Skull Potatoes with Bone Breadsticks is a fun and spooky dish! The creamy mashed potatoes are shaped like skulls and paired with crunchy breadsticks that look like bones. Perfect for Halloween!
These dishes are sure to get some giggles at your next gathering! I love serving them with a side of your favorite dip for even more yummy fun. It’s playful, tasty, and easy to make! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Choose small, firm potatoes for better shape as skulls. If baby potatoes aren’t available, you can use fingerling potatoes, which also have a nice shape. Just remember that sizes may vary, so adjust cooking times as needed!
Olive Oil vs. Butter: Olive oil adds richness and is a healthier option, but I often switch to melted butter for a richer flavor. It all comes down to personal taste!
Garlic Powder: This adds great flavor, but if you have fresh garlic on hand, feel free to mince it up! Just remember that fresh garlic is stronger, so use less than the powdered version.
All-Purpose Flour: This is standard for breadsticks, but if you’re after a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free flour blend. Just be aware that the texture may differ.
How Do You Get Skull Potatoes to Keep Their Shape?
Carving the potatoes is essential for the skull look. Make sure to use a sharp small spoon to scoop out the eyes and nose gently. It might help to watch a quick video to see how to carve them out before you start.
- Wash potatoes and leave the skin on; this helps them stay sturdy.
- Be gentle while carving to avoid breaking the potatoes.
- Toss them in oil and spices to enhance the flavors before roasting, making sure they are evenly coated.
What’s the Best Way to Shape the Bone Breadsticks?
Shaping bone breadsticks can be a fun and creative step! Focus on making each piece uniform in size for even cooking. An easy trick is to roll the dough into a cylinder, then pinch the ends to create those bone-like knobs.
- Don’t worry about perfection; a little irregularity adds to the rustic charm!
- Dusting with cornstarch or flour not only looks great but also helps prevent sticking.
With these tips, you’ll serve up perfectly spooky Skull Potatoes and delicious Bone Breadsticks that everyone will love! Happy cooking!
Skull Potatoes with Bone Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For Skull Potatoes:
- 12 small whole baby potatoes (about 1-1.5 inches diameter)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Small spoon or metal straw (for carving eyes and nose)
For Bone Breadsticks:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus optional extra for brushing)
- Cornstarch or flour for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes total. You’ll need about 15-20 minutes for prep, 40-50 minutes for roasting the potatoes, and 20-30 minutes for making and baking the breadsticks. It’s a spooky treat with a bit of fun in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly, but keep the skins on—this helps them hold their shape! Then, using a small spoon or the end of a metal straw, carefully carve two small holes for the eyes and a triangle for the nose on one side of each potato, giving them a spooky skull face. Place the potatoes in a bowl, and toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until they are well coated.
2. Roast the Skull Potatoes:
Arrange the carved potatoes on a baking sheet with the carved side facing up. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. Turn the potatoes halfway through to ensure even roasting. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top after baking!
3. Make Bone Breadstick Dough:
While the potatoes are roasting, let’s make the breadsticks! In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Mix everything until a rough dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape Bone Breadsticks:
Once your dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough to release the air and divide it into 8-10 pieces. Roll each piece into a thin cylinder about 6 inches long for the shaft of the bone. To form the bone ends, pinch and roll small bits of dough at each end. Place your shaped breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and if you like, dust them lightly with cornstarch or flour for a rustic appearance.
5. Bake Breadsticks:
Bake the breadsticks for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Remove them from the oven and brush with a little olive oil if you want a nice shine.
6. Serve:
Now it’s time to serve! Arrange your roasted skull potatoes and bone breadsticks on a rustic plate or bowl. They make a great dish for Halloween parties or any fun gathering! Pair with your favorite dips like garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or a cheesy sauce for a delightful experience.
Enjoy this spooky, savory treat that will impress everyone with its unique appearance and delicious flavors!
Can I Use Larger Potatoes for the Skull Potatoes?
While small baby potatoes work best for the skull shape, you can use larger potatoes if needed. Just be aware that they will require longer cooking times, and you may need to carve them differently to maintain the skull appearance.
Can I Prepare the Dough for Bone Breadsticks in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before shaping the breadsticks on the day of baking.
What Should I Do If My Breadsticks Are Too Hard?
If the breadsticks come out a bit hard, brush them with melted butter or olive oil while they’re still warm, and wrap them in a kitchen towel. This will help soften them a bit and make them more enjoyable!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Skull Potatoes and Bone Breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to warm them up and restore some crunchiness to the breadsticks.
