These Skull Potatoes are fun and spooky! They are creamy mashed potatoes shaped like skulls, making them perfect for Halloween or a playful dinner. The Bone Breadsticks add a fun twist!
Honestly, serving these at a party always gets a laugh! I love dipping the breadsticks into some warm soup. It’s like a tasty Halloween gag that you can enjoy without the scare! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: I recommend using small round potatoes for the best skull shape. If you can’t find baby potatoes, red potatoes or Yukon Golds will work well too. They have a great creamy texture!
Olive Oil or Butter: Both give flavor, but I love using melted butter for a richer taste. If you’re dairy-free, stick with olive oil or try avocado oil.
Garlic Powder: For a fresh taste, you can use minced garlic cloves instead. Just be aware fresh garlic can brown faster in the oven.
Shredded Cheese: The cheese in the breadsticks is optional but adds a nice flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can replace it with a dairy-free cheese or leave it out altogether.
How Can I Ensure My Breadsticks Are Soft Yet Crisp?
Achieving the right breadstick texture can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right:
- Use cold butter – it helps keep the dough flaky and light.
- Don’t overwork the dough; mix just until combined. This will keep your breadsticks tender.
- When rolling, aim for even thickness so they bake uniformly.
- Brush the tops with egg white for that beautiful golden finish!
Pair your breadsticks with a warm dip; the crunch balances beautifully with the creamy dips like garlic aioli or cheesy sauces!
Skull Potatoes with Bone Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skull Potatoes:
- 2 lbs baby potatoes (or small round potatoes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bone Breadsticks:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk (plus extra if needed)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 35-40 minutes to cook, giving you a total of around 1 hour for yummy Skull Potatoes and Bone Breadsticks ready for serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skull Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure to wash and dry the baby potatoes well. If you have skull-shaped molds, lightly grease them and then press the potatoes firmly into the molds. If you don’t have molds, no worries! Just use a small knife to carve out eye sockets and nostrils on each potato to give them that creepy skull look.
Next, in a bowl, toss your shaped potatoes with olive oil or melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to ensure each potato is coated well. Now, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a cast-iron pan for roasting.
Pop the potatoes into the oven and roast them for about 35-40 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through to get an even golden color. When they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re ready! Optionally, sprinkle some dried parsley on top before serving for a pop of color!
2. Prepare the Bone Breadsticks:
In a mixing bowl, start by whisking the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add the cold cubed butter and mix it in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you’d like cheesy breadsticks, stir in the shredded cheese now.
Next, gradually add the milk, mixing just until a soft dough forms. If it feels too dry, add a little more milk. Once combined, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently for about 1-2 minutes until smooth.
Roll the dough into small “bone” shapes, about 4-5 inches long. Pinch the ends to create rounded knobs, just like little bones! Arrange these shaped dough bones on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Before baking, brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg white for that lovely golden finish.
Now, bake your breadsticks in the preheated oven (you can bake them alongside the potatoes!) for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden and cooked through.
3. Serve:
It’s time to feast! Arrange your roasted Skull Potatoes in a fun serving dish or skillet, and place the Bone Breadsticks on the side. To add some extra excitement, you can serve with warm dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, marinara, or cheese dip. Enjoy your spooky, tasty treats that are perfect for Halloween or any themed dinner!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Baby Potatoes?
Absolutely! If you use larger potatoes, you might just need to adjust the cooking time. Just ensure they’re cut to a size that allows for even cooking to achieve that crispy exterior.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore some crispiness, or you can microwave them, though this may soften the breadsticks.
Can I Make the Bone Breadsticks Without Cheese?
Yes, you can definitely skip the cheese if you prefer! The breadsticks will still come out delicious and flavorful. Just add a bit more seasoning if you want an extra flavor boost.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
You can prep the Skull Potatoes and Bone Breadsticks ahead of time. Shape the potatoes and sticks, cover with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge!
