Ghost Pizza is a fun and spooky twist on your classic favorite, topped with gooey cheese, savory sauce, and playful ghost-shaped toppings that add a festive touch. The soft crust with melted cheese and a hint of herbs makes every slice inviting, especially when you want to bring a little Halloween magic to your meal.
I love making Ghost Pizza when friends come over for a cozy night in or when the kids want something exciting to eat. The ghost-shaped toppings always bring smiles and a bit of laughter around the table. It’s simple to make and a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen by letting them add their own spooky shapes.
Serving Ghost Pizza with a side of fresh salad or some crunchy veggie sticks makes for a balanced and delightful meal that both kids and adults enjoy. It’s one of those dishes that turns an ordinary dinner into a little celebration, and I find myself looking forward to making it again every year as the perfect way to welcome the spooky season.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: A good dough makes a big difference. Ready-made dough works well if you’re short on time. For gluten-free needs, a cauliflower or gluten-free crust is a great swap.
Tomato Sauce: Use a simple, herb-flavored pizza sauce or marinara. If you want less acidity, try a mild tomato puree or even BBQ sauce for a fun twist.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives the classic stretch and melt. For the ghosts, fresh mozzarella or burrata creates soft, creamy shapes. You can use vegan cheese alternatives if preferred.
Black Olives or Black Sesame Seeds: These small items add the ghost eyes and mouth. If you don’t have olives, you can finely chop black beans or use small bits of seaweed for a similar look.
Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds color and a fresh flavor that balances the cheese and sauce. If you can’t find basil, try spinach or oregano.
How Do You Shape the Ghosts So They Stay Intact and Look Great?
Forming ghost shapes with fresh mozzarella or burrata can be tricky but fun! Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Work with cheese at room temperature so it’s soft but not dripping.
- Tear small pieces and use your fingers or a small spoon to gently shape them into loose ghost figures with little arms.
- Place each ghost carefully on top of the shredded cheese to avoid breaking.
- Use a toothpick or small kitchen tweezers to position tiny olive pieces for eyes and mouth right before baking.
- Bake quickly to avoid the ghosts melting too flat—10-12 minutes at a hot oven is just right.
With a bit of patience, your ghosts will look playful and keep their shape nicely on the pizza!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Pizza stone or baking sheet – A hot surface helps your pizza get crispy and evenly cooked.
- Rolling pin – Makes it easy to flatten the dough to a perfect 12-inch circle.
- Mixing bowls – Useful for preparing and mixing your sauce and toppings.
- Small spoon or toothpick – For positioning tiny olive or sesame seed details on the ghosts.
- Pizza peel or large spatula – To transfer the pizza safely into the oven, especially if using a pizza stone.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier, more flavorful topping.
- Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, or cooked chicken for extra protein and heartiness.
- Top with sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and color.
- Sprinkle dried herbs like oregano or red pepper flakes before baking for an extra flavor kick.
Ghost Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pizza dough (about 12 inches round)
- 1/2 cup tomato pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Small piece of fresh mozzarella or burrata cheese (for ghost shapes)
- Black olives or black sesame seeds (for eyes and mouth of ghosts)
- 1 tsp olive oil (optional, for brushing crust)
Time Needed:
About 15 minutes for preparation and shaping, plus 10-12 minutes baking time in a hot oven. This makes it a quick and fun recipe to enjoy fresh and warm!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dough:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up, which helps make the crust nice and crispy. On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
2. Add Sauce and Cheese:
Spread the tomato pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving about 1 inch free at the edges for the crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
3. Shape Your Ghosts:
Tear pieces of fresh mozzarella or burrata and gently shape them into small ghost figures with outstretched arms. Place the ghost shapes evenly spaced on top of the shredded cheese.
4. Add Faces to Your Ghosts:
Use tiny bits of black olives or black sesame seeds to add eyes and a small mouth to each ghost, giving them cute, slightly worried expressions.
5. Final Touches and Baking:
Scatter fresh basil leaves around the pizza to add color and a fresh taste. Optionally, brush the exposed crust with olive oil for a golden finish.
Transfer your pizza to the hot pizza stone or a baking tray, and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the pizza out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve your spooky, tasty Ghost Pizza that’s perfect for Halloween or any fun gathering!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for Ghost Pizza?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. This helps the dough stretch easily without tearing.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Mozzarella or Burrata?
If you don’t have fresh mozzarella or burrata, try using slices of regular mozzarella cheese or even cream cheese shaped into ghosts. Just keep in mind the texture will be a bit different but still tasty and fun!
How Should I Store Leftover Ghost Pizza?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best crispiness, or microwave if you’re in a hurry — though the crust may soften a bit.
Can I Make the Pizza Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the pizza with sauce and cheese ahead, but wait to add the fresh mozzarella ghost shapes and bake just before serving. This keeps the ghosts looking their best and prevents them from melting too much.
