Ghost Pizza Bagels are a fun and spooky twist on your favorite pizza. You’ll love how the bagels get topped with tasty sauce, cheese, and cute little pepperoni ghost shapes!
Perfect for Halloween or any pizza-loving day, these little bites are quick to make. I enjoy making a batch and sharing them with friends while watching a scary movie—it’s a real treat! 👻🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Plain Bagels: Bagels are the base for this fun dish. You can use any flavor you like, but plain bagels are best for a classic pizza taste. If you’re avoiding gluten, try gluten-free bagels instead!
Pizza Sauce: Any store-bought pizza sauce works, or you can make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian spices. If you’re short on time, pasta sauce can be a quick substitute, although it might taste a bit different.
Pepperoni: Traditional slices give a nice spice, but you can swap for turkey pepperoni, salami, or even veggies for a meatless option. That way, you can cater to different tastes!
Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella creates a delightful gooeyness when melted. If you can’t find it, shredded mozzarella or provolone can work too—just check they melt well for those cute ghost shapes!
Black Olives/Edible Marker: For the ghost’s eyes and mouth, black olives add a fun touch. If you don’t have them, you can use small dollops of any dark sauce, or a food-safe marker for the faces.
How Do You Get Perfectly Shaped Ghosts from Cheese?
Creating those ghost shapes from cheese can be tricky but fun! Here’s a friendly way to do it:
- First, ensure your mozzarella is slightly cold but not hard; this makes it easier to cut.
- Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, press down firmly to cut through the cheese. If you don’t have one, you can use a knife to carve out ghost shapes; just take it slow.
- For faces, a small round cutter or straw works well to poke out eyes and mouths. Or, stick with olives, as they’re easy to place and will stay put in the oven.
This step adds a personal touch to your Ghost Pizza Bagels, making them perfect and fun for your spooky occasion!
How to Make Ghost Pizza Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 6 plain bagels, sliced in half
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 12 slices pepperoni
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- Black olive slices or edible marker (optional, for ghost eyes and mouth)
- Olive oil (optional, for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’ll be ready to enjoy your spooky Ghost Pizza Bagels in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for a quick Halloween snack or a pizza night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light greasing, so the bagels don’t stick while baking.
2. Prepare the Bagel Halves:
Arrange the bagel halves on the baking sheet with the cut side facing up. If you want a crispy crust, you can brush a little olive oil on them now.
3. Spread the Sauce:
Grab your pizza sauce and spread a generous tablespoon on top of each bagel half. Make sure to cover them nicely, so every bite is flavorful!
4. Add Pepperoni:
Next, add 1 or 2 slices of pepperoni on top of the sauce on each bagel half. This is where that delicious taste starts to come together!
5. Create Ghost Shapes:
Slice your fresh mozzarella into about 1/4-inch thick pieces. Use a small ghost-shaped cookie cutter to create adorable ghost shapes from the cheese. Just press down firmly—it will look great!
6. Assemble the Ghosts:
Now, place one mozzarella ghost on top of the pepperoni on each bagel half, making them look like they are ready to float on top of a pizza!
7. Add Faces:
Using a small round cutter or straw, cut out two eyes and a mouth from each mozzarella ghost. If you prefer, you can place black olive slices on top for eyes and a mouth after baking, or use an edible marker to draw faces.
8. Bake the Bagels:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them as they bake—it’s a spooky sight!
9. Cooling Time:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the Ghost Pizza Bagels cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cheese set a little, making them easier to eat.
Enjoy your delightful Ghost Pizza Bagels, and watch everyone smile as they dig into these fun and spooky treats!🎃🍕
Can I Use Store-Bought Bagels for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought bagels work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure they are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
How Can I Make These Bagels Vegetarian?
To make Ghost Pizza Bagels vegetarian, simply skip the pepperoni and add extra vegetables instead! Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives can be great alternatives.
Can I Freeze Leftover Bagels?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover bagels! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer bag. They should remain tasty for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.
What Toppings Can I Add Besides Pepperoni?
Feel free to get creative! You can add other toppings like cooked sausage, diced vegetables, or even pineapple for a twist. Just make sure any additional ingredients are pre-cooked if needed, as the baking time is short!