These Ghost Mini Pizzas are more than just a cute gimmick, they’re a genuinely delicious and simple spooky pizza recipe that has become our go-to Halloween tradition. I first made them during a last-minute rush for a school party, and they were an instant hit. They’re the perfect combination of a crispy, savory base, classic marinara, and perfectly melted mozzarella a festive treat that tastes just as good as it looks.
You’ll love making these because they are ridiculously easy and take less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Using just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe is the perfect kid-friendly activity to get little hands involved in the kitchen. Whether you need a quick dinner before trick-or-treating or a standout appetizer for a Halloween bash, you’re not just making a snack, you’re making a fun memory.
Ingredients
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to bring these adorable ghostly treats to life.
- 4 English muffins, split into 8 halves.
- 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce.
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese.
- 4-6 black olives, for the eyes and mouths.
Optional Flavor Boosters
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, or olive oil.
- A pinch of dried oregano or basil.
How to Make Ghost Mini Pizzas
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a tray of ghostly goodies ready in no time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Toppings
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the English muffin halves on the sheet. If desired, lightly brush each half with melted butter or olive oil for extra flavor and crispiness.
Step 2: Assemble the Mini Pizza Bases
Next, spoon about one to two tablespoons of sauce onto each muffin half, spreading it evenly. Afterwards, sprinkle a small pinch of dried oregano or basil over the sauce for that classic pizzeria taste.
Step 3: Craft Your Mozzarella Ghosts
Now, use a small, ghost-shaped cookie cutter to press out shapes from your mozzarella slices. If you don’t have one, a small paring knife works just as well to carefully cut out wavy, ghost-like shapes by hand.
Step 4: Bake Your Ghost Mini Pizzas
Carefully place one mozzarella ghost onto each sauced muffin half. Then, bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the muffin edges are golden brown.
Step 5: Add the Final Ghostly Details
Once baked, remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Finally, use tiny pieces of black olive to carefully create eyes and mouths for your ghosts.
My Best Ghost Mini Pizzas Tips
My Secret to Perfectly Shaped Ghosts
Freeze your mozzarella slices for about 10-15 minutes before cutting them. This firms up the cheese, making it incredibly easy to get clean, sharp edges.
How to Guarantee a Crispy, Never-Soggy Base
Briefly toast the English muffin halves in the oven for 3-4 minutes before adding any toppings. This creates a seal that prevents the sauce from making the base soggy.
Getting the Cheese Melted Just Right
Place the baking sheet on the middle rack. This helps the cheese melt evenly from the oven’s ambient heat, rather than browning too quickly from the top element.
Variations of Ghost Mini Pizzas
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. For a fun twist, you can easily make Mummy Pizzas by cutting mozzarella into thin strips and arranging them in a crisscross pattern over the sauce, using olive pieces for peeking eyes. Alternatively, create Jack-O’-Lantern Pizzas by using shredded cheddar for an orange base and cutting olive pieces into spooky faces. You can also cater to dietary needs by using gluten-free English muffins or low-carb bases like portobello mushroom caps.
FAQs
Can I prepare these Halloween pizzas in advance?
Absolutely. You can fully assemble them a few hours ahead of time. Simply arrange them on a baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake them straight from the fridge when ready.
What are the best pizza bases for mini pizzas?
English muffins are a top choice, but mini naan bread and split pita pockets also work wonderfully. In a pinch, even thick crackers or sliced baguette rounds are great options.
How do I store and reheat leftover Ghost Mini Pizzas?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, use an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Ghost Mini Pizzas
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini pizzas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whip up these adorable and delicious Ghost Mini Pizzas for the ultimate Halloween treat! Ready in under 20 minutes, this spooktacularly simple recipe uses English muffins for a crispy, no-fuss base. It’s the perfect kid-friendly kitchen activity and a guaranteed hit at any Halloween party or as a quick festive dinner before trick-or-treating.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
4 English muffins, split into 8 halves
1 cup pizza or marinara sauce
8 slices mozzarella cheese
4–6 black olives, for the eyes and mouths
Optional Flavor Boosters
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, or olive oil
A pinch of dried oregano or basil
Instructions
Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Toppings
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the English muffin halves on the sheet. If desired, lightly brush each half with melted butter or olive oil for extra flavor and crispiness.
Assemble the Mini Pizza Bases
Next, spoon about one to two tablespoons of sauce onto each muffin half, spreading it evenly. Afterwards, sprinkle a small pinch of dried oregano or basil over the sauce for that classic pizzeria taste.
Craft Your Mozzarella Ghosts
Now, use a small, ghost-shaped cookie cutter to press out shapes from your mozzarella slices. If you don’t have one, a small paring knife works just as well to carefully cut out wavy, ghost-like shapes by hand.
Bake Your Ghost Mini Pizzas
Carefully place one mozzarella ghost onto each sauced muffin half. Then, bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the muffin edges are golden brown.
Add the Final Ghostly Details
Once baked, remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Finally, use tiny pieces of black olive to carefully create eyes and mouths for your ghosts.
Notes
Perfectly Shaped Ghosts:
For clean, sharp edges, freeze your mozzarella slices for 10-15 minutes before using your cookie cutter or knife. This firms them up and makes cutting much easier.
Crispy, Never-Soggy Base:
Briefly toast the English muffin halves in the oven for 3-4 minutes before adding any toppings. This creates a seal that prevents the sauce from making the base soggy.
Even Cheese Melt:
Place the baking sheet on the middle oven rack. This helps the cheese melt evenly from the oven’s ambient heat, rather than browning too quickly from the top heating element.
Fun Variations:
Get creative! Make Mummy Pizzas by cutting mozzarella into thin strips and crisscrossing them over the sauce, or craft Jack-O’-Lantern Pizzas using shredded cheddar cheese and olive pieces for spooky faces.
Make-Ahead Tip:
You can fully assemble the pizzas a few hours ahead of time. Arrange them on a baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake them straight from the fridge when you’re ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pizza
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: ghost pizza, Halloween pizza, mini pizza, English muffin pizza, kid-friendly recipe, spooky food, Halloween appetizer, easy Halloween recipe, party food for kids
