Ghost Pizza is a fun and simple take on everyone’s favorite cheesy treat, with a spooky twist perfect for Halloween or any time you want a little extra fun on your plate. Think crisp pizza crust loaded with gooey melted cheese and topped with olives or pepperoni eyes that give it that playful ghostly face. It’s just the right mix of tasty and a little silly.
I love making Ghost Pizza because it’s easy to get the kids involved—putting on “ghost eyes” and making funny faces. It always brings lots of smiles around the kitchen, and the pizza disappears fast! Plus, you can use whatever toppings you like, so it’s a great go-to if you want something quick but also special for a party or movie night.
My favorite way to serve it is warm, straight out of the oven with a side of simple salad or some crunchy garlic bread. It’s like a little celebration on your plate, and it’s a great way to make mealtime exciting without any fuss. If you’re looking for pizza that’s both comforting and playful, Ghost Pizza is a winner every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: The pizza dough is your base, and fresh dough works best for a crisp yet chewy crust. If you don’t have time, store-bought dough or even naan bread makes a quick alternative.
Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is key for those ghost shapes because it melts smoothly and holds shape when baked briefly. Ricotta adds a creamy texture that helps form the ghosts. You can swap ricotta with cream cheese if needed.
Tomato Sauce: A simple, smooth pizza sauce balances the cheese flavor. Use store-bought or homemade, but avoid chunky sauces that might make the crust soggy.
Black Edible Gel or Olives: These are for the ghost faces. Edible gel is easier to apply for neat eyes and mouths. If unavailable, finely chopped black olives work well and add a salty bite.
How Do You Make the Ghost Shapes Stay Perfectly on Pizza?
Creating ghost shapes with cheese and making sure they keep their form when baked can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Use thick slices of fresh mozzarella to cut out ghost shapes on a flat surface before baking.
- Add small dollops of ricotta to smooth the edges and fill in gaps, gently shaping the ghost arms and tails.
- Bake the pizza base first without the ghosts, then add the shaped cheese. Put the pizza back for only 2-3 minutes so the ghosts soften but don’t lose their shape.
- To make eyes and mouths, draw with edible gel after the final bake, or press small olive pieces gently without breaking the ghost.
These steps help your pizza look spooky and cute, with ghosts that melt just right without blending into the background cheese.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Pizza stone or baking sheet – A pizza stone heats evenly for a crispy crust, but a baking sheet works well if you don’t have one.
- Rolling pin – Makes it easy to roll out the dough smoothly into a perfect 12-inch circle.
- Paring knife or small cookie cutter – Great for cutting out ghost shapes from mozzarella slices.
- Small spoon or piping bag – Helps place dollops of ricotta and olive or gel for the ghost faces precisely.
- Baking oven – To bake the pizza until golden and bubbly, a standard oven does the job.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a different cheesy flavor—adds a nice twist for variety.
- Add pepperoni slices or cooked sausage to make it more filling and give the ghosts extra “monster” appeal.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers underneath the cheese for colorful, crunchy veggies.
- Top with fresh herbs like basil or oregano after baking for a fresh, aromatic touch that brightens the flavor.
How to Make Ghost Pizza?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough and Sauce:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12 inches)
- ½ cup tomato pizza sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For The Cheese and Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup fresh mozzarella ball, sliced thinly
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
- Black food-safe edible gel or small pieces of black olives (for ghost eyes and mouth)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Ghost Pizza comes together quickly, with about 15 minutes of prep time and around 12-15 minutes of baking time. You’ll bake the pizza in two steps to get those cute ghost shapes just right. Perfect for a fun and tasty homemade meal in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Bake the Pizza Base:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C), and if you have a pizza stone, place it inside to heat. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface into a neat 12-inch circle. Spread the tomato pizza sauce evenly, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Transfer the pizza to your heated stone or baking sheet, and bake for 8–10 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust starts to turn golden.
2. Make the Ghost Shapes:
While the pizza base bakes, use the thin slices of fresh mozzarella and small dollops of ricotta to shape little ghost figures on a plate or parchment paper. Add eyes and mouths carefully using small pieces of black olives or edible gel.
3. Add Ghosts and Finish Baking:
Take the pizza out of the oven before it fully browns. Gently place your mozzarella ghost shapes on top of the pizza. Return the pizza to the oven for 2–3 minutes to let the ghosts soften and melt slightly but keep their fun shapes. Remove from the oven and add any finishing details to the eyes and mouths with edible gel or olive pieces if needed.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Let your Ghost Pizza cool for a minute. Then slice it up and serve warm for a spooky and delicious treat that’s perfect for parties or a fun family dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for Ghost Pizza?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the dough completely in the fridge overnight or for a few hours at room temperature before rolling it out. This helps it stretch easily without tearing.
How Do I Keep the Mozzarella Ghosts from Melting Too Much?
Shape the ghosts with thick slices of fresh mozzarella and ricotta, then add them only after the pizza base is mostly baked. Bake for just 2-3 minutes more to soften the ghosts without losing their fun shapes.
Can I Make Ghost Pizza Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pizza base and sauce ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shape the mozzarella ghosts fresh before baking for the best results.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crisp crust and melty cheese.