Ghost Pizza is a fun and tasty twist on your classic pizza, topped with gooey cheese that stretches with every bite and seasoned just right to give you a little spooky surprise. It’s light, cheesy, and a bit playful, making it perfect for a casual meal or a Halloween treat.
I love making Ghost Pizza when I want something simple but still special. The way the cheese melts and bubbles up kind of reminds me of a friendly ghost floating on top, which always makes me smile. Plus, it’s super easy to customize with your favorite toppings, whether you like pepperoni, veggies, or just plain cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
My favorite way to serve it is fresh from the oven, paired with a crisp salad and maybe some garlic knots on the side. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table quickly, and I always find that the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day. Give Ghost Pizza a try—it’s a spooky way to enjoy a classic favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: A good dough makes or breaks your pizza. You can buy fresh or frozen dough, or make your own if you like. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free pizza dough at the store.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is essential for shaping the ghosts because it holds its shape well when baked. If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, try small balls of bocconcini or sliced string cheese. The shredded mozzarella underneath can be regular or part-skim.
Black Olives or Food Coloring Gel: These give your ghosts their spooky faces. Black olives are tasty and easy to use, but if you prefer, edible ink pens or small drops of balsamic vinegar reduction work well too.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite tomato or marinara sauce. For a quick fix, store-bought pizza sauce is fine.
How Do You Shape and Bake the Perfect Ghost Toppings?
Shaping the ghost mozzarella right is key to keeping them cute and recognizable after baking. Here’s how to do it:
- Use fresh mozzarella that’s cold but slightly softened so it shapes easily.
- Cut or pinch the cheese into rounded heads with two arms sticking out and a tapered tail at the bottom.
- Place the shaped ghosts gently on top of the pizza before baking, spacing them out so they don’t melt into each other.
- Add the eyes and mouth carefully using small olive pieces or a food-safe brush with coloring, right before baking.
- Bake at a hot temperature (475°F) for 10-12 minutes so the dough crisps up and the cheese melts but the ghosts hold their shape.
- Let the pizza rest a few minutes after baking; this helps the cheese set slightly and makes cutting easier without squashing your ghost shapes.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Pizza stone or baking sheet – I recommend a pizza stone for a crispy crust, but a baking sheet works too.
- Rolling pin – makes it easy to get the dough into a perfect 12-inch circle.
- Pizza peel or inverted baking sheet – helps slide the pizza into the oven smoothly.
- Small knife or cookie cutter – for shaping the mozzarella into ghost figures.
- Food-safe brush or toothpick – to add eyes and mouths with black food coloring or olives.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different cheeses like pepper jack or provolone for unique flavors on your ghosts.
- Add cooked vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms underneath the cheese for more texture and color.
- Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or oregano for extra spice and seasoning.
- Top with cooked sausage crumbles or pepperoni before baking for a meaty twist.
Ghost Pizza Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pizza:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12 inches diameter)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded or sliced fresh mozzarella (for ghost shapes)
- Black olives or black food coloring gel for eyes and mouths
- Olive oil (optional, for brushing crust)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Ghost Pizza recipe takes about 15 minutes of active preparation time. Baking takes an additional 10-12 minutes, so you should plan for roughly 30 minutes total from start to finish. It’s a quick and fun recipe perfect for a festive meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dough:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to get nice and hot. On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
2. Add Sauce and Cheese:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce for a cheesy base layer.
3. Shape and Place Your Ghosts:
Using the fresh mozzarella, shape four ghost figures by cutting or molding the cheese into little ghosts with outstretched arms and a tapering tail. Place these ghost shapes evenly spaced on top of the shredded cheese-covered pizza. Then, add eyes and mouths by placing small pieces of black olives or gently painting on black food coloring gel with a tiny brush.
4. Bake and Finish:
Slide your prepared pizza carefully onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once baked, remove from the oven and optionally brush the crust with olive oil for an appealing shine. Let the pizza rest a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your spooky, delicious Ghost Pizza!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for Ghost Pizza?
Yes, frozen pizza dough works great! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out. This helps the dough stretch easily and bake evenly.
What’s the Best Cheese to Use for the Ghost Shapes?
Fresh mozzarella is ideal because it holds its shape well when baked and melts with a nice creamy texture. If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, small bocconcini balls or sliced string cheese can be good substitutes.
How Should I Store Leftover Ghost Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven to keep the crust crispy and cheese melty.
Can I Add Other Toppings to This Pizza?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies, meats, or seasonings underneath the cheese layer. Just keep the ghost shapes on top so they stay visible and spooky after baking.
