These ghost pizza bagels are a fun and spooky treat! They are made with bagels, pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, all dressed up for Halloween.
Making these is a blast! I love how the cheese melts and looks like a ghostly face. Perfect for a party snack or just a fun dinner with the kids. Who can resist pizza that’s a little spooky? 👻
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: Any plain bagels work great here, but consider using whole wheat or everything bagels for added flavor. Your choice can change the taste and texture a bit.
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought pizza sauce for ease, or make your own with canned tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings if you have a bit more time. Marinara sauce also makes a good alternative!
Fresh Mozzarella: If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, shredded mozzarella works well, or even provolone for a different flavor. Just be aware it won’t hold the ghost shape as well!
Black Olives: If you’re not a fan of olives, small pieces of cooked sausage or even mini pepperoni can make fun eyes. Keep it kid-friendly!
Herbs: Feel free to skip the herbs if you want a simpler pizza taste. If you’re looking for a twist, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
How Do I Get the Ghost Shapes Just Right?
Cutting the mozzarella into ghost shapes can be tricky, but it adds so much charm! Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and a steady hand.
- For each ghost, aim for a round top for the head, down to a wider base for the body, and then two side protrusions for arms.
- If you mess up, don’t worry! Shape it the best you can; it’ll still taste delicious!
Making the shapes fun helps! You can always let the kids help with this part for extra fun.
Ghost Pizza Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 plain bagels, sliced in half
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Black olives or black peppercorns for eyes (small pieces)
- Optional: dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil) for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This spooky treat will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and festive snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be ready when you’re done assembling the bagels!
2. Prepare the Bagel Base:
Slice the bagels in half and lay them out cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help get them nice and crispy while baking.
3. Add Pizza Sauce:
Spread a generous tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly over the top of each bagel half. Make sure to cover it well for that delicious pizza flavor!
4. Create Ghost Shapes:
Now, for the fun part! Take the fresh mozzarella and cut it into ghost shapes. Aim for a rounded head, a chubby body, and two arms spread out. Place one ghost-shaped mozzarella piece on each bagel half right on top of the sauce.
5. Add Ghostly Eyes:
Use small pieces of black olives or black peppercorns to give each ghost two eyes. This gives them personality and makes them look cute!
6. Sprinkle on Some Herbs:
If you want an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a little dried Italian herbs over the bagels. Oregano and basil work particularly well and make everything taste even better!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let them bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bagels are golden and crispy.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re finished baking, carefully remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, so no one burns their fingers on the hot cheese!
Enjoy your ghost pizza bagels! They make a fun and cheesy snack any time of year, but they’re especially great for Halloween festivities!
Can I Use Different Types of Bagels?
Absolutely! While plain bagels work best for this recipe, you can experiment with everything bagels, whole wheat, or even flavored bagels for a unique twist on taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Ghost Pizza Bagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again!
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure any toppings or ingredients you use, like olives or herbs, are also vegetarian-friendly. You can also add veggies on top for extra flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Mozzarella?
If mozzarella isn’t available, you can use shredded cheese like cheddar or provolone. Keep in mind that it may not hold the ghost shape as well, but it’ll still be delicious!
