Snake Breadsticks

For Halloween this year, I wanted to create some spooky but cute snake breadsticks.  I made a Harry Potter themed Basilisk Breadstick once before and while delicious, it was a lot to handle (it was  huge!)

This time, they were normal breadstick sized and green like little snakes!  I could’ve gone to my cake decorating kits and grabbed some green food dye, but decided to dye them naturally with spinach instead.  For the twisty snake shape, they were baked on skewers to hold their shape.

Spud totally called me out on the spinach as dye, but since I also added garlic, there was not a spinach taste to these.  These are super fun for Halloween!

Snake Breadsticks

Spinach

1 teaspoon butter

1 cup fresh spinach

1 clove garlic, smashed

¾ cup warm water (about 115 degrees F)

Breadsticks

Spinach mixture from above

1 ⅛ teaspoons instant yeast

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon butter, melted

1 teaspoon salt

2-2 ½ cups all purpose flour

Topping

2 tablespoons butter, melted

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Dash of salt

Heat the teaspoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.  Add the spinach and crushed garlic.  Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and spinach is completely wilted.  Set aside to cool slightly.

Place the water and spinach mixture into a blender and blend until smooth.

Put the spinach mixture, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer.  Stir to mix and set aside until foamy.

Add the butter, salt, and half the flour.  Mix with the paddle attachment until smooth.  Switch to the dough hook.  Slowly add the remaining flour and mix on low until a smooth dough has formed.

Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicon mat.  Divide the dough into eight, 2-ounce pieces and roll into thin logs. Twist the dough around bamboo or metal skewers and place onto the prepared baking sheet.  Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and set aside to rise for 45 minutes.

After the breadsticks have risen, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.  Bake the breadsticks for 6 minutes. 

Meanwhile, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and salt.  After the 6 minutes, brush the breadsticks with the butter mixture, then continue cooking for another 5 minutes.  Brush with the remaining butter and serve immediately.

If desired, use an edible food marker to draw eyes and a small piece of pepperoni to make a tongue.