Ghost Pizza is a fun twist on a classic favorite, covered in gooey cheese and topped with little ghost-shaped pieces of dough that bake up perfectly golden and a bit spooky. It’s a simple but playful pizza that brings a smile with every bite, especially around Halloween or for a fun family night.
I love making Ghost Pizza because it’s a creative way to get everyone involved—kids can help shape the little ghost figures, and you can get as silly as you want with the toppings. I usually add a little olive oil and garlic to the crust for extra flavor, and the melted cheese stretches just right when you pull a slice away.
Serving this pizza with a side of crisp salad or some snacky veggies makes for a balanced meal that’s not only tasty but also fun to eat. It always turns into a conversation starter, and I find that the ghosts disappear fast—you might want to make two!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: The base of your Ghost Pizza. You can use store-bought or homemade dough. If you’re short on time, pre-made dough from the fridge or freezer works well. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pizza crusts.
Mozzarella Cheese: Both shredded for the base and fresh slices for the ghost shapes. Fresh mozzarella melts nicely and holds its shape. If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, use small balls of bocconcini or slice string cheese to shape ghosts.
Black Peppercorns or Olives: Perfect for making the ghost faces. You can also use tiny bits of black olives or even small pieces of roasted seaweed for eyes and mouth. They add just the right touch of detail without overpowering flavor.
Pepperoni: Adds a bit of savory richness. Feel free to swap for vegetarian pepperoni or omit it altogether. You could also use cooked sausage or other favorite toppings that pair well with mozzarella.
How Do I Make the Ghost Shapes Without Them Melting Away?
Creating ghost shapes with fresh mozzarella is simple with a gentle touch:
- Slice the fresh mozzarella into oval or rounded shapes about the size of your palm.
- Use your fingers to gently pull or pinch one end of each slice to form a wavy tail for the ghost effect.
- Arrange them on the pizza right before baking, spaced evenly so they don’t merge.
- Use small peppercorns or olive bits for eyes and mouth, pressing lightly so they stay put.
Bake at high heat (475°F) for about 10-12 minutes; the mozzarella will soften and melt just enough but should hold the ghost outlines visible. Avoid overlapping ghosts or applying too much cheese on them to keep their shape distinct.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Pizza stone or baking sheet – I recommend a preheated stone for a crispy crust or a baking sheet for easier handling.
- Rolling pin or your hands – helps stretch the dough evenly to about 12 inches.
- Pizza peel or parchment paper – makes transferring the pizza to the oven simple and mess-free.
- Small knife or cookie cutter – useful for shaping or cutting the fresh mozzarella for the ghost figures.
- Cooking tongs or a spatula – to carefully remove the hot pizza from the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use marinara or pesto instead of classic pizza sauce for different flavors— pesto gives a fresh, herby taste.
- Swap mozzarella for shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix—each adds a unique flavor twist.
- Add cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers—these toppings add more flavor and texture.
- For a fun twist, use sliced black olives or cherry tomatoes to give the ghosts colorful or spooky features.
Ghost Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough and Sauce:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12-14 inches)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
- Olive oil (optional, for brushing crust)
For The Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12-15 pepperoni slices
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced (for ghost shapes)
- Black peppercorns or black olives (for ghost eyes and mouth)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 10-12 minutes for baking. You’ll spend a few minutes stretching the dough, adding sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and shaping the mozzarella ghosts before popping the pizza into a hot oven. All done within half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Getting The Oven Ready and Dough Stretched:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up. On a lightly floured or cornmeal-dusted surface, stretch or roll your pizza dough into a circle about 12 inches wide. Transfer the dough carefully onto a pizza peel or a parchment paper-lined baking sheet for easy handling.
2. Building Your Pizza Base:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small edge around the border for the crust. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese all over the sauce, followed by evenly spaced pepperoni slices. This classic base sets the perfect background for your ghostly topping!
3. Creating and Adding The Ghosts:
Slice the fresh mozzarella into small oval or rounded shapes. To make ghost tails, gently pull or shape one end of each slice into a wavy tail using your fingers. Place these mozzarella ghost shapes on top of the pizza. Use small black peppercorns or tiny pieces of black olives to carefully add eyes and a mouth on each ghost — it’s their spooky face!
4. Baking and Serving:
If you like, brush the crust edges with olive oil for a nice golden look. Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. When done, the crust will be golden and crispy, and the ghost shapes will be melted but still recognizable. Let the pizza cool for a couple minutes, then slice and enjoy your fun and delicious Ghost Pizza!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for Ghost Pizza?
Yes, you can use frozen dough! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before stretching it out for best results.
How Can I Make the Ghost Shapes Stand Out More?
Use fresh mozzarella slices that are thick enough to hold their shape but not too big. Pull the tail end gently to create the ghost’s wavy effect and place the eyes and mouth on carefully so they don’t slide off during baking.
Can I Make Ghost Pizza Without Pepperoni?
Absolutely! The pepperoni adds a nice flavor contrast, but you can omit it or substitute with veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ghost Pizza?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a skillet or oven to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty without drying out.