Garlic-Parmesan Pumpkin Seed Witch Finger Breadsticks

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crunchy on the outside and soft inside breadsticks shaped like witch fingers, coated with garlic, Parmesan, and toasted pumpkin seeds for a seasonal twist. This italian-inspired halloween ready in about 32 minutes pairs pizza dough, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 17 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Roll out 1 lb pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12x9 inch rectangle. Cut into 12 strips about 1 inch wide.
  3. Step 3: Twist each strip slightly in the middle to simulate knuckles and curve the ends to mimic finger shapes.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Brush each dough strip generously with the garlic-Parmesan mixture.
  6. Step 6: Press toasted pumpkin seeds (1/4 cup) onto the narrow end of each strip to create creepy fingernails.
  7. Step 7: Place the breadsticks on the baking sheet spaced apart and bake for 15-17 minutes until golden and firm.
  8. Step 8: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Parmesan Pumpkin Seed Witch Finger Breadsticks take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (15 min prep + 17 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic-Parmesan Pumpkin Seed Witch Finger Breadsticks?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pizza dough from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Parmesan Pumpkin Seed Witch Finger Breadsticks?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic-Parmesan Pumpkin Seed Witch Finger Breadsticks for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Garlic-Parmesan Pumpkin Seed Witch Finger Breadsticks?

Italian halloween like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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