Breadstick Snakes

These Breadstick Snakes are a fun and spooky treat that will delight both kids and adults at any Halloween gathering. Their whimsical shape and savory flavor make them a perfect addition to your party spread. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on the fun! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these delightful snacks that are sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it perfect for busy hosts.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Children will enjoy helping shape the snakes and adding their own creative touches.
• Savory Flavor: With the rich taste of olive oil and spices, these breadsticks are more than just decorations; they’re delicious snacks!
• Versatile Usage: Use them as appetizers, sides, or even as part of a themed charcuterie board.
• Great for Any Occasion: While ideal for Halloween, these Breadstick Snakes can be enjoyed at any festive gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the fun of making Breadstick Snakes, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wooden chopsticks or metal straws
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Knife
• Toothpick or skewer

Importance of Each Tool

• Wooden chopsticks or metal straws: These are essential for shaping the snakes while baking, ensuring they maintain their fun form.
• Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking on your baking sheets, making cleanup easier.
• Baking sheets: A sturdy surface for baking ensures even cooking and browning of your breadsticks.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 13.8 ounce tube refrigerated pizza dough

For the Eyes

• 3 black olives

For the Tongues

• Piece of a red bell pepper

For Brushing and Topping

• 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 Your Ingredients

Cut the black olives into small pieces for eyes. Cut the red bell pepper into forked tongues. Set aside all prepared ingredients.

Step 3: Unroll the Pizza Dough

Unroll the tube of refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface.

Step 4: Cut and Shape the Dough

Cut the dough into 12 strips along the long side. Roll each strip into 12-inch ropes, tapering one end to create a snake’s tail and flattening the other end for its head.

Step 5: Wrap Around Chopsticks

Wrap each dough rope in a spiral around a greased wooden chopstick or metal straw. Brush each with olive oil and sprinkle poppy seeds or sesame seeds over them.

Step 6: Add Eyes

Place black olives on each snake’s head to create eyes that give them character.

Step 7: Bake

Bake on parchment-lined baking sheets at 350° F until 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 carefully thread red pepper pieces into the tip of each flat-end snake to represent their tongues.

Now you have fun and tasty Breadstick Snakes ready for your next gathering! Enjoy!

How to Serve Breadstick Snakes

These fun and spooky Breadstick Snakes are not only great for Halloween but also versatile enough for any gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your presentation even more exciting.

As a Halloween Party Snack

• Serve on a platter with themed decorations like fake spider webs and plastic insects for a festive touch.

Pair with Dips

• Offer a variety of dips such as marinara, ranch, or garlic butter to enhance the flavor and give guests options.

Add to a Charcuterie Board

• Include the Breadstick Snakes alongside cheeses, fruits, and veggies for an eye-catching charcuterie board perfect for any occasion.

Use as Fun Sandwich Holders

• Place small sandwiches on top of each snake for a playful twist that kids will love.

Make it a Game

• Challenge guests to see who can eat the most snakes in a minute—perfect for adding some competitive fun!

How to Perfect Breadstick Snakes

To ensure your Breadstick Snakes turn out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Use Fresh Dough: Choose the freshest refrigerated pizza dough available for the best texture and flavor.

• Preheat Oven Properly: Always preheat your oven thoroughly before baking to achieve an even golden-brown finish.

• Experiment with Shapes: Get creative with how you shape the snakes; try different sizes or curls for unique designs.

• Brush Generously: Don’t skimp on the olive oil brushing; it helps develop a crispy crust and enhances flavor.

• Cool Before Serving: Allow your breadsticks to cool slightly before serving to prevent burns and enhance their shape integrity.

Best Side Dishes for Breadstick Snakes

Pairing your Breadstick Snakes with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Butter Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of seasonal veggies tossed in garlic butter makes for a flavorful addition.

2. Creamy Tomato Soup
   This classic pairing is perfect for dipping and balances savory flavors beautifully.

3. Coleslaw
   A crunchy coleslaw brings freshness and texture, making it a vibrant side choice.

4. Stuffed Mushrooms
   These bite-sized delights filled with cheese and herbs add an elegant touch to your spread.

5. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing complements the breadsticks nicely while adding color.

6. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
   Spicy, crispy cauliflower bites offer a delicious contrast that pairs well with the savory snakes.

7. Hummus Platter
   Accompany your breadsticks with various hummus flavors and fresh veggies for dipping.

8. Fruit Skewers
   Bright, sweet fruit skewers provide a refreshing balance to the savory breadsticks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Breadstick Snakes can be fun, but there are some common mistakes to watch for.

• Bold preparation: Failing to prepare your ingredients ahead can slow you down. Always chop olives and bell pepper before rolling the dough.
• Bold baking time: Overbaking your breadsticks can lead to dryness. Keep an eye on them and remove when they turn golden brown, around 11-15 minutes.
• Bold dough handling: Not rolling the dough into even strips may result in unevenly baked breadsticks. Aim for uniform 12-inch ropes for consistent cooking.
• Bold seasoning oversight: Forgetting to brush olive oil and sprinkle seeds will leave your snakes bland. Don’t skip this step for added flavor and texture.
• Bold cooling care: Removing the breadsticks from chopsticks too early can make them stick. Wait a few minutes after baking for easier removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Breadstick Snakes in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Breadstick Snakes

• Place cooled breadsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Breadstick Snakes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Breadstick Snakes?

Breadstick Snakes are fun, savory snacks made from pizza dough shaped like snakes, perfect for parties or Halloween-themed gatherings.

How do I customize my Breadstick Snakes?

You can add different toppings or use various seeds like sunflower seeds or even add cheese inside before baking for extra flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the Breadstick Snakes and store them in the fridge before baking. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!

Are there any variations I can try?

Absolutely! Experiment with different shapes or flavors by adding herbs or spices into the dough before rolling it out.

Final Thoughts

Breadstick Snakes are not only delightful but also versatile enough for any occasion. They are a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will love! Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or fillings. Try making these spooky treats at your next gathering!