These fun Skull Potatoes are creamy and cheesy, shaped like spooky skulls! They make a great treat for Halloween or any celebration. The crunchy Bone Breadsticks give a tasty twist!
Who knew potatoes could be so cool? My friends and I love munching on these while watching movies, and I always sneak in extra breadsticks! They are so good; you won’t stop at one! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: I love to use medium baby potatoes with skin on for a rustic look and texture. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can use regular potatoes cut into chunks. Just carve them into skull shapes after cooking!
Olive Oil or Butter: You can use either olive oil or melted butter to coat the potatoes. I usually go for olive oil for a lighter taste, but butter adds great richness! If you want a dairy-free option, stick with olive oil.
Spices: Smoked paprika brings a nice depth of flavor, but if you’re out of it, regular paprika or even chili powder would work. For a milder seasoning, just use garlic and onion powder alone.
Parmesan Cheese: Adding cheese on top is optional, but it gives a great crispy crust! If you want a different flavor, try Pecorino or Nutritional Yeast for a vegan substitute.
All-purpose Flour: This is the base for the bone breadsticks. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just check that your yeast is gluten-free too!
How Do You Perfectly Carve the Skull Potatoes?
Carving out the skull features is what makes these potatoes so fun! Start after parboiling them, as they’re easier to handle. Follow these steps:
- First, let the potatoes cool a bit after boiling to avoid burning your hands.
- Use a small knife or melon baller to gently hollow out eyes and nose holes. Take your time, and don’t worry if it’s not perfect—the spooky look is part of the fun!
- Keep the scraps! You can mash them and mix them into the filling for other dishes.
What’s the Best Way to Shape Bone Breadsticks?
Shaping the breadsticks is where the creativity comes in! Here’s how to ensure they look just like bones:
- Roll the dough into long sticks, about 8-10 inches long.
- For the knuckles, roll small dough balls and attach them at both ends of each stick.
- Make them slightly thicker in the middle, tapering towards the ends to get that bone shape. It adds a bit of authenticity!
How to Make Skull Potatoes with Bone Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skull Potatoes:
- 12 medium baby potatoes (preferably with skin on)
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
For the Bone Breadsticks:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for decoration)
- Small pieces of dough for “knuckles” to shape at ends of breadsticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun dish will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 50-1 hour to cook. You’ll spend some time mixing and shaping both the Skull Potatoes and Bone Breadsticks, with baking time while they become perfect. Get ready for a spooky feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Skull Potatoes:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, wash and dry the baby potatoes. Grab a pot, fill it with salted water, and bring it to a boil. Parboil the potatoes for about 10 minutes—just until they are slightly tender but still firm. Drain them and let them cool a bit. Now comes the fun part! Use a small knife or a melon baller to carefully carve out little eye sockets and a nose hole in each potato, making them look like cute skulls.
Once you’ve done that, place the carved potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil (or melted butter), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture over each potato so they’re all nicely coated. If you’d like to add some cheesy goodness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top. Roast the potatoes in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy!
2. Making the Bone Breadsticks:
While the potatoes are roasting, let’s tackle the Bone Breadsticks! In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, and salt. Then, pour in the warm water and olive oil and start mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into parts. Roll each piece into elongated sticks that look like bones. For the knuckles, take small bits of dough and attach them to each end of the stick. When you’re done, place the sticks on a lined baking tray and brush them with melted butter. You can sprinkle some sesame or poppy seeds on top if you want for a bit of extra flair. Let them rise again for 20 minutes. While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the breadsticks for about 15-20 minutes, until they are golden brown.
3. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time for the fun! Arrange the Skull Potatoes nicely on a plate or in a bowl. Then, place the Bone Breadsticks either standing upright or beside the potatoes for that spooky effect. This creepy dish is perfect for Halloween parties or just a fun snack while watching a movie! Enjoy your delicious and eerie feast!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are perfect for this recipe due to their size and shape, you can use regular potatoes cut into chunks. Just carve them into skull shapes after they’ve been cooked!
What If I Don’t Have Instant Yeast for the Breadsticks?
No problem! You can substitute active dry yeast instead. Just activate it by combining it with the warm water and a pinch of sugar first, letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly before mixing it into your flour.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You sure can! You can carve the Skull Potatoes and prepare the Bone Breadsticks in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge and bake them right before serving for that fresh, warm taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, or use the microwave for a quicker option, but the breadsticks might lose some crispiness.