Witch’s Finger Breadsticks with Marinara “Blood” – spooky Halloween party appetizer
Alright, I have to admit—I’m *obsessed* with Halloween snacks that are as fun to make as they are to eat. These Witch’s Finger Breadsticks with their eerie, knobby “joints” and a side of marinara “blood” are the perfect spooky starter for any Halloween party. Imagine pulling a steaming, golden breadstick out of the oven, smelling that warm, garlicky dough while dipping it into a rich, red marinara that looks like it came straight from a witch’s cauldron. Trust me, this recipe never fails to get everyone’s eyes wide with delight and just a little bit of playful spookiness. Plus, they’re way easier to make than you’d think—so let’s get those fingers baking!
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 6–8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for fingernails)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Red food coloring (optional, for nail “blood”)
For the Sauce / Garnish:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy “blood” sauce
How I Make It
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rough rectangle about 10×12 inches. Cut the dough into 10–12 strips, about 1 inch wide each. These will be your “witch’s fingers.”
Step 2:
To get that knobby, creepy finger look, use the back of a butter knife or a chopstick to make three little indentations along each strip—these are the finger joints! Then, gently press a sliced almond at one end for the fingernail. If you want extra spooky flair, brush a tiny bit of red food coloring under the almond nail for a bloody touch.
Step 3:
Mix the melted butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Brush this fragrant mixture all over the dough strips—don’t be shy! This will give your breadsticks an amazing buttery, garlicky crunch once baked.
Step 4:
Place the breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and almond nails are toasted and slightly browned.
Step 5:
While the breadsticks bake, heat the marinara sauce on the stove or microwave until warm. If you want a little extra heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step 6:
Remove the breadsticks from the oven and let them cool just slightly (watch that almond “nail” blood—it’s hot!). Serve warm with the marinara “blood” for dipping and watch your guests get delightfully creeped out!
Variations & Tips
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter mixture for a smoky flavor twist.
- Swap sliced almonds with pumpkin seeds or pecan halves for different “nail” textures.
- Use homemade pizza dough if you prefer a fresher taste and more control over the texture.
- If dough seems sticky, chill it for 10 minutes before shaping to make handling easier.
- For a cheesy option, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the breadsticks before baking.
- If you’d like, try roasting garlic and mixing it into the marinara for richer “blood” sauce flavor.
How I Like to Serve It
I love setting these creepy breadsticks out on a dark platter with little bowls of marinara “blood” for dipping. It’s perfect for a Halloween party spread alongside spooky deviled eggs or pumpkin-shaped cheese balls. Guests always get a kick out of the visual—and the mix of crunchy, buttery bread with tangy marinara is a home run every time.
Notes
- Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
- You can make the dough strips a day ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake just before your party starts.
Closing: Every time I make these witchy fingers, they disappear fast—and it’s no surprise because the savory garlic and buttery almond “nails” just can’t be beat for a spooky, shareable appetizer.
