Best Pizza Ghosts Recipe: Spooky-Delicious Halloween Treat

Get ready to conjure up some magic in your kitchen this Halloween! Our spooky pizza ghosts recipe is the ultimate way to celebrate. This fun and easy meal features a delicious homemade crust and a simple, flavorful sauce. It’s a fantastic, family-friendly activity and a delightful treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love These Spooky Pizza Ghosts

• Adorably Spooky Fun: These pizza ghosts are incredibly cute and perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the playful, ghostly shapes.
• Effortless & Beginner-Friendly: Our step-by-step guide makes this recipe incredibly easy, even for new bakers. You can involve the whole family in making these treats.
• Superior Homemade Taste: Forget bland store-bought versions; our homemade dough and sauce deliver fresh, irresistible flavors. You control the ingredients, ensuring a wholesome and tasty meal.
• Versatile Halloween Staple: These ghostly pizzas are ideal for parties, movie nights, or a special family dinner. They are a festive and satisfying addition to any Halloween gathering.
• Crispy Cast-Iron Perfection: Baking in a cast-iron skillet creates an unbeatable crispy crust every single time. This method ensures a perfectly cooked pizza with a golden-brown bottom.

Ingredients

Making these delightful pizza ghosts starts with fresh ingredients for a homemade taste. You’ll prepare a soft, chewy pizza dough and a vibrant, flavorful sauce from scratch. Gather your cheese and olives to bring your spooky spirits to life!

For the Homemade Pizza Dough:

• 2 cups plus 2 Tablespoons (11 ounces, 312 grams) bread flour
• 1-1/8 teaspoons instant or rapid-rise yeast
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 cup (6 ounces, 177 ml) filtered water

For the Super-Simple Pizza Sauce:

• 16 ounces (2 8-ounce cans) tomato sauce
• 6 ounce can tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Mozzarella Ghosts & Pizza Assembly:

• 6 slices (4 ounces, 113 grams) sliced Mozzarella cheese
• 1 Tablespoon sliced black olives
• 8 ounces Pizza Dough, room temperature (half of the batch prepared above)
• 1-1/2 Tablespoons olive oil, for skillet
• 1/3 cup Super-Simple Pizza Sauce (from batch prepared above)
• 1/4 cup (.75 ounces, 22 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces, 170 grams) shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon olive oil, for drizzling on cooked pizza (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

For the best crust, bread flour is highly recommended due to its higher protein content, yielding a chewier texture. As highlighted by Pizza School New York, bread flour typically contains 12-13% protein, which is ideal for achieving desired dough strength and chewiness.

If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast, but proof it first in warm water before adding to the other dough ingredients. If sliced mozzarella isn’t available, provolone or even a firm white cheddar can work for ghost cutouts. Feel free to use good quality store-bought pizza dough or sauce to save time; just ensure they are at room temperature. For ghost faces, use sliced black olives, or get creative with small pieces of roasted red pepper or capers for different expressions.

Equipment

You don’t need a lot of fancy tools to create these amazing pizza ghosts! Basic kitchen items combined with a few specialized pieces will ensure success. You will need a food processor for dough, a blender for the pizza sauce, and a 12-inch cast-iron skillet for baking. Gather ghost cookie cutters in various sizes, round pastry tips for eyes, parchment paper, a rolling pin, and a pizza cutter. Of course, you’ll need an oven, a cutting board, and your trusty hands.

Instructions

Creating these delightful pizza ghosts is a fun and straightforward process, perfect for beginners. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly spooky and delicious treat. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable, so take your time and have fun!

Making the Pizza Dough:

1. Add bread flour, yeast, and salt to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse five times to thoroughly combine these dry ingredients.
2. Add the olive oil and filtered water to the processor bowl. Process until a rough ball forms, which typically takes 30 to 40 seconds.
3. Let the dough rest in the food processor for two minutes. This allows the flour to fully hydrate. Process for an additional 30 seconds until smoother.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand to form a smooth, round ball. Place this dough ball into a large, lightly greased bowl.
5. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, about 1-½ hours. (This recipe yields 1 pound of pizza dough, enough for two pizzas.)

Making the Super-Simple Pizza Sauce:

1. Combine all pizza sauce ingredients – tomato sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, oregano, basil, sugar, onion salt, and salt – into a blender.
2. Purée for 30 seconds, or until all ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth. (This recipe yields 2-½ cups of sauce.)

Preparing Your Ghostly Toppings:

1. Trace an 11-inch circle on a piece of parchment paper. Flip the paper to the other side to avoid transferring pencil marks to your food. Set this aside.
2. Using ghost cookie cutters, carefully cut out ghost shapes from the sliced Mozzarella cheese. As you cut them, position them on the parchment paper in the arrangement you envision for your finished pizza ghosts.
3. Cut out small eyes and mouths from the black olive slices. Place these olive pieces onto your mozzarella ghosts to create their spooky faces. Set these aside until the pizza comes out of the oven.

Assembling and Baking Your Pizza Ghosts:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat helps create a crispy crust quickly.
2. Brush 1-½ Tablespoons of olive oil evenly in the bottom of a 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Set the skillet aside.
3. Divide your risen pizza dough in half. Take one piece of dough and press and roll it into an 11-inch round.
4. Carefully transfer the dough round to the prepared cast-iron skillet. Gently push and stretch the dough to fully cover the bottom and reach the corners of the pan.
5. Spread ⅓ cup of your super-simple pizza sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edge.
6. Top the sauce with ¼ cup of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, followed by 1-½ cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Place the skillet over medium heat on your stovetop. Cook until the outside edge of the dough is set and the pizza is lightly puffed, which takes about five minutes. This step helps create a wonderfully crispy bottom crust.
8. Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven. Bake until the edge of the pizza is golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted, typically 8 to 10 minutes.
9. Remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately and carefully position your prepared mozzarella ghosts on the hot pizza. The residual heat will soften them slightly and help them adhere.
10. Remove the pizza from the cast-iron skillet. If desired, drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil for added flavor and shine. Slice and serve your spooky pizza ghosts right away! (This yields one 11-inch pizza.)

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect pizza ghosts is easy with a few expert tips. Always ensure your yeast is active by checking the expiration date and watching for a good rise. A properly greased cast-iron skillet prevents sticking and ensures a fantastic crispy crust. When making dough, avoid overworking it, which can lead to a tough crust. Place your mozzarella ghosts on the pizza immediately after it comes out of the oven so the residual heat softens them perfectly. Adjust baking time as needed for your desired crispness and cheese melt. For convenience, you can make the sauce and dough ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator. Use parchment paper to arrange your ghost cutouts before placing them on the pizza, making transfer much easier.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serve your delightful pizza ghosts immediately after baking for the freshest, crispiest experience. Leftovers can be stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy. You can also freeze a fully cooked pizza by wrapping it tightly, then placing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Feel free to add other spooky toppings like spiderweb designs with extra sauce, or green pepper bats. Experiment with different cheese combinations for the base, such as cheddar or provolone. For individual servings, adapt this recipe for mini pizza ghosts using smaller dough portions and cutters.

Nutrition

Enjoying homemade pizza ghosts offers a more wholesome option compared to highly processed alternatives. Making your own dough and sauce allows you to control the ingredients, reducing preservatives and unhealthy fats. While still a treat, this recipe provides essential nutrients.

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ

• Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough for these spooky pizza ghosts?
  A: Absolutely! Using store-bought dough is a great time-saver. Just ensure it’s at room temperature before you start rolling it out.
• Q: Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of making it from scratch?
  A: Yes, you certainly can. Choose a good quality store-bought marinara or pizza sauce to ensure the best flavor for your pizza.
• Q: How far in advance can I make the dough?
  A: You can prepare the pizza dough up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in a lightly oiled bowl in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature before shaping.
• Q: Can the finished pizza be frozen?
  A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked pizza. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will keep for up to a month in the freezer.
• Q: What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
  A: You can bake the pizza on a standard pizza stone or a preheated baking sheet. Just omit the stovetop pre-bake step and increase oven baking time as needed.
• Q: What are the best cheeses for ghost cutouts?
  A: Sliced mozzarella works wonderfully as it melts beautifully and holds its shape well. Provolone or a mild white cheddar are also good choices for ghost cutouts.

Conclusion

Creating these adorable pizza ghosts is a fantastic way to bring some festive fun into your home this Halloween. This easy, beginner-friendly recipe ensures a delicious, homemade meal that’s perfect for parties or a cozy family night. We encourage you to try this recipe and make some spooky memories in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your ghostly creations with us online!

Spooktacular Pizza Ghosts: The Ultimate Halloween Treat

Create a fun and spooky Halloween treat with these ghost-shaped mozzarella pizzas, featuring homemade dough and a simple, flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for a festive dinner!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 158 kcal

Equipment

• Food processor with steel blade
• Blender
• Parchment paper
• Ghost cookie cutters
• Large bowl
• Plastic wrap
• 12-inch cast-iron skillet

Ingredients

  

Pizza Dough

• 2 cups plus 2 Tablespoons bread flour
• 1-1/8 teaspoons instant or rapid-rise yeast
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 cup filtered water

Super-Simple Pizza Sauce

• 16 ounces tomato sauce
• 6 ounce can tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Pizza Toppings & Assembly

• 6 slices sliced Mozzarella cheese for ghosts
• 1 Tablespoon sliced black olives
• 8 ounces Pizza Dough room temperature
• 1-1/2 Tablespoons olive oil for brushing skillet
• 1/3 cup Super-Simple Pizza Sauce
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1-1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon olive oil for drizzling on cooked pizza

Instructions

 

Dough Preparation

• Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a food processor, then add olive oil and water and process until a rough ball forms. Let the dough rest for 2 minutes, then process again before transferring to a lightly floured surface to knead into a smooth ball. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover tightly, and let rise for about 1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Sauce Preparation

• Add all sauce ingredients to a blender and purée for 30 seconds until completely combined.

Ghost Preparation

• Trace an 11-inch circle on parchment paper and then flip it over.
• Using ghost cookie cutters, cut shapes from sliced Mozzarella cheese and arrange them on the parchment as desired for the finished pizza.
• Cut out eyes and mouths from black olive slices, place them on the mozzarella ghosts, and set them aside until the pizza is ready.

Pizza Assembly & Baking

• Preheat your oven to 450°F.
• Brush 1-1/2 Tablespoons of olive oil into the bottom of a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and set it aside.
• Divide the pizza dough in half, press and roll one piece into an 11-inch round, and transfer it to the prepared cast-iron skillet, gently pushing it to the corners. Spread 1/3 cup of Super-Simple Pizza Sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border, then top with Parmesan and shredded Mozzarella cheese.
• Place the skillet over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until the dough edge is set and the pizza is lightly puffed. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Finishing & Serving

• Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately position the prepared ghost cutouts on the hot pizza.
• Remove the pizza from the cast-iron skillet, drizzle with olive oil if desired, and serve.

Notes

Tips: The dough recipe yields enough for two pizzas, and the sauce recipe makes 2.5 cups, so you’ll have extra for another pizza night! For best results, arrange your mozzarella ghosts on parchment paper before the pizza is cooked, then transfer them to the hot pizza straight from the oven to ensure they melt perfectly.