Breadstick Snakes

If you’re looking for a fun and tasty treat to spice up your next gathering, these Breadstick Snakes are just the ticket! Perfect for Halloween parties or cozy family dinners, this recipe combines creativity and flavor in a way that will delight both kids and adults alike. With their playful shape and savory goodness, these breadsticks are sure to be a hit at any occasion.

I especially cherish this recipe because it’s so easy to whip up. Whether you’re busy on a weeknight or planning for a festive celebration, these Breadstick Snakes can fit right in. Plus, they make an excellent side dish or snack that everyone can enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super simple preparation: With just a few easy steps, you’ll have delicious breadsticks ready in no time!
• Family-friendly fun: Kids love helping out with the decorating, making it a great bonding experience.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Halloween or just a regular family dinner, these snakes are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable toppings: You can easily switch up the seeds or add your favorite seasonings for extra flavor.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time so you can bake them fresh when you need them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make our Breadstick Snakes. These items are easy to find and come together beautifully to create a delicious treat.

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment and make these Breadstick Snakes your own with these fun ideas:

• Add cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the snakes before baking for an extra cheesy twist.
• Change the seeds: Swap poppy seeds for everything bagel seasoning or even Italian herbs for different flavors.
• Try different colors: Use green bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for tongues to give your snakes some colorful variety.
• Make them spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes into the olive oil brush for a little kick!

How to Make Breadstick Snakes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. This ensures that your breadsticks will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare Your Decorations

Cut the black olives into small pieces to use as eyes for your snakes. Then slice the red bell pepper into forked shapes for their tongues. Setting these aside will make the decorating process quick and easy later on!

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Unroll your refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface. It’s so satisfying to see it unfold!

Step 4: Cut and Shape Your Snakes

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into 12 strips along the long side. Roll each strip into a 12-inch rope, tapering one end for the tail and flattening the other end for the head. This gives your snakes their fun shape!

Step 5: Wrap and Season

Carefully wrap each dough rope around a greased wooden chopstick or metal straw in a spiral fashion. Brush each snake with olive oil and sprinkle poppy seeds or sesame seeds over their bodies—this adds both flavor and visual appeal.

Step 6: Add Eyes

Place the black olive pieces on each snake’s head to create adorable little eyes. They really bring your creations to life!

Step 7: Bake

Arrange your decorated snakes on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake them in your preheated oven until they turn golden brown—about 11 to 15 minutes. Let them cool for about three minutes before gently removing them from the chopsticks.

Step 8: Add Tongues

While still warm, take a toothpick or skewer and carefully thread red pepper pieces into the flat end of each snake as their tongues. This final touch makes them even more fun!

And there you have it—your very own batch of delightful Breadstick Snakes! Enjoy sharing these with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself; I won’t tell!

Pro Tips for Making Breadstick Snakes

Creating the perfect Breadstick Snakes is not only fun but also allows for a little creativity in the kitchen! Here are some tips to help you make these delightful treats even better.

• Use fresh pizza dough: Fresh refrigerated pizza dough can be fluffier and tastier than older dough, ensuring your breadsticks rise well and have that delightful chewy texture.
• Experiment with shapes: While snakes are fun, feel free to twist the dough into other shapes like worms or even fun monsters! This adds a playful touch and keeps things interesting for your guests.
• Adjust seasoning: If you want more flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Italian herbs to the dough before baking. This enhances the overall taste and makes them irresistible!
• Cool them properly: Allowing the breadsticks to cool slightly before removing them from the chopsticks helps maintain their shape and prevents tearing. Patience pays off here!
• Get creative with toppings: Besides poppy and sesame seeds, try incorporating grated vegan cheese or finely chopped herbs on top of your breadsticks. These additions provide extra flavor and visual appeal.

How to Serve Breadstick Snakes

Serving Breadstick Snakes can be as festive as making them! Here are some ideas to present this charming dish that will delight both kids and adults alike.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the golden-brown breadsticks.
• Spicy dipping sauce: Serve with a side of marinara or a spicy homemade dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor that complements the savory breadsticks.

Side Dishes

• Vegetable platter: A colorful array of fresh vegetables such as carrot sticks, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes provides a crunchy contrast that pairs perfectly with the soft texture of the Breadstick Snakes.
• Fruit skewers: Bright fruit skewers made with grapes, melon, and strawberries add sweetness and color to your table—perfect for balancing out savory snacks!
• Soup: Pairing these breadsticks with a warm bowl of tomato soup or pumpkin soup creates a cozy meal experience, especially during fall gatherings.
• Salad: A crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette can lighten up your spread while offering freshness alongside your whimsical snakes.

With these pro tips and serving suggestions, your Breadstick Snakes will not only be delicious but also an impressive feature at any gathering! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful Breadstick Snakes are perfect for meal prep! They can be made ahead of time, stored, and even frozen for a fun snack or side dish whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the breadsticks to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Once the breadsticks are completely cooled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350° F.
• Place the breadsticks on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds for a quick option.

FAQs

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

Can I make Breadstick Snakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape the snakes, and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later. Just reheat them before serving!

What can I use instead of black olives for the eyes on my Breadstick Snakes?

If you’re not a fan of black olives, consider using small pieces of green pepper or cherry tomatoes as fun alternatives for snake eyes.

How do I ensure my Breadstick Snakes come out crispy?

Brushing them with olive oil before baking helps achieve that lovely golden-brown color and crispy texture!

Can I use homemade pizza dough for these Breadstick Snakes?

Definitely! Homemade pizza dough will work just fine. Just make sure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness as refrigerated dough.

Are there any variations I can try with my Breadstick Snakes?

Feel free to experiment with different spices or toppings! Garlic powder, Italian herbs, or even cheese can add extra flavor to your snakes.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these whimsical Breadstick Snakes as much as I do! They’re not only fun but also deliciously savory bites that everyone will love at any gathering. Whether it’s Halloween or just a regular weeknight dinner, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Give this recipe a try and let me know how your snakes turn out—happy baking!