Pizza Ghost

Introduction

There’s something about Halloween treats that just makes the season feel extra festive! Among my all-time favorite spooky snacks are Pizza Ghost they’re so simple to make, and the fun, ghostly shapes add the perfect spooky touch to any Halloween gathering. Whether you’re hosting a kids’ Halloween party or just making a special dinner for the family, these Pizza Ghosts are sure to be a hit.

In my household, Halloween is a big deal. We love decorating the house, putting on costumes, and making themed treats for the whole family to enjoy. Last year, I wanted to make something different, so I thought, why not combine our love for pizza with a bit of Halloween magic? The result? These adorable and spooky pizza ghosts! My kids couldn’t get enough of them. The best part? They’re super easy to make, and you can get creative with the toppings. It’s become a family tradition, and every year, we experiment with different cheeses and toppings, though mozzarella is always our go-to for that perfect ghostly white!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a many reason to love this Pizza Ghost:

Easy to make: This recipe is incredibly simple and perfect for even novice cooks. You don’t need any fancy equipment or culinary skills, just a few basic ingredients and a love for pizza ghost!

Customizable: You can switch up the toppings to fit your preferences. While mozzarella makes the perfect ghostly topping, you can add pepperoni, veggies, or even make it vegetarian.

Perfect for Halloween parties: Whether you’re making these for a kids’ party, a spooky movie night, or just to enjoy the Halloween spirit, Pizza Ghosts are fun for all ages.

Great for kids: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen with this recipe. They can have fun cutting out the ghost shapes and adding their favorite toppings.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: Makes 8-10 pizza ghosts

Nutrition Facts

• Calories per serving: 220
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 8g

Ingredients

To create this delightful Pizza Ghost, you’ll need:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (or your favorite pizza sauce)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (you can also use sliced mozzarella for a smoother ghost look)
• Black olives (sliced for the ghost’s eyes and mouth)
• Flour (for rolling out the dough)
• Olive oil (for brushing the dough)
• Optional toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or any of your favorite pizza toppings

Instructions

Here’s how to make your very own Pizza Ghost from scratch:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Prepare the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough to about ¼-inch thick. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
3. Cut out ghost shapes: Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, cut out ghost shapes from the dough. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can easily make your own ghost shapes by hand—just roll the dough and cut free-form ghosts with a knife. The more creative and wiggly the edges, the better!
4. Add the sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on each ghost, leaving a little border around the edges to prevent the sauce from spilling over.
5. Cheese time: Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over each ghost, making sure to completely cover the sauce. The cheese will melt into a smooth, ghostly shape as it bakes.
6. Add the faces: Use sliced black olives to create eyes and a mouth on each ghost. Place them near the top of the pizza to give them a cute or spooky expression. Feel free to add other toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers if you want to customize your ghosts.
7. Bake: Transfer the pizza ghosts to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the dough are golden brown.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm!

How to Serve

These Pizza Ghost are perfect for sharing! Here are a few ideas for serving them:

• Serve these Pizza Ghosts with a side of marinara dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Pair them with a Halloween-themed salad (think orange and black ingredients like carrots, black beans, and pumpkin seeds).
• Add to a spooky snack table with other fun treats like candy corn, Halloween cupcakes, and more.
• Make it a meal by pairing the pizza ghosts with buttery garlic bread and a simple side of roasted veggies.

Additional Tips

Here are few tips to ensure your Pizza Ghost turn out perfectly every time:

1. Use fresh dough: Fresh pizza dough works best, but if you’re in a pinch, you can also use refrigerated dough from the store.
2. Pre-bake the dough: If you want a crispier crust, pre-bake the ghost-shaped dough for 3-4 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings.
3. Get creative with toppings: While mozzarella makes the perfect base for the ghostly look, you can switch things up with different types of cheese like provolone or gouda for a unique flavor.
4. Make ahead: You can prep the pizza ghosts ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven for a quick and easy snack.
5. Let the kids help: This is a fun recipe to make with kids. Let them cut out the ghost shapes and create their own spooky faces with olives or other toppings.

Recipe Variations

Want to try something different? Here a few variations of this Halloween Pizza Ghost you can explore:

• Vegetarian Pizza Ghosts: Swap out the black olives for pieces of roasted bell peppers or mushrooms to create the faces. You can also use spinach or arugula to add a green element to the ghosts.
• Spicy Pizza Ghosts: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the cheese or add slices of jalapeños for a fiery kick.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza Ghosts: Instead of marinara, use BBQ sauce as the base and add shredded chicken for a sweet and smoky version of pizza ghosts.
• Gluten-Free Pizza Ghosts: Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Most grocery stores now carry gluten-free dough that works just as well as traditional dough.

Serving Suggestions

• Kid-Friendly Halloween Dinner: Serve these Pizza Ghosts alongside other fun Halloween dishes like mummy hot dogs, witch’s finger cookies, and spooky fruit cups.
• Movie Night Treat: Make a big batch of pizza ghosts for a Halloween movie marathon. Pair with popcorn, candy, and a selection of fun dips.
• Halloween Party Appetizers: These make great finger food for Halloween parties. Set up a build-your-own pizza station where guests can decorate their own ghosts with a variety of toppings.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store any leftover Pizza Ghosts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven for best results—this will help keep the crust crisp.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the uncooked pizza ghosts. After cutting out the shapes and adding the sauce and cheese, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just bake from frozen for 12-15 minutes.

Special Equipment

To make these Pizza Ghost, you’ll need a few handy tools:

• Ghost-shaped cookie cutter: This will give your pizza ghosts their signature spooky look, but you can also cut the shapes freehand with a knife if you prefer.
• Rolling pin: For rolling out the pizza dough to an even thickness.
• Baking sheet: A standard baking sheet works great for this recipe. You can also use a pizza stone if you want extra crispy crusts.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe with store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought dough works just fine and makes the process even easier. Just let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling it out.

What if I don’t have a ghost-shaped cookie cutter?
No worries! You can easily cut out ghost shapes by hand with a knife. Just get creative with the wiggly edges to give your ghosts some personality.

Can I use different cheeses for the ghosts?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is the best for creating that ghostly white look, you can use any mild cheese that melts well, like provolone or Monterey Jack.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza ghosts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.

Can I freeze pizza ghosts?
Yes! Freeze the uncooked pizza ghosts on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Print

Making these Pizza Ghosts has become one of my favorite Halloween traditions, and I hope you’ll enjoy them just as much as my family does. They’re spooky, cheesy, and fun everything you could want in a Halloween treat! Whether