Breadstick Snakes

These fun and easy Breadstick Snakes are a perfect addition to any Halloween party! Not only do they make a spooky but delicious snack, but they’re also simple enough for kids to help create. With their unique snake shape and fun presentation, these breadsticks will surely be a hit with both children and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creative Presentation: These Breadstick Snakes are not just tasty; they look fantastic too, making your table more festive.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time, leaving you more moments to enjoy the party.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping shape the snakes and adding the eyes and tongues, making it an interactive cooking experience.
• Savory Snack Option: Ideal as an appetizer or side dish, these breadsticks pack flavor without being overly heavy.
• Versatile Ingredients: Using common pantry staples makes this recipe easy to adapt based on what you have at home.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delightful Breadstick Snakes, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wooden chopsticks or metal straws
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Knife
• Mixing bowl (for preparing toppings)

Importance of Each Tool

• Wooden chopsticks or metal straws: These create the perfect shape for your snakes while baking. They also make removing the breadsticks easier.
• Baking sheets: Essential for evenly baking your breadsticks without them sticking together or burning.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and allows for easy cleanup after baking.

Ingredients

For the Breadsticks

• 13.8 ounce tube refrigerated pizza dough
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

For Decoration

• 3 black olives
• Piece of a red bell pepper

How to Make Breadstick Snakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. This ensures that your Breadstick Snakes bake evenly and achieve that golden-brown color.

Step 2: Prepare the Decorations

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

Step 3: Unroll the Dough

Unroll the tube of refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface. This will be the base for creating your snake shapes.

Step 4: Cut and Shape the Dough

• Cut the dough into 12 strips along the long side.
• Roll each strip into a 12-inch rope, tapering one end to form a tail and flattening the other end for the head.

Step 5: Wrap Around Chopsticks

Wrap each rope in a spiral around a greased wooden chopstick or metal straw. Brush each snake with olive oil, then sprinkle with poppy seeds or sesame seeds.

Step 6: Add Eyes

Place a piece of black olive on each snake’s head to serve as eyes.

Step 7: Bake Your Snakes

Bake on two parchment paper-lined baking sheets 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 Tongues

While still warm, use a toothpick or skewer to carefully insert red pepper pieces into the tip of each snake’s flat end, forming their tongues.

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

How to Serve Breadstick Snakes

Serving Breadstick Snakes at your next gathering can add a fun and interactive element that both kids and adults will enjoy. Here are some creative ideas to serve these delightful treats.

Fun with Dips

• Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing that adds a zesty flavor, perfect for dipping.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy, ranch dressing complements the savory breadsticks well.

Halloween-Themed Presentation

• Snake Platter: Arrange the breadsticks in a snake-like shape on a platter, adding some plastic snakes for decoration.
• Spooky Garnishes: Use small bowls of olives or cut veggies resembling eyes or fangs around the breadsticks for added fun.

Kid-Friendly Serving Ideas

• Individual Baggies: Place one or two breadsticks in clear baggies tied with festive ribbons for easy grab-and-go snacks.
• Party Plates: Serve on decorative plates with fun Halloween designs to enhance the festive atmosphere.

How to Perfect Breadstick Snakes

To make sure your Breadstick Snakes are as deliciously perfect as possible, follow these handy tips.

• Bold Rolling Technique: Roll the dough into even ropes to ensure uniform baking and texture.
• Brush Generously: Apply ample olive oil before baking for a golden, crispy finish.
• Creative Toppings: Experiment with different seeds like sunflower or chia seeds for unique flavors.
• Uniform Sizes: Cut your dough strips evenly to help all breadsticks cook at the same rate.
• Careful Removal: Let them cool slightly before removing chopsticks to prevent breakage.

Best Side Dishes for Breadstick Snakes

Pairing side dishes with your Breadstick Snakes can elevate your snack table. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Vegetable Platter: An assortment of fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers served with a dip.
2. Cheese Cubes: A variety of cheeses cut into bite-sized cubes adds richness and pairs beautifully with the breadsticks.
3. Fruit Skewers: Bright and colorful fruit skewers provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the breadsticks.
4. Popcorn Mix: Sweet and salty popcorn mixed with nuts or pretzels offers a crunchy snack option.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with spicy salsa create a delightful contrast in textures.
6. Stuffed Mini Peppers: Small sweet peppers filled with cream cheese or hummus add a burst of flavor that complements the snakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Boldly ignore the dough temperature: Using cold pizza dough can make it hard to shape. Allow the dough to come to room temperature for easier handling.
• Boldly skip the oil brushing: Not brushing olive oil on the breadsticks can result in a dry texture. Always brush for that golden finish and added flavor.
• Boldly forget about seasoning: Neglecting to add poppy or sesame seeds can lead to bland breadsticks. Season generously for a more enjoyable taste.
• Boldly overcrowd the baking sheet: Placing too many breadsticks on one sheet can cause uneven baking. Space them out for consistent results.
• Boldly overlook cooling time: Removing them too quickly from the chopsticks can cause them to break. Let them cool slightly before removing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

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 and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-30 seconds, checking often.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for 3-5 minutes, turning frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Breadstick Snakes.

What are Breadstick Snakes?

Breadstick Snakes are fun-shaped breadsticks made from pizza dough, perfect as a snack or party food.

Can I customize my Breadstick Snakes?

Absolutely! You can add different toppings like cheese or herbs, or shape them into other fun designs.

How long do Breadstick Snakes take to make?

The total time is about 26 minutes, including prep and baking time.

What do I serve with Breadstick Snakes?

These breadsticks pair well with dips like marinara sauce or cheese dip for an extra tasty treat.

Final Thoughts

Breadstick Snakes are a delightful addition to any gathering, especially Halloween parties. Their fun shape and savory flavor appeal to both kids and adults. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or dips!