Description
This fun and creative Saucy Spider with Hairy Leg Sticks recipe is perfect for Halloween or any playful meal. Made with pizza dough shaped into a spider and leg sticks, baked to golden perfection, and served with warm marinara sauce inside the spider’s hollowed body for dipping. A delicious and visually captivating treat that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Spider Dough
- 2 balls pizza dough (thawed if frozen)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (1 oz)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (1 oz)
- 1 large pitted black olive (sliced)
Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Create Spider Body: Cut one ball of dough in half. Shape one half into a 5-inch ball to form the spider’s body. From the remaining half, cut a 1 1/2-inch strip and shape it into a 2 1/2-inch ball for the spider’s head. Cut the rest of the dough into 8 strips and roll each into 6-inch ropes to create spider legs.
- Assemble Spider: On one prepared baking sheet, arrange the body, head, and legs in the shape of a spider, pressing pieces gently together. Brush the entire spider with some of the beaten egg. Sprinkle the legs with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan. Place 2 olive slices on top of the head to resemble eyes and 2 slices on the bottom for pincers. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden, covering the legs with foil if they brown too quickly.
- Make Leg Sticks: Cut the second ball of dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a 3/4-inch thick rope and cut into various lengths. Taper one end and slightly bend the other to mimic hairy legs. Arrange these on the second baking sheet, brush with remaining egg, sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare Sauce and Serve: Warm the marinara sauce while the dough bakes. Using a knife, hollow out the spider’s body to create a cavity and carefully fill it with warm marinara sauce. Serve immediately with the baked leg sticks for dipping.
Notes
- If the legs brown too quickly while baking, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easier release and cleanup.
- You can substitute marinara sauce with any favorite red pasta sauce or dip.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pizza dough.
- The spider can be customized with other toppings or vegetables for eyes and pincers if desired.
