Ghost Pizza is a fun and spooky twist on your classic pizza, perfect for Halloween or any time you want to add a little mystery to your meal. It usually features a regular crust topped with tomato sauce, melted cheese, and little ghost-shaped pieces made from dough or cheese that look like friendly little spirits floating on your pizza. The contrast between the gooey cheese and crispy crust makes it super tasty and fun to eat.
I love making Ghost Pizza because it turns dinner into a playful event—especially if you have kids around who enjoy helping shape the ghosts. It’s a simple way to jazz up a homemade pizza without needing tons of fancy ingredients. Sometimes, I sneak in some pepperoni or veggies as eyes on the ghosts to make them even more expressive, which always brings lots of smiles around the table.
One of my favorite ways to serve Ghost Pizza is on a big wooden board with a green salad on the side. It feels like a little pizza party that’s both casual and special. Every bite has a bit of cheesy stretch and a happy crunch, which makes me want to make this spooky pie way more often, not just for Halloween!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: The foundation of your Ghost Pizza. You can use store-bought dough or make your own. For a gluten-free version, find a gluten-free dough or a cauliflower crust.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls: These are perfect for molding cute ghost shapes because they’re soft and melt nicely. If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, try burrata or a creamy ricotta to shape the ghosts.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This covers the pizza evenly and melts well. You can mix with cheddar or provolone if you want extra gooeyness or flavor.
Black Olive Pieces or Black Food Coloring Gel: These tiny details give your ghosts eyes and mouths. If you want a natural option, finely chopped black olives work great. Food coloring gel needs just a tiny dab.
Tomato Pizza Sauce: Simple and classic. You can swap for marinara or a smoky pizza sauce, depending on your taste.
How Do You Shape the Mozzarella Ghosts So They Look Cute and Hold Their Form?
Shaping fresh mozzarella into ghosts is easy with a gentle touch. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with chilled mozzarella balls. Cold cheese is firmer and easier to shape.
- Gently pinch one side of the ball to form a small “tail” or point for the ghost’s bottom.
- Stretch out two sides slightly on either edge to make “arms”. It’s okay if they aren’t perfectly symmetrical—the charm is in the quirky shapes.
- Place the shaped ghosts on the pizza before baking so they melt into their ghostly forms without losing shape.
- After baking, add the eyes and mouth details quickly so the cheese surface isn’t too hot, or add them before baking if you use olives.
This shaping technique helps your ghosts look playful and stay recognizable atop your cheesy pizza as they melt and bubble in the oven.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Pizza stone or baking sheet – I prefer a pizza stone for crispier crust, but a baking sheet works great too.
- Rolling pin – helps shape the dough into an even 12-inch circle.
- Sharp knife or dough cutter – for trimming and shaping the mozzarella if needed.
- Small spoon or toothpick – to add details for the ghost faces with olives or food coloring.
- Pastry brush – for brushing the crust with olive oil to get that golden color.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for sliced black olives or mushrooms for a veggie version that’s just as spooky.
- Add cooked sausage or bacon pieces for a meatier touch that’s hearty and flavorful.
- Mix in some chopped herbs like basil or oregano on top for extra aroma and taste.
- Use a pesto sauce instead of tomato for a different flavor profile that’s vibrant and fresh.
How to Make Ghost Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough and Sauce:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12 inches diameter)
- 1/2 cup tomato pizza sauce
- Olive oil for brushing crust
- Flour or cornmeal for dusting
For the Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (for ghost shapes)
- Black olive pieces or black food coloring gel (for ghost eyes and mouth)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 10-12 minutes to bake. You’ll spend your time rolling the dough, arranging the toppings, shaping the ghosts, and waiting for that bubbly, golden crust. Perfect for a quick and fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Base:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, put it in the oven so it gets nice and hot. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the rolled dough onto a pizza peel or a baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
2. Add Sauce and Cheese:
Spoon and spread the tomato pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border all around. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the sauce. If you’d like, add slices of pepperoni over the cheese for extra flavor.
3. Shape and Place Ghosts:
Take the fresh mozzarella balls and gently shape them into little ghost figures by pinching and stretching to create ‘arms’ and a wavy bottom. Place these ghost shapes spaced evenly on top of your pizza. Use small bits of black olives or a tiny dab of black food coloring gel to add eyes and mouths to each ghost to give them personality.
4. Bake and Finish:
Brush a little olive oil around the pizza crust for a golden finish. Carefully slide the pizza onto your preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and enjoy your fun and spooky Ghost Pizza!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for Ghost Pizza?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping for easier handling.
Can I Make Ghost Pizza Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough and sauce in advance. Shape the ghosts and assemble the pizza just before baking to keep the fresh mozzarella from drying out. Assemble the pizza and bake within a few hours for best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Ghost Pizza?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty.
What Can I Substitute for Black Olive Pieces for the Ghost Faces?
If you don’t have black olives, use small dots of black food coloring gel, edible black sesame seeds, or tiny pieces of roasted seaweed to create the eyes and mouth on your ghosts.
