There’s something undeniably magical about fall the crisp air, the rustle of leaves, and the scent of something delicious baking in the oven. Around here, one of our favorite seasonal traditions is cooking up fun, themed treats with the kids. That’s how these Ghost Mini Pizzas with Mozzarella Sheets came to life. They’re spooky, cheesy, and ridiculously fun to make, especially when little hands are involved.
These mini pizzas are perfect for Halloween parties, lunchbox surprises, or cozy family movie nights. The best part? You don’t need a fancy dough recipe or complicated ingredients. Just a few pantry staples, a big imagination, and you’re ready to roll.
Whether you’re planning a kids’ party or want to surprise your loved ones with something playful and warm, these Ghost Mini Pizzas with Mozzarella Sheets will win every time. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can get ahead on party prep. Let’s get baking!
Before we jump into it, you might also love serving them with this pizza sauce from tomato paste super easy and flavorful!
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Ghost Mini Pizzas with Mozzarella Sheets: A Spooky Good Treat for Fall
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 mini pizzas
Description
These spooky and cheesy Ghost Mini Pizzas with Mozzarella Sheets are a Halloween must—fun to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry or crescent dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese (low-moisture sheets or deli-style)
- 12 black olive slices
- Optional: Pepperoni slices, fresh basil or oregano, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the dough and cut into 6–8 rounds using a large biscuit cutter or glass.
- Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet with space in between. Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on each round, leaving ½ inch from the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over each. Add optional ingredients like pepperoni if desired.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly.
- Cut ghost shapes from mozzarella slices using a cookie cutter or knife. Add two olive slices as eyes to each ghost.
- Place one mozzarella ghost on each mini pizza. Return to the warm (turned off) oven for 2–3 minutes until just softened but still ghost-shaped.
Notes
To keep the ghost shape intact, always add the mozzarella after baking. Store cooled leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze bases without ghosts for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Ghost Mini Pizzas with Mozzarella Sheets
These mini ghost pizzas use just a handful of ingredients. Everything can be found at your local store, and you can customize as needed.
Base:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry or crescent dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (or try this homemade one)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (for extra gooey goodness)
Ghost Toppers:
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese (sheets, not shredded look for low-moisture blocks you can slice or deli-style slices)
- 12 black olive slices (for eyes)
- Small ghost-shaped cookie cutter
Optional Add-ons:
- Pepperoni slices (for underneath the ghost)
- Fresh basil or oregano
- Red pepper flakes
Kitchen Tools:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Ghost cookie cutter or sharp knife
- Pastry brush (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep your dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll your puff pastry or crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into 6–8 rounds using a large biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass.
Place the rounds on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
2. Add sauce & cheese
Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on each round, keeping it about ½ inch from the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce. If you want extra flavor, try layering in a little hot honey chicken or pepperoni beneath the cheese.
3. Bake the base
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly this helps the ghost shape stay clean when added.
4. Create your mozzarella ghosts
While the pizzas cool, cut ghost shapes from the mozzarella slices using your cookie cutter. If you don’t have one, freehand with a paring knife it’s rustic and still adorable! Add olive slice eyes to each ghost.
5. Assemble & melt
Lay one mozzarella ghost on each mini pizza. Return them to the warm oven (turned off) for 2–3 minutes just long enough for the ghost to soften slightly but still hold shape.
Tips for Perfect Ghost Mini Pizzas with Mozzarella Sheets
Keep the ghosts spooky (not gooey)
To make sure your mozzarella ghosts hold their shape, don’t put them on too early. Always bake the pizzas first, then gently lay the cheese ghosts on top while the base is still warm. This way, they’ll soften slightly without turning into puddles. If you’re looking to pair these with another easy and festive snack, these healthy pumpkin donut holes are a fun sweet follow-up.
Also, use low-moisture mozzarella sheets or slices instead of shredded mozzarella for the ghost cutouts. Shredded cheese tends to melt too fast and lose shape, but sheet-style cheese keeps the ghost design intact.
Make-ahead friendly for parties
If you’re prepping for a Halloween bash or classroom party, these Ghost Mini Pizzas with Mozzarella Sheets are an absolute win. You can prep the bases ahead of time just bake them, cool completely, and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, top with mozzarella ghosts and pop back into a warm oven for a couple of minutes.
They’re also freezer-friendly. Once baked and cooled (without the ghost), wrap in foil and freeze. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes, then add your mozzarella ghost and warm briefly to soften.
For a seasonal drink pairing, check out the caramel apple puppy chow recipe. It’s sweet, festive, and complements these savory bites beautifully.
Fun Variations to Try
Gluten-free version
For a gluten-free twist, swap out the regular dough with a certified gluten-free puff pastry or gluten-free pizza crust. There are plenty of pre-made options available at major grocery stores. Just be sure to check labels carefully. If you’re gluten-sensitive, this version still delivers on flavor and fun!
And speaking of gluten-free options, if you’re looking for more seasonal bites, the apple pumpkin streusel muffins are fluffy, festive, and naturally gluten-free with a few tweaks.
Get creative with toppings
Want to make these mini pizzas more adventurous? Here are some fun ideas:
- Spicy twist: Add a slice of jalapeño under the ghost
- Veggie version: Use roasted red pepper strips or mushrooms under the cheese
- Protein-packed: Layer in shredded chicken or turkey pepperoni
- Kid-friendly: Skip olives and use tiny dots of black sesame seeds or mini chocolate chips for eyes
You can even let kids “design” their own ghost faces before melting. Think of it as edible Halloween crafting!
Storing and Reheating Ghost Mini Pizzas with Mozzarella Sheets
Fridge or freezer? Here’s what works best
Once your Ghost Mini Pizzas with Mozzarella Sheets have cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container. In the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. For best results, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and the cheese melty without overcooking the ghost shape. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a pinch it softens the crust and may melt the mozzarella ghosts beyond recognition.
Freezer-friendly for party prep
Want to make these ahead? Absolutely! Just follow these steps:
- Bake the base pizzas without the ghost cheese.
- Cool completely.
- Wrap each individually in foil or place in a freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 1 month.
To serve, bake from frozen at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. Add your ghost cutout, return to the warm oven for 2–3 minutes, and you’re good to go.
If you’re planning a themed Halloween spread, pair these pizzas with banana chocolate chip pumpkin bread for a sweet finale that’s still on theme.
For another make-ahead-friendly treat that kids love, try this cheesecake banana pudding bites recipe it’s always a hit alongside savory snacks like mini pizzas.
Wrapping It Up: The Joy of Halloween in Every Bite
There’s something incredibly special about turning everyday ingredients into festive fun and that’s exactly what Ghost Mini Pizzas with Mozzarella Sheets do. They bring spooky charm, cheesy goodness, and smiles to every Halloween table.
Whether you’re planning a family movie night, school party, or just want to surprise your kids with something delightful, these mini pizzas are always a hit. They’re easy to make, customizable, and just the right mix of savory and spooky.
Don’t forget to pair them with a sweet treat like apple cinnamon bread or pumpkin s’mores cookies for a complete Halloween menu your guests will remember.
FAQs About Ghost Mini Pizzas with Mozzarella Sheets
Q1: Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of mozzarella sheets?
You can, but the ghosts won’t hold their shape as well. For the best look, use sliced mozzarella and cut it into shapes.
Q2: Can I use a different cookie cutter shape?
Absolutely! Bats, pumpkins, or stars work great for variety. Just keep the cheese slices thick enough to hold the design.
Q3: What’s the best dough to use for mini pizzas?
Puff pastry gives a buttery, flaky crust. Crescent dough is a little softer and sweeter great for kids. Pizza dough is fine too, but takes slightly longer to bake.
Q4: Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, just use your favorite dairy-free mozzarella slices. Make sure they’re low moisture and designed to melt well.