The Story & Intro
When I was a little girl in Crete, Halloween wasn’t really part of our traditions, but we always loved playful food that brought the family together. My grandmother used to make soft, warm breadsticks fresh from the oven, brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano from her garden. Years later, I decided to give them a fun twist—shaping them like “witch fingers” for Halloween and serving them with a smoky roasted red pepper dip.
This recipe combines the comfort of homemade bread with a touch of spooky creativity. The breadsticks are crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and each one gets its “nail” from a whole almond pressed into the tip. Paired with a creamy roasted red pepper dip, they make the perfect appetizer for parties, movie nights, or just a fun cooking activity with kids.
Making these witch finger breadsticks with roasted red pepper dip is easier than it looks, and I promise your kitchen will smell amazing while they bake. Plus, nothing brings people together like warm bread and a flavorful dip—especially when it looks this fun!
Ingredients
For the Witch Finger Breadsticks:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 20–25 whole almonds (for “nails”)
For the Roasted Red Pepper Dip:
- 2 large roasted red peppers (jarred or freshly roasted)
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, oregano, and garlic powder. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Witch Fingers
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 20–25 pieces. Roll each piece into a thin breadstick shape, slightly tapered at one end. Press a whole almond into the tip for the fingernail. Use a knife to score small lines across the “knuckle” area for a realistic look. Place them on a lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil.
Step 3: Bake the Breadsticks
Bake the breadsticks for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Step 4: Make the Roasted Red Pepper Dip
In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your witch finger breadsticks warm, with the roasted red pepper dip in a spooky cauldron-style bowl for Halloween fun. For extra effect, drizzle a little dip around the edges of the serving plate to look like “blood.”
These breadsticks also pair beautifully with soups, pasta dishes, or as a fun party snack. If you want to make them ahead, simply bake the breadsticks, let them cool, and reheat for a few minutes in the oven before serving.
Conclusion
Cooking should always bring joy, laughter, and just a little bit of magic. These witch finger breadsticks with roasted red pepper dip do exactly that—they’re playful, delicious, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making them for a Halloween party, a kids’ activity, or just to bring smiles to your family table, they’ll always be remembered.
From my kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope you enjoy these breadsticks as much as I enjoyed creating them. Food is more than flavor—it’s memories, laughter, and togetherness.
Short Version
Hi, I’m Inaya from Crete! Growing up, I learned to bake breadsticks with my grandmother, and now I’ve added a spooky twist: Witch Finger Breadsticks with Roasted Red Pepper Dip. These crispy breadsticks are shaped into “fingers” with almond nails and baked until golden. Paired with a smoky, creamy roasted red pepper dip, they’re fun for Halloween or any gathering. They look playful but taste amazing—fluffy inside, crisp outside. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they bring smiles and flavor to the table. Simple to make, delicious to eat, and sure to be remembered!