Description
This Spooky Witch’s Finger Breadsticks with Marinara Dip recipe brings a deliciously eerie twist to your Halloween festivities. These freakishly realistic breadsticks resemble witch’s fingers, complete with almond “nails” and knobby knuckle creases. They have the soft texture of garlic breadsticks, making them a crowd-pleasing treat for both kids and adults. The dish is served with marinara sauce, which looks like “blood,” adding a creepy touch to the presentation.
Ingredients
For the Breadsticks:
1 lb (450 g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ cup sliced almonds (for fingernails)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1–2 drops green food coloring (optional, for spooky effect)
For the Marinara “Blood” Dip:
1½ cups marinara or pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Fresh basil or oregano to garnish
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the breadsticks from sticking while baking.
If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This will make it easier to handle. For a more festive touch, you can add green food coloring to the dough to give it a witchy appearance.
Divide the dough into 16–20 pieces, depending on the desired size of the breadsticks. Roll each piece into a thin rope about 4–5 inches long. For an extra creepy touch, shape them with slightly uneven ends. Pinch in the middle and near one end of each breadstick to create “knuckle” shapes. Use a knife to lightly score small lines across the knuckles to mimic wrinkles and further enhance the “finger” look.
Take a sliced almond and press it onto one end of each breadstick to form the fingernail. Brush the top of the almond and the dough lightly with egg wash to ensure the almond sticks well during baking and to give the breadsticks a beautiful golden sheen when baked.
Arrange the shaped breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes or until the breadsticks turn a lovely golden brown color.
While the breadsticks are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter. Then, sprinkle them with garlic powder and a touch of salt for added flavor.
For the marinara “blood” dip, warm 1½ cups of marinara sauce in a small bowl. If you like a little heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano for a nice touch of greenery.
Arrange the breadsticks on a serving platter, and serve them with the marinara sauce on the side. For extra spookiness, drizzle a little sauce on the platter to create a “bloody” effect, and garnish with herbs.
Notes
For an extra spooky effect, use almond slices for the “fingernails” and brush the breadsticks with a little extra butter before baking for a golden finish. Serve warm with marinara dip for a creepy-cute appetizer that’s perfect for Halloween parties!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian / Halloween
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breadstick with dip
- Calories: 150
Keywords: Spooky Witch’s Finger Breadsticks