Ghost Pizza is a fun and spooky twist on your favorite cheesy, crispy pizza. It’s all about those gooey melted cheeses and just the right amount of sauce on a perfectly baked crust that’s golden and crunchy. What makes it special? The playful ghost shape that makes it perfect for Halloween or any time you want a little spooky fun with your meal.
I love making Ghost Pizza because it’s a great way to get creative in the kitchen. I usually use simple toppings like mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan to keep it gooey and flavorful, but you can add pepperoni or veggies if you want. The best part is shaping the dough into cute ghost figures before baking – it always brings a smile to everyone’s face at the table.
Serving Ghost Pizza is easy and always a hit at parties or family dinners. I like pairing it with a crisp salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Plus, it’s a perfect way to get kids excited about eating because who can resist pizza ghosts? It’s simple, delicious, and adds a bit of fun to any day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Using a good pizza dough makes all the difference. You can buy fresh dough at the store or use frozen. For a gluten-free option, find a gluten-free dough or crust that you like.
Fresh Mozzarella: This is key for the ghost shapes because it melts well and stays creamy. If fresh mozzarella is hard to find, small balls of burrata or bocconcini work too.
Black Olives or Peppercorns: These small dark pieces are perfect for ghost eyes and mouths. If you want, you can also use little bits of black olives or even bits of roasted garlic.
Pepperoni: Adds a nice spicy touch and looks great around the ghosts. For a vegetarian version, swap with sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or omit toppings.
How Do I Shape and Bake the Ghost Mozzarella So They Look Great?
Shaping those mozzarella ghosts is fun but takes some care to keep their shape during baking. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with chilled fresh mozzarella balls—they hold shape better when cold.
- Gently stretch and pinch the cheese to form a ghost body and “arms.” Don’t overwork it or the cheese will be too soft.
- Place them spaced evenly on top of the pizza before baking.
- Use small olive pieces or peppercorns for eyes and mouth now, pressing them lightly into the cheese.
- Bake the pizza at very high heat (475-500°F) so the cheese melts quickly but doesn’t spread too much.
- Keep an eye on the pizza; you want the ghosts to puff a little and get a tiny bit of golden color but not brown.
This method helps the ghosts stay visible and cute, while still getting that delicious gooey texture. It’s a simple trick that makes your spooky pizza extra special.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Pizza stone or baking sheet – I like using a pizza stone because it helps make the crust crispy and evenly cooked. If you don’t have one, a regular baking sheet works fine.
- Rolling pin – To roll out the dough smoothly and get a nice even circle.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – For shaping the pizza and slicing it after baking.
- Small spoon or tweezers – To place tiny details like the eyes and mouths on the mozzarella ghosts easily.
- Oven preheated to high heat (475-500°F) – Ensures the pizza bakes quickly and gets a crispy crust.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap out pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage to add different flavors and textures.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or dried oregano on top for some extra flavor.
- Use a different cheese like provolone or cheddar combined with mozzarella for a richer taste.
- Incorporate cooked spinach or arugula after baking for a fresh leafy touch.
Ghost Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12 inches in diameter)
- ½ cup tomato pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 5 small balls of fresh mozzarella (for ghost shapes)
- Black olives or black peppercorns (for ghost eyes and mouths)
- 10-12 slices pepperoni
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Preheating your oven might take a few extra minutes, so plan for around 30 minutes total from start to serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven & Dough:
First, set your oven to the highest temperature it can handle—usually between 475°F and 500°F (245°C to 260°C). Place your pizza stone or baking sheet inside to get hot. While it heats up, roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches wide.
2. Add Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni:
Spread the tomato pizza sauce evenly over the dough but keep a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the sauce, then scatter your pepperoni slices across the pizza.
3. Shape the Mozzarella Ghosts:
Take the small balls of fresh mozzarella and gently shape each into a little ghost by elongating the ball and pinching in places to create “arms” that stick out. Place these shaped mozzarella ghosts evenly on top of the pizza. Use small pieces of black olives or black peppercorns to make eyes and mouths on each ghost. Press them lightly into the cheese so they stay put while baking.
4. Bake Your Ghost Pizza:
Carefully transfer your pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted. Watch the mozzarella ghosts—they should puff up slightly and get a light golden color, but not too brown.
5. Finish and Serve:
When your pizza comes out of the oven, brush the crust lightly with olive oil to give it a nice shine. Sprinkle some fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs on top if you like. Slice up your fun and spooky ghost pizza and serve warm!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for Ghost Pizza?
Yes, frozen pizza dough works great! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature before rolling it out. Make sure it’s fully thawed so it stretches easily without tearing.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Mozzarella Ghosts?
If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, try bocconcini or small balls of burrata. These cheeses melt well and hold shape similarly, making them great for creating the ghost shapes.
How Do I Store Leftover Ghost Pizza?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty.
Can I Make This Pizza Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to keep it delicious and meat-free.
