Mummy Garlic Bread, Deliciously Scary Halloween Snack

This halloween garlic bread recipe was first published on September 27th 2024.

Spooky Scary Skeletons is one line from a song I tend to sing along with a little too much emphasis once Halloween is about to come around, which is right about now. And this year, we have decided to focus on recipes, like this mummy garlic bread, which are easy to put together in literally minutes.

Because I now live in Italy, Halloween is not such a big thing unless you are ready to go out dancing with other adults who seem to enjoy the group sweating session. I am not for that kind of activity, and I am still hoping some dressed up kids looking absolutely scary cute show up for some candies. I gotta decorate the garden, I am sure of it. But then again, what if they do not show up?

Mummy bread is a fun and spooky Halloween snack that is sure to be a hit at any festive gathering. Combining the delicious flavours of traditional garlic bread with a playful, creepy twist, it’s a creative way to embrace the Halloween spirit while serving up something everyone loves.

I would love to throw a little Halloween bash, but that’s most definitely not in the cards. So if you end up throwing a Halloween party for real, we do have a few recipes you should consider, including:

• these tiny and cute ghost hand pies, our latest post;
• a scary Halloween margarita is all you need really;
• this mummy pot pie is as adorable as it is scary;
• these hand-decorated Halloween cookies? We also have the scary poison apple cookies you could try;
• and lastly, these monster mash rice crispy treats are quick & easy to make!

Let’s get some delicious Halloween snacks made, starting with these mummy garlic bread slices

Looking for a Halloween treat that’s both spooky and delicious? Mummy garlic bread – or even mummified garlic bread, if you will – is the perfect snack to add a little fun to your festive spread. This creative twist on classic garlic bread is not only easy to make but also a surefire crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just want to get into the spooky spirit at home, these cheesy, garlicky mummies are the ideal snack. Best of all, they require just a few ingredients and come together in no time, making this cheesy garlic bread recipe perfect for last-minute Halloween preparations.

Let’s talk about these adorable mummy garlic bread slices

The charm of mummy garlic bread lies in its simplicity and the way it transforms a familiar appetizer into a festive treat. The idea is to turn your garlic bread slices into miniature mummies, wrapped in gooey cheese bandages and decorated with cute edible eyes. Whether you use baguette slices, ciabatta, or another type of bread, this snack is highly adaptable, making it easy to modify based on your preferences or dietary needs.

The visual appeal of mummy garlic bread is what makes it truly shine at Halloween parties. After spreading your favourite garlic butter or oil mixture on the bread, mozzarella or another stringy cheese is laid on top, arranged to resemble mummy wrappings. Once baked, the cheese melts into perfect bandage-like strips. Adding edible candy eyes or small pieces of black olives as the mummy’s eyes give it a spooky yet whimsical touch.

Mummy garlic bread is great because it caters to all ages. Kids will love the idea of eating something spooky, and adults will appreciate how the savoury, garlicky flavours of the bread pair perfectly with soups, pasta dishes, or as a standalone appetizer. You can also experiment with different cheeses or seasonings to add variety.

Perfect for parties, this snack is easy to make in large batches and can be customized to fit the level of creepiness you want to achieve. Mummy garlic bread adds an element of fun and creativity to the usual snack fare, blending spooky Halloween vibes with delicious flavour in every bite.

What ingredients do I need to make the mummy garlic bread?

The mummy garlic bread ingredients are simple but packed with flavour, and each one plays a key role in creating the perfect blend of taste and visual appeal. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and how it contributes to this spooky, fun snack:

• Ciabatta Bread: Ciabatta bread is an excellent choice for mummy garlic bread because of its airy, slightly chewy texture and rustic, crispy crust. Its structure holds up well to toppings, allowing it to become crispy on the outside while staying soft and tender on the inside after baking. The open crumb of ciabatta absorbs the buttery garlic mixture beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavour. The broad surface of each slice also provides plenty of space to lay down the mummy wrappings made from cheese;
• Butter: Butter forms the rich, flavourful base of the garlic mixture that’s spread across the bread. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content, though salted butter can also be a convenient choice. As the butter melts during baking, it seeps into the bread, creating a wonderful contrast between the crispy edges and the soft, buttery interior. You’ll want to make sure the butter is softened for easy mixing with the garlic and parsley;
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant pop of colour and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the butter and cheese. Its mild herbaceous flavour pairs perfectly with the garlic, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering it. Finely chopping the parsley ensures it’s evenly distributed across the bread, so each bite gets a touch of its refreshing taste;
• Garlic: Garlic is the star of the show when it comes to flavour in garlic bread. Whether you use freshly minced garlic or garlic powder, it gives the bread that unmistakable savoury punch. Fresh garlic provides a more potent, sharp flavour, while garlic powder offers a milder, more uniform taste. If you want extra garlicky intensity, you can roast the garlic before mixing it into the butter for a sweeter, caramelized flavour;
• Black Olives: Black olives serve as the perfect spooky touch to mimic the eyes of your little mummies. Their dark colour and smooth texture stand out against the melted cheese bandages, creating an unmistakable Halloween look. You can slice them into thin rounds to place as eyes or cut small pieces if you prefer a subtler appearance. Black olives have a mild, salty taste that complements the buttery, cheesy bread without overpowering the other flavours;
• String Cheese: String cheese is the key ingredient that transforms your garlic bread into adorable mummies. Its stretchable, flexible texture allows you to easily pull it into thin strips, which you can layer on top of the bread to resemble mummy wrappings. Mozzarella string cheese is ideal because it melts beautifully without becoming too runny, maintaining that bandaged look. Plus, its mild, creamy flavour pairs well with the bold garlic and butter base, adding a gooey, cheesy element to the snack.

By using these ingredients together, you create a perfect balance of textures and flavours. The result is a playful yet satisfying dish that’s crispy, cheesy, garlicky, and full of Halloween spirit.

How can I substitute these ingredients?

There are plenty of alternatives or substitutions you can use for the ingredients in mummy garlic bread, allowing for flexibility based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some suggestions:

1. Ciabatta Bread:
   • Alternative: If ciabatta isn’t available, you can use baguette, French bread, or even sourdough. These types of bread also offer a nice crust with a soft interior;
   • Substitution for Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, opt for gluten-free bread or a gluten-free baguette that mimics the texture and taste of regular bread. You could also try cauliflower bread as a lower-carb alternative.
2. Butter:
   • Alternative: If you’re looking for a different flavour profile, you could try using olive oil or ghee instead of butter. Olive oil gives the bread a lighter, Mediterranean feel, while ghee adds a nutty richness;
   • Substitution for Vegan: To make it vegan, use vegan butter or coconut oil. Some plant-based margarines also work well as a butter substitute.
3. Parsley:
   • Alternative: If parsley isn’t your favourite, you can swap it out with other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for a different herbaceous note. Cilantro is also an option if you enjoy its stronger flavour;
   • Substitution for Dried Herbs: If you don’t have fresh parsley, use dried parsley or other dried herbs. Just remember to reduce the quantity, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavour.
4. Garlic:
   • Alternative: If fresh garlic is too intense for your taste, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic as a milder option. These provide a more subtle, even garlic flavour;
   • Substitution for Garlic-Free: For those avoiding garlic, you could use shallots, scallions, or even onion powder for a different but still savoury taste.
5. Black Olives:
   • Alternative: If you’re not a fan of black olives, you can use green olives, which have a sharper, brinier flavour. Capers or small pieces of sun-dried tomatoes are also great alternatives, adding a burst of umami flavour;
   • Substitution for Non-Olive Options: If you prefer to skip olives entirely, you could use peppercorns (for decoration only), small dots of ketchup or mustard, or even halved cherry tomatoes for a more colourful, fun look.
6. String Cheese:
   • Alternative: If you don’t have string cheese, you can use mozzarella slices or shredded mozzarella instead. The key is to pull or arrange the cheese in thin strips to create the mummy effect;
   • Substitution for Vegan: For a vegan option, use vegan mozzarella or other plant-based cheeses that melt well. There are several brands that mimic the texture of string cheese or mozzarella.

These alternatives and substitutions allow you to customize mummy garlic bread for different tastes, dietary restrictions, or ingredient availability, while still maintaining its fun and spooky charm.

How do I make these mummy garlic bread slices?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make mummy garlic bread using the ingredients we’ve discussed:

• Prepare the Bread

Start by slicing your ciabatta bread into medium-thick slices. The size should be large enough to give you space to decorate but still bite-sized for a snack or appetizer. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet, ready for their spooky transformation.

• Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

Soften the butter so it’s easy to spread. In a small bowl, mix the butter with finely minced garlic and chopped parsley. This will be your garlic spread that gives the bread its signature flavour. If you’re using garlic powder or dried parsley, be sure to adjust the amounts accordingly for a more balanced flavour.

• Spread the Garlic Mixture

Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on each slice of ciabatta, ensuring that the entire surface of the bread is covered. The butter will soak into the bread while baking, creating a rich, garlicky base.

• Add the Mummy Wrappings

Now it’s time to transform these slices into mummies! Take your string cheese and pull it apart into thin strips. Lay the strips across the bread in a crisscross pattern to mimic mummy bandages. Make sure to leave small gaps between the cheese strips so the bread still shows through, giving it that classic wrapped mummy look.

• Create the Mummy Eyes

For the finishing touch, place black olives cut into small rounds or pieces on the bread to serve as the mummy eyes. If you’re using an alternative like green olives, capers, or cherry tomatoes, just make sure they’re small enough to resemble spooky eyes peeking out from the bandages.

• Bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C. Slide the baking sheet with your mummy garlic bread into the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is crispy on the edges. This typically takes around 10–15 minutes, but keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.

• Serve

Once out of the oven, allow the mummy garlic bread to cool slightly before serving. The cheese should still look like bandages, and the eyes will give them a spooky, yet fun appearance. Serve them warm and watch as your guests devour these creepy and delicious snacks!

That’s it! You’ve now made a delicious batch of mummy garlic bread, the perfect Halloween recipe for any Halloween party or festive snack table this coming October.

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With just a few simple steps and ingredients, mummy garlic bread is a perfect way to bring some Halloween spirit to your snack table.

Not only are these spooky treats deliciously garlicky and cheesy, but they also add a fun, creative twist to any party. Kids and adults alike will love the playful presentation, and you’ll enjoy how easy they are to make.

Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or a festive appetizer, this halloween bread is sure to be a hit. So, get ready to impress your guests with these savory little mummies at your next Halloween celebration.

If you are having a small fall family gathering, why not try these:

• pumpkin soup with chorizo: best comfort food for these colder days and one you can pop in a slow cooker and forget about it;
• sausage and chorizo casserole: who said fall is all about pumpkins?
• pumpkin spiced latte: welcome the pumpkin season with this easy drink;
• pumpkin madeleines: small and just the sweet enough treat you need;
• pumpkin cold foam: if you love anything pumpkin, you have to try this on coffee;
• pumpkin cheesecake donuts: who said donuts and pumpkin don’t fit together?
• pumpkin ganache pie: a classic with a bit of a modern twist;
• pumpkin pie spice pancakes: breakfast is the most important meal of the day right?
• pumpkin brioche recipe: this is the softest brioche bread you can ask for!

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