Breadstick Snakes

These Breadstick Snakes are a fun and easy treat that will delight everyone at your next gathering. Perfect for Halloween parties or any festive occasion, these snake-shaped breadsticks combine playful design with savory flavor. Kids and adults alike will love getting creative with this unique snack, making it a standout addition to your menu!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Fun Presentation: The snake shape adds an exciting visual element to any table setting, making it a hit at parties.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different toppings or dips to suit your taste.
• Great for Sharing: These breadsticks are easy to serve and share, making them ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Involve the kids in the kitchen! They will have a blast helping shape the snakes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this fun recipe, gather your tools and get ready for some kitchen action! Having everything prepared will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Wooden chopsticks or metal straws: These are essential for shaping the breadsticks into their fun snake form, giving them structure while baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier when baking your delicious snacks.

Ingredients

For the Breadstick Snakes

• 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. This ensures that your breadsticks bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.

Step 2: Prepare the Snake Features

• Cut the black olives into small pieces for eyes.
• Slice the red bell pepper into forked tongues. Set these aside; they add character to your snakes!

Step 3: Unroll the Dough

Unroll your 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. Taper one end for the tail and flatten the other end for the head.

Step 5: Wrap Your Snakes

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

Step 6: Add Eyes

Place black olives on the head of each snake to create eyes, giving them personality!

Step 7: Bake

Place on two parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350° F until golden brown, about 11 to 15 minutes. Cool for about three minutes before carefully removing chopsticks.

Step 8: Add Tongues

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

Enjoy your spooky yet delicious Breadstick Snakes! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.

How to Serve Breadstick Snakes

Breadstick Snakes make a fun and tasty addition to any gathering, especially during Halloween. Their playful appearance and savory flavor are sure to delight guests of all ages.

As a Party Appetizer

• Serve warm alongside a variety of dips like marinara or ranch for a delicious start to your party.

With Soup

• Pair Breadstick Snakes with a hearty tomato or pumpkin soup for a comforting meal that adds a spooky touch.

On a Charcuterie Board

• Include these snake-shaped breadsticks on a charcuterie board with cheeses, fruits, and nuts for an eye-catching presentation.

For Kids’ Lunch

• Pack them in lunchboxes with some sliced veggies and hummus for a fun surprise that kids will love.

At Halloween Parties

• Create a themed table setting by placing them in jars or baskets decorated with spider webs and pumpkins.

How to Perfect Breadstick Snakes

To ensure your Breadstick Snakes turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh dough: Fresh refrigerated pizza dough yields better texture and flavor compared to older dough.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to sprinkle additional seasonings like garlic powder or Italian herbs for extra flavor.
• Experiment with shapes: Try different shapes for the snakes by varying the thickness of the ropes or adding more twists.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on them in the oven; they can go from golden brown to overcooked quickly.
• Serve immediately: These breadsticks are best enjoyed warm right after baking for optimal taste.

Best Side Dishes for Breadstick Snakes

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

1. Garlic Butter Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables tossed in garlic butter, roasted until tender, pairs well with the breadsticks.
2. Creamy Tomato Soup: A classic pairing, this soup’s richness complements the savory flavors of the snake breadsticks beautifully.
3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing and croutons adds freshness and crunch alongside the breadsticks.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices create a hearty dish that matches nicely with the snakes.
5. Macaroni and Cheese: This creamy comfort food is always a hit and offers a delightful contrast to the crispy texture of the breadsticks.
6. Roasted Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide an additional crunchy side that pairs perfectly with dipping sauces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Breadstick Snakes, it’s easy to fall into common traps. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not preheating the oven: Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure the breadsticks bake evenly.

• Cutting dough strips too thick: If your strips are too thick, the breadsticks may not cook properly. Aim for uniform, thin strips for best results.

• Using stale ingredients: Freshness matters! Ensure your pizza dough and toppings like olives and peppers are fresh for maximum flavor.

• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many snakes on one sheet can cause them to stick together. Space them out for even baking.

• Not letting them cool before removing chopsticks: Removing the chopsticks too soon can break your breadsticks. Allow them to cool slightly for easier removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Breadstick Snakes

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Breadstick Snakes

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and reheat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Breadstick Snakes:

Can I customize the toppings on my Breadstick Snakes?

You can definitely customize your toppings! Try different seeds or even add cheese before baking for extra flavor.

How do I make gluten-free Breadstick Snakes?

Use gluten-free pizza dough as a substitute. The rest of the recipe can remain the same.

Can I add more spices to my Breadstick Snakes?

Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or your favorite spices onto the dough before baking.

What should I serve with Breadstick Snakes?

These snakes pair well with marinara sauce or any dipping sauce of your choice. They make great appetizers!

Final Thoughts

Breadstick Snakes are not only a fun and spooky addition to any Halloween party, but they also offer versatility as a savory snack or side dish. With easy customization options, you can tailor them to suit any gathering or personal taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful treats!