Looking to add some spooky fun to your Halloween celebrations? This Halloween Ghost Pizza is the perfect way to celebrate! With mozzarella “ghosts” floating on top of rich tomato sauce, complete with black olive “eyes,” this festive pizza is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and a memorable addition to any Halloween gathering. So, fire up your oven and get ready to create this hauntingly fun pizza!
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4-5 slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese (for ghosts)
- Black olives, sliced (for ghost eyes)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
Preparation
Preheat and Prepare the Dough
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or a baking sheet inside to heat.
- Roll Out the Dough: Dust your countertop with flour or cornmeal. Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness, about 12 inches in diameter for a traditional size.
- Transfer to Parchment: Carefully place the rolled-out dough onto a sheet of parchment paper.
Add Sauce and Cheese
- Spread the Sauce: Spoon pizza sauce onto the dough, spreading it evenly but leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce for the pizza base.
Create Ghost Shapes
- Cut Cheese Ghosts: Use a small ghost-shaped cookie cutter (or cut ghost shapes freehand) out of mozzarella or provolone slices.
- Place the Ghosts: Arrange the ghost cheese shapes over the pizza.
Add Olive Eyes
- Make the Eyes: Place small pieces of sliced black olives as eyes on each ghost for a spooky effect.
- Brush the Crust: Lightly brush the pizza crust with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Bake the Pizza
- Bake: Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing, as the cheese will be very hot.
Variations
- Mummy Pizza: Instead of ghosts, make “mummy” strips by arranging thin mozzarella slices across the pizza with olive eyes peeking through.
- Spooky Faces: Use pepperoni or bell pepper slices to create spooky faces on each cheese ghost.
- Monster Eyes: Add mini pepperonis with an olive slice on top to make monster “eyes” around the pizza for a fun twist.
Cooking Note
For extra-crispy crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Cornmeal on the parchment paper also helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle crunch to the crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Halloween Ghost Pizza as a fun appetizer or main course for Halloween parties. It pairs wonderfully with a green salad or roasted pumpkin soup for a festive fall meal.
Tips
- Use Fresh Dough: Fresh pizza dough gives the best flavor and texture, but store-bought works well for convenience.
- Cheese Slices for Ghosts: Use thick slices of mozzarella or provolone for the ghost shapes, as shredded cheese may not hold the shape as well.
- Extra Toppings: Customize your pizza with your favorite toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions, arranging them creatively to enhance the spooky theme.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sodium: 320mg
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-made pizza crust?
Yes! Pre-made crusts save time and work well with this recipe. Follow package instructions for the best baking results.
2. What if I don’t have a ghost cookie cutter?
No problem! You can cut ghost shapes freehand with a knife, or create simple circles for friendly ghosts.
3. Can I make this pizza in advance?
For the best taste and texture, bake right before serving. You can prepare the toppings ahead, so assembly is quick.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free pizza dough to make the recipe gluten-free. Adjust cooking time if needed according to the dough instructions.
Conclusion
This Halloween Ghost Pizza is the ultimate Halloween treat – both spooky and delicious! With cheesy ghosts and a hauntingly tasty crust, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Simple to make and fun to eat, this pizza is sure to become a Halloween tradition in your home. Enjoy every spooky bite!