Ghost Pizza is a fun and spooky twist on classic pizza, perfect for Halloween or anytime you want something a bit playful on your plate. It usually features a crispy crust topped with gooey cheese and fun ghost-shaped toppings made from mozzarella or sliced onions, giving it that charming, eerie look. The combination of melty cheese and tomato sauce makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
I love making Ghost Pizza because it brings a smile to everyone’s face before they even take a bite. It’s a great way to get creative in the kitchen—shaping the cheese or toppings into little ghost faces can be a fun activity to do with family or friends. Plus, it’s super simple to customize with your favorite pizza toppings if you want to add some personality to your ghosts.
My favorite way to serve Ghost Pizza is with a simple green salad on the side and perhaps some garlic bread to round out the meal. It’s a playful dish that’s great for parties, casual dinners, or even a cozy night in when you want to keep things lighthearted and tasty. Every time I make it, I get so excited to see the surprised looks when the ghost shapes start to melt and bubble in the oven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Using fresh dough gives the best texture—crispy outside and soft inside. If you’re short on time, store-bought dough works well. Gluten-free dough can be used for dietary needs.
Fresh Mozzarella: This is what makes the ghost shapes creamy and distinct. Buffalo mozzarella is ideal, but regular fresh mozzarella or even sliced mozzarella cheese can work. For a dairy-free option, try vegan mozzarella alternatives that melt smoothly.
Tomato Sauce: A simple, flavorful sauce is key. You can use store-bought pizza sauce or make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. If you prefer, marinara sauce can be a tasty substitute.
Black Olives: These create the ghost eyes and add a small salty bite. If you can’t find black olives, capers or small pieces of roasted seaweed also work well.
How Can You Shape and Bake Perfect Mozzarella Ghosts?
Making the ghost shapes is the fun part but can be tricky. Here’s how to get that cute ghost look without the cheese melting into a blob:
- Use fresh mozzarella chilled from the fridge, but let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
- Lightly flour your hands and surface to prevent sticking when shaping.
- Pull small pieces of mozzarella and gently shape into a rounded head with a tapered trailing body and arms out to the sides.
- Place the shapes evenly on the pizza so they have enough room to melt without merging.
- Add small olive pieces for eyes by gently pressing them into the cheese before baking.
- Bake at a high temperature (475°F) for a short time (10-12 minutes) to get a crispy crust and gooey cheese without losing the ghost shapes.
Watching the mozzarella ghosts puff up and get lightly golden while keeping their shape is always a treat!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Pizza stone or baking sheet – I recommend a pizza stone for a crisp crust, but a baking sheet works fine if you don’t have one.
- Rolling pin – helps to evenly flatten the dough for a consistent base.
- Knife or pizza cutter – for slicing the pizza easily once baked.
- Small spoon or toothpick – useful for placing and shaping the mozzarella ghost figures.
- Oven – to bake the pizza at a high temperature for crispy crust and melted cheese.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Make the ghosts more colorful by adding rainbow peppers or different colored cheeses for a fun look.
- Who’s your favorite? Try shaping the mozzarella into other spooky shapes like bats or pumpkins for variation.
- Add extra toppings like pepperoni, black olives, or mushrooms inside the ghosts for more flavor and texture.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce after baking for a bit of heat.
Ghost Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough and Sauce:
- 1 ball (about 250g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup tomato pizza sauce
For The Cheese and Toppings:
- 250g fresh mozzarella cheese (preferably buffalo mozzarella)
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Black olives or small pieces for ghost eyes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Flour (for dusting)
- Optional: dried oregano or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Ghost Pizza takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus 10-12 minutes to bake. If you’re using homemade dough, add extra time for dough rising as needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside to heat up for a crispier crust. On a floured surface, roll out your dough into a 10-12 inch circle, keeping the edges slightly thicker to form a crust.
2. Add Sauce and Base Cheese Layer:
Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, stopping about 1 inch from the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce to create a tasty base layer.
3. Shape the Ghosts:
Take the remaining fresh mozzarella and, on a lightly floured surface, shape it into small ghost figures — rounded heads, trailing tails, and little arms out to the sides. Arrange these mozzarella ghosts evenly on top of the pizza.
4. Add Eyes and Drizzle Oil:
Press small pieces of black olives gently into each ghost to form eyes. Drizzle olive oil lightly around the crust edges for a golden finish.
5. Bake Your Ghost Pizza:
Transfer the pizza carefully to the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly with slight browning.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with optional dried oregano or basil if you like. Let the pizza cool a few minutes, then slice and enjoy your spooky Ghost Pizza!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for Ghost Pizza?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the dough completely in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before rolling it out. This helps the dough stretch easily without tearing.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Mozzarella?
If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, you can use sliced mozzarella cheese or shredded mozzarella, but keep in mind the ghost shapes might not hold as well. For a dairy-free version, try a vegan cheese that melts smoothly.
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza?
Wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to keep the crust crispy.
Can I Add Other Toppings to This Pizza?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just avoid covering the mozzarella ghosts too much so they stay visible and fun.