Halloween Ghost Pizza

When October rolls around, my kitchen always turns into a playground for creative food ideas. One of the traditions that stuck with me is making Halloween ghost pizza.

The first time I shaped mozzarella slices into little ghosts, I wasn’t sure how they would look after baking.

To my surprise, they held their shape beautifully, and the kids couldn’t stop giggling at the “ghost faces” staring back at them. Since then, this pizza has become a must-make every Halloween.

The recipe has all the things people love about pizza—soft crust, rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese—but with a twist that makes it playful and festive.

Cutting out ghost shapes from mozzarella and giving them olive eyes turns an ordinary pizza into a centerpiece that sparks excitement before anyone even takes a bite.

It’s fun to prepare, impressive to serve, and it never fails to disappear quickly once it hits the table.

Table of Contents

Halloween Ghost Pizza Recipe

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 packet instant dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
¾ cup warm water
1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups mozzarella cheese slices (use block or pre-sliced for cutting shapes)
Black olives (for eyes and decoration)
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5–7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil into the yeast mixture. Mix with a spoon until it comes together, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a circle about 12 inches wide. Transfer to the prepared tray.
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, cut ghost figures out of the mozzarella slices. Arrange them evenly across the pizza.
Slice black olives into small rounds and place them on the ghost shapes to make eyes and mouths. Use additional olive slices around the pizza for decoration.
Bake the pizza for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is just starting to melt but still holds the ghost shapes.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

What Toppings Can I Add To Halloween Ghost Pizza?

If you want to make your Halloween Ghost Pizza more exciting, you can easily add a variety of toppings without losing the fun ghost design.

Vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or sweet corn can be scattered under the cheese ghosts for extra flavor.
Protein Choices: Pepperoni, chicken pieces, or turkey slices work well as a base layer before placing the mozzarella ghosts.
Herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme sprinkled lightly after baking gives a fresh aroma.
Extra Cheese: A little grated mozzarella or parmesan around the edges of the ghosts can make the pizza more cheesy without covering the shapes.

The key is to keep toppings underneath the ghost cutouts so the design stays clear and visible.

Can I Prepare Halloween Ghost Pizza Dough Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance to save time on the day of baking. The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours after the first rise. Just cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid so it does not dry out. Before using, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes so it becomes soft enough to roll.

If you want to store it for longer, freeze the dough after kneading. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to make the pizza, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and let it come back to room temperature before rolling.

How Do I Make Cheese Ghosts For Pizza?

Creating the ghost shapes is the most fun part of this recipe and also the detail that makes the pizza look festive.

Use A Cutter: A small ghost-shaped cookie cutter is the easiest way to get even and neat shapes from mozzarella slices.
Keep Cheese Cold: Cold cheese slices are firmer and easier to cut without breaking apart.
Add Details With Olives: Small olive slices work perfectly for eyes and mouths, giving each ghost its own character.

If you don’t have a ghost cutter, you can carefully cut ghost-like shapes with a small sharp knife.

How Do I Prevent Ghost Cheese From Melting Too Much?

Many people worry that the ghost shapes will lose their design while baking. To keep them looking neat:

Add Cheese Halfway: Bake the pizza halfway, then place the cheese ghosts on top for the last few minutes of baking.
Keep Oven Hot: A properly preheated oven ensures the dough bakes quickly without needing to keep the cheese in too long.
Slice Cheese Thick: Slightly thicker slices of mozzarella hold their shape better than very thin slices.

These steps will help the ghosts stay sharp and recognizable when the pizza comes out of the oven.

Can I Make Mini Halloween Ghost Pizzas Instead?

Absolutely! Mini pizzas are perfect for parties, especially when serving children. Use smaller dough circles, spread sauce, and top each one with a single ghost shape. They bake faster, usually in 8–10 minutes, and look adorable served on a platter.

Mini versions also let everyone enjoy their own little pizza without waiting for slices to be cut.

How Do I Store Leftover Halloween Ghost Pizza?

Proper storage ensures your pizza stays tasty even after the party is over.

Refrigerator: Cool completely, then place slices in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in cling film and freeze. They stay good for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 8 minutes for the best texture. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can make the crust soggy and cheese rubbery.

Leftovers are always a hit, and reheating them properly keeps the flavor intact.

Can Kids Help In Making Halloween Ghost Pizza?

Yes, children love being part of this recipe, and it makes the process more joyful.

Cutting Shapes: Kids can press cookie cutters into the cheese slices.
Decorating Faces: They can place olive eyes and mouths on the ghosts.
Arranging Toppings: Let them scatter basil or other small toppings before baking.

Involving kids not only keeps them entertained but also makes the pizza feel even more special when served.