Toothpick

N/A Kitchen Tool, Utensil

Toothpick Kitchen Tool, Utensil

At a Glance

  • Category Kitchen Tool, Utensil

The Forktionary Angle

"The indispensable, non-edible kitchen utility that masterfully holds appetizers, tests cakes, and secures garnishes."

Definition

A small, thin stick, usually made of wood, used for cleaning between teeth or as a culinary tool for holding food together or testing doneness.

Culinary Functions Used to check cake doneness, secure wraps/rolls, skewer appetizers, and clean grill grates.
Historical Use Evidence of toothpick use dates back to ancient times, with gold toothpicks found in prehistoric graves.
Primary Material Most commonly made from birchwood or bamboo.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Toothpick are:

N/A

Chef’s Secret

Use a toothpick to easily remove the stringy 'vein' from shrimp by inserting it under the vein at the second segment from the head and gently pulling upwards.

Best Substitutes

Small cocktail skewers

Ratio 1:1

Wooden picks

Ratio 1:1

Metal skewers

for cooking
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose sturdy, smooth, splinter-free toothpicks, preferably from sustainable wood sources. Flavored options are also available.

Recipes Using Toothpick

Meat Novelty Easy Holiday Event

A Date With A Pig

This ridiculously easy appetizer is a crowd-pleaser! With only two ingredients and minimal effort, you'll create irresistible bacon-wrapped dates that disappear in minutes. Perfect for parties, game day, or a romantic night in – get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Course Chicken 4 Hours Or Less

Amarula Drumsticks

Indulge in these irresistible Amarula Drumsticks! This unique recipe combines the richness of Amarula cream with savory herbs and a touch of sweetness. Perfectly crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside, these drumsticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to follow instructions make this recipe perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. Prepare for a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more!

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Pork Meat Main Dish Inexpensive

Amazing Chicken

Juicy, cheesy chicken breasts wrapped in crispy bacon – this incredibly quick and easy recipe is ready in under 45 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner for two, easily scaled up for a crowd. Get ready for flavor!

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Main Ingredient Preparation Easy Main Ingredient

Anti Pasto Appetizers

These festive antipasto skewers were a huge success at my Christmas party – even the kids loved helping make them! A vibrant mix of savory salami, pepperoni, creamy cheese, briny olives, and perfectly cooked tortellini, these easy appetizers are sure to impress your guests. While there's a 4-hour marinating time, the active prep only takes about 30 minutes. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Beginner Cook Grains North American Cuisine

Bacon Roll Appetizers

Irresistibly delicious Bacon Roll Appetizers! Creamy mushroom soup meets crispy bacon in these easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing bites. Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick and satisfying snack. These disappear fast, so double (or triple!) the recipe. Plus, they freeze beautifully for future enjoyment!

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Time To Make Main Ingredient Fathers Day Pork

Bacon Roses

Surprise your loved one with these adorable and savory Bacon Roses! These crispy, flavorful roses are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a romantic dinner, Valentine's Day, or any special occasion. Impress your sweetheart with this unique and delicious edible gift!

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Easy Bacon 5 Ingredients Or Less Easy

Bacon Wrapped Breadsticks

Get ready for a flavor explosion! These crispy, bacon-wrapped breadsticks are ridiculously easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast. Perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Prepare to be amazed by how addictive these little bites are!

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Course Beginner Cook Time To Make Inexpensive

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts

This recipe for juicy, bacon-wrapped chicken breasts is a family favorite, passed down and perfected! Each tender chicken breast is stuffed with creamy cream cheese, then wrapped in crispy bacon for ultimate flavor. A tangy lemon sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. Easy to customize – skip the chives or add extra pepper to suit your taste! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Lactose Side Dishes Vegetables Preparation

Bacon Wrapped Mushroom Kabobs Kebabs

Fire up the grill for these irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Mushroom Kabobs! Perfect for summer BBQs, these savory skewers are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Juicy mushrooms wrapped in crispy bacon – what's not to love? Get the recipe now!

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Dietary Appetizers Dietary North American

Bacon Wrapped Parmesan Breadsticks

Satisfy your cravings with these addictive Bacon-Wrapped Parmesan Breadsticks! Perfect for parties, game nights, or a quick and easy snack, these microwaveable delights are ready in minutes. Juicy bacon wraps crispy breadsticks, generously coated in parmesan cheese – it's a flavor explosion! Easy cleanup is a bonus. Make a big batch because they'll disappear fast!

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Seasonal Low Sodium Low Fat Cuisine

Bacon Wrapped Potatoes

Elevate your classic baked potato with this irresistible recipe! Crispy bacon wraps juicy, perfectly seasoned potatoes for a side dish or hearty meal that's sure to impress. Simple to make, yet bursting with flavor, these bacon-wrapped potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Seafood Seafood Oven Equipment

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Relive a classic! This recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Scallops is a nostalgic trip back to 1982, inspired by a Bon Appetit recipe. Succulent scallops wrapped in crispy bacon, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this elegant and surprisingly simple dish!

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Course Course Very Low Carbs Main Ingredient

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

These irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Smokies are a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to disappear fast! Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a fun weeknight snack, they're incredibly easy to make and offer a delightful balance of smoky, salty, and sweet flavors. Prepare them in the oven or slow cooker – the choice is yours! Get ready for rave reviews!

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Equipment Equipment Bacon Lunch

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts With Ketchup Sauce

Crispy bacon wraps juicy water chestnuts in this addictive appetizer! Our tangy ketchup glaze elevates this classic to a party favorite. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress, these little bites are perfect for game day, holiday gatherings, or any occasion.

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Beef Beef Meat Main Ingredient

Bacon Wrapped Beef Patties

Elevate your burger game with these irresistible bacon-wrapped beef patties! Juicy ground beef, perfectly seasoned, and wrapped in crispy bacon – it's a flavor explosion in every bite. Serve them as is, on a bun with your favorite cheese, or as a delicious addition to your next BBQ. This family-favorite recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress!

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Course 4 Hours Or Less 5 Ingredients Or Less Appetizers

Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies

This bacon-wrapped brown sugar smokies recipe is a Christmas party MUST! Every year, this dish disappears faster than Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve. Juicy little smokies are wrapped in crispy bacon, then slow-cooked to perfection in a sweet and savory brown sugar sauce. The bacon cooks quickly, creating an irresistible caramelized glaze. Best of all? Prep it the night before and simply pop it in the slow cooker a few hours before your party. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Appetizers Low In Something Oven Equipment

Baked Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies

Elevate your holiday appetizers (or any day treat!) with these irresistible Baked Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies! Unlike slow-cooker versions, our oven-baked recipe delivers perfectly crisp bacon, caramelized brown sugar, and juicy smokies. Baking allows for better control of fat content, resulting in a deliciously indulgent snack without the guilt. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's surprisingly easy to make – perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in!

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Time To Make Number Of Servings Occasion Easy

Beef And Mushrooms

This incredibly flavorful Aussie Beef and Mushrooms recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner the whole family will adore! Inspired by a busy mom's need for a simple yet delicious meal, this recipe has become a hit with American friends, earning the title "Aussie Beef and Mushrooms." Tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a rich gravy combine for a satisfying dish that's ready in under 70 minutes. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite veggies for a complete and comforting meal.

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