Witch Finger Breadsticks are spooky and fun treats for Halloween! These breadsticks are shaped like creepy fingers and are sure to delight both kids and adults.
I love using sliced olives for the nails – they really add a funny touch! Serve them with your favorite dip, and watch everyone giggle as they munch on these deliciously eerie snacks.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dough adds a personal touch. You can also try crescent roll dough for a different texture.
Olive Oil: While olive oil adds a great flavor, feel free to substitute with melted butter or even vegetable oil if that’s what you have on hand. Each will give the dough a nice golden touch!
Garlic Powder: If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can skip it or use onion powder instead. Fresh garlic could be used but would be stronger, so use less if you go that route.
Seeds: Poppy seeds or sesame seeds add visual appeal, but you could also use everything bagel seasoning for a fun twist. For a nut-free version, just skip the seeds altogether.
Black Olives: If black olives aren’t your favorite, feel free to use sliced almonds or green olives as “fingernails.” They both provide a nice visual effect without the strong olive taste.
How Do You Shape the Breadsticks Like Fingers?
Shaping these breadsticks like fingers is a fun part of the process! Here’s how to get them looking spooky:
- After cutting the dough into strips, take one strip and twist it gently, like you’re twisting a rope.
- Pinch and bend one end to create a fingertip. This helps give the breadstick a more realistic finger look.
- Use your knife or spoon to press down gently along the twisted dough. These indentations create knuckles, giving it that creepy effect.
Remember, the more character you add with those knuckle marks, the more fun they’ll look!
Witch Finger Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or breadstick dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds or sesame seeds (for “warts” on fingers)
- Black olives, sliced (optional, for “fingernails”)
- Marinara or ranch dressing, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus around 12-15 minutes for baking. Overall, you can have these spooky treats ready in about 35-40 minutes—perfect for adding a fun appetizer to your Halloween festivities!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s important to have the oven ready so our breadsticks can bake to a perfect golden brown. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the pizza dough onto a clean, floured surface. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice it into long strips about 1 inch wide. Think of how long a finger is—aim for that size.
3. Shape the Fingers:
Now comes the fun part—shaping! Take each strip and twist it gently. This will give it a finger-like appearance. Next, pinch one end to create a fingertip. You can also slightly bend the twisted strip to enhance the finger shape.
4. Add Knuckles:
Using the end of a knife or a spoon, press down gently along the twisted dough to create shallow indentations. These will resemble knuckles and give your witch fingers that creepy detail!
5. Finish with Fingernails:
If you’re using black olives, now’s the time to add them! Press a slice onto the tip of each finger to act as a spooky fingernail.
6. Bake the Breadsticks:
Place the shaped breadsticks onto your prepared baking sheet. Brush them lightly with olive oil—this helps them get nice and golden. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian herbs, and your choice of poppy or sesame seeds on top for that extra spooky effect!
7. Let Them Bake:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and look deliciously spooky!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the breadsticks from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy your creepy and delicious witch fingers!
These finger-shaped breadsticks are a hit at Halloween parties and make for a fun snack that everyone will love. Happy haunting!
Can I Use Homemade Dough Instead of Refrigerated Dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, you can use your favorite pizza or breadstick dough recipe. Just make sure it’s prepared and ready to use for shaping into fingers.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Use Different Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. You can try using cheese for a gooey addition, or sprinkle different herbs and spices according to your taste. Just remember that the spooky appearance is key, so keep the twists and knuckles!
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with the Breadsticks?
Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but ranch dressing works wonderfully too. You could also try garlic butter, pesto, or even a spicy salsa for a fun twist!
