treats pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, garlic butter, or ranch dressing for a tasty dipping experience.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these whimsical Breadstick Snakes as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they’re a centerpiece that brings fun and creativity to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or looking for a unique snack idea, these adorable snacks are sure to impress. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with laughter and joy!