Crispy Breadstick Rattlers: Spicy Sausage-Stuffed Appetizers

Make these Breadstick Rattlers for your next Halloween party — they’re easy, tasty, and guaranteed to make guests smile.

A side angled shot of a plate full of breadstick rattlers for Halloween.
Breadstick Rattlers

These snake-shaped breadsticks are perfect for Halloween, but the same technique works for simple twisted breadsticks any time of year.

What makes this recipe so yummy

  • Quick and festive: a simple way to add Halloween spirit to your spread.
  • Visually fun: the snake shapes delight kids and adults alike.
  • Versatile: serve them as party snacks, with soup, or alongside dips.

Groceries you’ll need: Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make Breadstick Rattlers for Halloween.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Breadstick Rattlers Recipe Instructions

This overview covers the essential steps. Refer to the recipe card for detailed measurements.

A sheet of pizza dough being cut with a pizza wheel.
Step 1: Open the refrigerated pizza dough, press it out, and cut even strips with a pizza wheel.
Rolled up pizza dough strands on a baking sheet.
Step 2: Twist each strip into a spiral or snake shape and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
A pastry brush brushing oil onto strands of pizza dough.
Step 3: Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds, and add small olive pieces for eyes on the head.
Tongue shapes cut from red bell pepper.
Step 4: While the breadsticks bake, cut tiny tongues from a red bell pepper.
A baking sheet with finished breadstick snakes.
Step 5: When the breadsticks are out of the oven, cut a small slit in the head to insert the pepper tongue.

Step 6: Serve warm with your favorite dip on the side.

Hint: For more flavor, mix salt, garlic, or other seasonings into the olive oil before brushing onto the twists.

Recipe variations and substitute ideas

  • Parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan over the oil before baking.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Add heat to the oil for a spicy kick.
  • Serve with Soup: Try them with store-bought tomato soup for a cozy combo.
  • Black Sesame: Use black sesame seeds instead of poppy seeds for a darker look.
  • Pumpkin Seeds or Candy Eyes: Use for alternate eye decorations.
  • Brown Butter: Brush on melted brown butter after baking for a nutty finish.
  • Egg Wash: Brush with egg wash before baking for a glossy crust.
Breadstick rattlers on a plate with Halloween decorations all around.

Sharing is Caring

The Cagle Diaries

Necessary gear: Equipment

All you need are basic kitchen tools — baking sheet, parchment paper, pizza wheel, and a knife for the bell pepper.

More Halloween recipes I think you’ll love

  • Halloween Bark
  • Maple Bacon Fudge
  • Fun and Spooky Halloween Pie Recipes
  • 70+ Best Halloween Movie Night Snacks
  • Mummy Oreos
  • Halloween Grilled Cheese
  • Nutter Butter Ghosts

How to store leftovers

After cooling, store breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Mel’s kitchen notes

These breadsticks freeze exceptionally well. Place cooled pieces in a resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

A picture of Melanie Cagle showing something in a cooking pot.

About The Author

Melanie Cagle

Melanie is a professional food photographer and home cook who shares tested recipes and tutorials on this blog.

Her work has appeared on national platforms, and she recently competed on Food Network’s “100 Cooks”.

Breadstick rattlers for Halloween.

Frequently asked questions: FAQs

What kind of sauce or dip should I offer?

Popular choices are marinara or Alfredo, but garlic butter or pizza sauce also pair nicely.


If you’ve tried this Breadstick Rattlers Recipe or any other recipe here, please tell us in the comments how it turned out — we love hearing from readers!

If you enjoy the recipe, please consider rating it 5 stars.

A plate full of breadstick rattlers with a marinara sauce to dip.

Breadstick Rattlers

Fun and delicious, these Breadstick Rattlers make a perfect Halloween snack.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time12 minutes mins
Total Time22 minutes mins
Servings: 12
Cuisine: Breads, Halloween Recipes
Author: Melanie Cagle

ANNOUNCEMENT

Watch Me Compete on Food Network’s 100 Cooks – airing June 7th @ 9/8c

Equipment

  • Non-Stick Baking Sheets

Ingredients

  • 1 (13.8 Ounce) Can Refrigerated Classic Pizza Crust
  • 1 Each Red Bell Pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
  • 1 Pinch Poppy Seeds
  • 1 Pinch Sesame Seeds
  • 1 Each Black Olive

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Open the can of refrigerated pizza crust and press it out evenly.
  • Cut the dough into even strips, about ½” wide, with a pizza wheel.
  • Twist each strip into a snake-like shape and place on parchment paper. Flatten one end slightly to form a head.
  • Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds.
  • Cut the black olive into small pieces and place them on the head as eyes.
  • Bake about 12 minutes or until golden brown.
  • While baking, cut the red bell pepper into small tongue shapes.
  • Remove breadsticks from the oven, make a small slit for a mouth while warm, and insert the pepper tongue.
  • Serve warm with your favorite dip, such as marinara.

Notes

For extra flavor, mix salt, garlic, or chili into the olive oil and brush onto the breadsticks before baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 4g