You know those snacks that disappear before you even finish setting them out? That’s exactly what happens every time I make these Cheesy Breadstick “Bones”! I first whipped them up for my nephew’s dinosaur-themed birthday party, and wow – kids and adults alike couldn’t stop grabbing them. There’s something magical about that crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture paired with melty cheddar cheese. And shaping them into little bones? Pure genius if I do say so myself! They’re ridiculously easy to make (we’re talking 25 minutes start to finish), and trust me, they’ll be the star of any party spread or after-school snack time.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Breadstick Bones
Let me tell you why these little bone-shaped wonders have become my go-to snack:
- Kid-approved magic: The bone shape turns snack time into playtime – even my pickiest eater devours these!
- Quick and easy: From bowl to table in under 30 minutes (perfect for last-minute playdates).
- Cheese overload: That melty cheddar flavor in every bite? Yes please!
- Party superstar: They disappear faster than you can say “more please” at gatherings.
- Simple ingredients: Just pantry staples plus cheese (which let’s be honest, we always have).
The best part? You’ll feel like a kitchen wizard when you see those golden-brown bones come out of the oven!
Ingredients for Cheesy Breadstick Bones
The secret to these irresistible breadstick bones? Simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – spoon it lightly into your measuring cup for perfect texture
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – this gives our bones their perfect rise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – just enough to bring out all the flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – my little flavor booster (trust me on this!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – freshly grated melts so much better than pre-shredded
- 3/4 cup milk – whole milk makes them extra tender, but any kind works
- 1/4 cup melted butter – cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the milk when mixing
See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients that come together to make something magical!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these cheesy breadstick bones! Just grab:
- A large mixing bowl for combining all that cheesy goodness
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper (trust me, it’s a lifesaver for cleanup)
- A butter knife or pizza cutter for shaping those perfect little bones
That’s it! See? I told you this was easy. Now let’s get those hands messy with some dough!
How to Make Cheesy Breadstick Bones
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – turning these simple ingredients into cheesy, golden-brown bones that’ll have everyone begging for more! I’ve made these dozens of times, and I’ll walk you through every step so yours turn out perfect.
Mixing the Dough
First things first – preheat that oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, grab your big mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Now here’s my secret – toss in the shredded cheddar and mix it right into the dry ingredients first. This coats each cheesy shred in flour so they distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Next, make a little well in the center and pour in the milk and melted butter. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until it starts coming together – it’ll look shaggy at first, but don’t worry! Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 30 seconds, just until it forms a smooth ball. Over-kneading makes tough breadsticks, and we want these babies tender!
Shaping the Bones
This is where the magic happens! Divide your dough into 12 equal pieces (I just eyeball it – perfection is overrated). Roll each piece into a rope about 5 inches long. Now for the fun part – use a butter knife to make shallow cuts about 1 inch from each end, then gently press and shape the ends to make them slightly wider, like bone knobs.
Pro tip: If the dough sticks to your hands, just dust them lightly with flour. And don’t stress about making them all identical – irregular bones look more realistic anyway!
Baking the Cheesy Breadstick Bones
Arrange your shaped bones on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch between them. Pop them in the preheated oven and set your timer for 12 minutes. At this point, your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
After 12 minutes, peek at them – they should be puffed up and just starting to turn golden. Give them another 1-3 minutes if needed until they’re beautifully golden brown all over. That perfect color means the cheese has caramelized slightly, creating that irresistible flavor.
Let them cool for just a minute on the baking sheet (if you can resist!), then transfer to a wire rack. But let’s be real – they’re best eaten warm when the cheese is at its melty best!
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Breadstick Bones
After making dozens of batches (and taste-testing every single one!), here are my can’t-miss tips for cheesy breadstick bone perfection:
- Cheese it up! Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top before baking – it creates that gorgeous golden crust everyone loves.
- Size matters: Keep your bone shapes roughly the same thickness so they bake evenly – no burnt ends here!
- Cool hands: If the dough gets sticky while shaping, pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes – cold dough is way easier to work with.
- Watch the clock: Set a timer! These go from perfect to overdone in just a minute or two.
And the most important tip? Have fun with it! Wonky bones still taste amazing.
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities! These cheesy breadstick bones are absolute superstars dunked in warm marinara sauce – just like my nephew does at every soccer team pizza party. But don’t stop there! Try them with:
- Nacho cheese for double the cheesiness
- Ranch dressing (kids go nuts for this combo)
- Pesto for a fancy grown-up twist
I love piling them high in a basket for game day or packing them in lunchboxes – they’re perfect for any occasion!
Storage & Reheating
These cheesy breadstick bones stay fresh in an airtight container for 2-3 days – though good luck keeping them around that long! To bring back that just-baked crispiness, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes or toast them lightly. The toaster works great for single servings when you need a quick cheesy fix!
Nutritional Information
Each cheesy breadstick “bone” has about 120 calories – but who’s counting when they’re this delicious? Remember, these are just estimates and may vary depending on your exact ingredients. Enjoy them guilt-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about these cheesy breadstick bones:
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! While cheddar is my go-to, I’ve had great success with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just avoid super soft cheeses like mozzarella – they make the dough too wet.
Can I freeze the breadstick bones?
Yes! Freeze them after baking and cooling completely. When ready to eat, pop them straight into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. They’ll taste just-baked!
How do I keep them crispy?
The key is letting them cool on a wire rack instead of a plate – this prevents steam from making them soggy. If they do soften, a quick 2-minute toast brings back the crunch.
Can kids help make them?
This is the perfect kid-friendly recipe! My niece loves helping roll the dough “snakes” and shaping the bones. Just watch those little fingers near the hot oven.
Share Your Feedback
I’d love to hear how your cheesy breadstick bones turned out! Did your kids go wild for them? Snap a pic and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations! You can find more inspiration on our Pinterest page.
Print
Irresistible Cheesy Breadstick Bones Ready in 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and delicious snack shaped like bones, perfect for parties or kids. These cheesy breadsticks are crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Stir in cheddar cheese.
- Add milk and melted butter, then knead into a dough.
- Roll dough into bone shapes and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use a knife to shape the dough into bones before baking.
- Add extra cheese on top for more flavor.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
