These fun Skull Potatoes are mashed potatoes shaped like skulls, perfect for Halloween! Topped with cheese and spices, they look spooky and taste creamy.
And let’s not forget the Bone Breadsticks! They are crispy and a great side that brings a playful vibe to the meal. Who knew dinner could be this eerie and delicious?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Small baby or yellow potatoes work best for this dish due to their size and flavor. If you can’t find them, try using red or fingerling potatoes instead. They have a similar texture and taste!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps create a crispy exterior. If you’re looking for a substitute, melted butter or avocado oil can work well. However, keep in mind that butter has a lower smoke point.
Smoked Paprika: This spice gives a warm, smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a kick. Just be mindful of the heat level!
Parmesan Cheese: For the Bone Breadsticks, Parmesan adds a savory flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
What’s the Best Way to Carve Skull Faces on Potatoes?
Carving skull faces can seem tricky, but it’s all about being gentle and careful. Here’s how to make it easier:
- Start with clean, dry potatoes. Choose a sharper knife for better control.
- Use a small skull-shaped mold if you have one, or simply carve small eyes and a nose using a teaspoon or paring knife.
- Make shallow cuts — you can always carve deeper if needed.
- Practice on one or two potatoes first before doing the whole batch to build your confidence!
How Can I Make Sure My Breadsticks Are Crispy?
Getting crispy Bone Breadsticks is all about the baking technique. Here are some tips:
- Be sure to preheat the oven properly. This helps create the initial crunch.
- Brush the tops well with olive oil before baking; it adds flavor and helps with browning.
- Don’t crowd the breadsticks on the baking sheet. Leave space between them for good air circulation.
- Keep an eye on them while they bake, especially if your oven runs hot!
These tips will help you create a spooky and delicious dish that’s perfect for fun gatherings! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Skull Potatoes with Bone Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For Skull Potatoes:
- 2 pounds small baby potatoes (or small yellow potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Black olives or peppercorns for eye decoration
For Bone Breadsticks:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of cook time, totaling about 1 hour and 5 minutes. You’ll spend a little time carving the potato skulls and shaping the breadsticks, but the fun is worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Skull Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is warming up, wash the baby potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel. Next, use a small skull-shaped mold or a knife to carefully carve simple skull faces on a few potatoes, making eye sockets and nose holes. If you don’t have a mold, you can etch the features with a small spoon or knife.
In a large bowl, toss all the potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until they’re evenly coated. Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Roast the potatoes in the oven for 30-40 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden and crisp on the outside. Once they’re baked, sprinkle with chopped parsley and add black olives or peppercorns as spooky eyes!
2. Prepare Bone Breadsticks:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Next, divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long breadstick shape, about 6-7 inches long. To make them look like bones, pinch one end into a rounded knob and create small indentations along the length of the stick.
Place the shaped breadsticks on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a little olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for extra flavor. Bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
3. Serve:
Once everything is ready, arrange your roasted Skull Potatoes and crispy Bone Breadsticks on a skull-themed bowl or platter for an extra spooky touch. Serve warm as a fun and festive side dish perfect for Halloween or any themed gathering!
Enjoy your creepy, crunchy bone breadsticks paired with the golden, flavorful skull potatoes! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes for the Skull Potatoes?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes! While small baby or yellow potatoes are ideal for shaping, you can also use red potatoes or even larger ones if you shape them appropriately. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary with size.
Can I Make the Bone Breadsticks Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the breadsticks up to a day ahead, shape them, and refrigerate them covered. Bake them fresh just before serving for the best texture, or you can reheat leftovers in the oven to restore some crispness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the Skull Potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, and warm the Bone Breadsticks the same way to keep them crispy.
Can I Add More Flavors to the Skull Potatoes?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding cheese, herbs, or spices into the potato mixture before roasting. Cheddar cheese and chives can give it a delicious twist, making it even more flavorful.
