Breadstick Snakes

These Breadstick Snakes are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a fun, spooky addition to any Halloween gathering. With their playful appearance and savory flavor, they appeal to both kids and adults alike. These snake-shaped breadsticks make for a delightful snack or side dish that can easily steal the spotlight at your party. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun Presentation: The snake shape adds a playful twist that will impress your guests and get everyone talking.
• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these ready in no time.
• Kid-Friendly: Perfect for involving children in the kitchen, making them an excellent choice for family cooking sessions.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to swap out the toppings for different seeds or herbs to match your taste.
• Savory Flavor: The combination of olive oil and seeds provides a satisfying crunch that pairs well with dips.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these fun Breadstick Snakes, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wooden chopsticks or metal straws
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Wooden chopsticks or metal straws: These help shape the breadsticks into perfect snake forms while baking.
• Baking sheets: Essential for even baking; they allow your breadsticks to crisp up nicely without sticking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze, ensuring your breadsticks come out perfectly.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Breadstick Snakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F to ensure it’s hot enough for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Decorations

1. Cut the black olives into small pieces for the eyes.
2. Cut the red bell pepper into forked tongues. Set these aside for later use.

Step 3: Unroll the Dough

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

Step 4: Cut and Shape the Dough

1. Cut the dough into 12 strips along its long side.
2. Roll each strip into a 12-inch rope.
3. Taper one end of each rope to create a tail and flatten the other end to form a head.

Step 5: Wrap and Season

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

Step 6: Add Eyes

Place pieces of black olives on the heads of each snake-shaped breadstick to create eyes.

Step 7: Bake

Place them on two parchment paper-lined baking sheets and bake at 350° F until golden brown, about 11 to 15 minutes. Allow them to cool for about three minutes before carefully removing the chopsticks.

Step 8: Create Forked Tongues

While still warm, use a toothpick or skewer to carefully insert pieces of red bell pepper into the flat end of each snake as their tongue.

Now you’re ready to serve up these delightful Breadstick Snakes at your next Halloween party! Enjoy!

How to Serve Breadstick Snakes

Serving Breadstick Snakes can be a fun and creative experience, especially during Halloween parties or themed gatherings. These delightful snacks not only look great but also taste delicious. Here are some serving suggestions to make your presentation even more engaging.

With Dips

• Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing, marinara sauce adds a rich flavor that complements the breadsticks.
• Garlic Butter: Melted garlic butter creates a savory dip that enhances the breadsticks’ taste.
• Hummus: For a creamy and healthier option, hummus provides a smooth texture and a burst of flavor.

As Part of a Snack Platter

• Cheese Cubes: Pair with assorted cheese cubes for an appealing mix of flavors and textures.
• Veggie Sticks: Include carrot and cucumber sticks for a refreshing crunch alongside your Breadstick Snakes.
• Fruit Skewers: Add colorful fruit skewers to balance the savory tastes with sweetness.

Themed Decorations

• Halloween Plates: Use spooky-themed plates or napkins to elevate the festive atmosphere.
• Fake Cobwebs: Decorate the serving area with fake cobwebs for an eerie touch that delights guests.

How to Perfect Breadstick Snakes

To ensure your Breadstick Snakes turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips. They will help enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Bold Roll Technique: Roll your dough tightly to prevent it from unraveling during baking.
• Even Cooking: Space the snakes evenly on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
• Oil Generously: Brush enough olive oil on each snake to achieve a golden-brown crust.
• Customize Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different seeds or spices for unique flavors.
• Serve Warm: Enjoy them fresh from the oven for the best texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Breadstick Snakes

Pairing side dishes with your Breadstick Snakes can create a complete meal or snack spread. Here are some great options that complement this tasty treat.

1. Bold Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds freshness and crunch.
2. Savory Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables offer vibrant colors and flavors.
3. Zesty Coleslaw: A tangy slaw balances the rich flavors of the breadsticks beautifully.
4. Creamy Potato Salad: This classic dish provides a comforting side that is always a hit at gatherings.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies bring warmth and depth to your meal.
6. Classic Tomato Soup: Pairing with warm tomato soup makes an inviting combination perfect for dipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Breadstick Snakes can be fun and easy, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few tips to ensure your Breadstick Snakes turn out perfectly.

• Boldly cutting dough: Cutting the dough too thick will result in uneven cooking. Aim for strips about 1 inch wide for even baking.
• Inadequate greasing: Not greasing your chopsticks or straws can cause the breadsticks to stick. Make sure to use a light coating of oil to prevent this.
• Ignoring baking time: Baking them for too long can lead to overly crunchy snakes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many breadsticks on one sheet can lead to uneven cooking. Space them out to allow heat circulation.
• Skipping the toppings: Neglecting to add poppy or sesame seeds may cause a lack of flavor. These toppings enhance the taste and appearance, so don’t skip them!

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

• Wrap each breadstick tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Breadstick Snakes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F, place breadsticks on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place breadsticks on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add breadsticks. Cover with a lid and warm for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Breadstick Snakes that you might find helpful.

How do I customize my Breadstick Snakes?

You can add cheese or herbs like garlic powder and Italian seasoning before baking for extra flavor.

Can I use different toppings for Breadstick Snakes?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various seeds or even grated cheese as toppings.

What is the best way to serve Breadstick Snakes?

Serve them warm as an appetizer or snack at parties, especially during Halloween gatherings!

Are there any alternatives for refrigerated pizza dough?

Yes! You can make your own dough using flour, water, yeast, and salt if you prefer homemade over store-bought.

Final Thoughts

Breadstick Snakes are not only a fun treat but also highly versatile. They make great snacks for various occasions, especially Halloween parties! Feel free to customize your snakes with different toppings or ingredients based on your taste preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy these delightful snacks!