Ghost Pizza is a fun and spooky twist on a classic favorite, perfect for a night when you want to impress with something a little different. Imagine a crispy pizza crust topped with gooey, stringy cheese and your favorite toppings, all shaped or decorated to look like a friendly ghost. It’s a playful way to enjoy pizza that’s super tasty and a little bit mysterious.
I love making Ghost Pizza when friends come over because it always gets lots of smiles and giggles. It’s simple to make, but adding that ghostly touch makes it feel special and festive, especially around Halloween or any time you want to add a bit of fun to dinner. I usually use mozzarella cheese because it melts perfectly and makes great stretchy cheese ghosts!
One of my favorite ways to serve Ghost Pizza is with a side of marinara sauce for dipping the ghost “tails,” but really, it’s great all on its own. It’s a great reminder that pizza doesn’t have to be serious to be delicious — sometimes a little creativity and fun shape make a meal even better. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll be a hit with kids and adults alike!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough works great for saving time, but homemade dough gives the best fresh flavor. If gluten-free is needed, many stores offer gluten-free pizza dough options that work well here.
Mozzarella Cheese: This is the classic melted cheese for stretchy, gooey texture. Use whole-milk mozzarella for the best melt. Shredded part-skim mozzarella is a lower-fat alternative.
Ricotta or Cream Cheese: Ricotta holds shape nicely and adds a mild creaminess. Whipped cream cheese is creamier and richer but softer. Add cornstarch or powdered sugar to help keep the ghosts’ shapes intact while baking.
Black Olives or Black Sesame Seeds: Perfect tiny details for the ghost eyes. You can also use small pieces of nori (seaweed) or black food coloring dots.
How Can You Shape and Bake the Ghosts Without Losing Their Form?
Shaping and baking the ghost cheese is the trickiest part. To keep the ghost shapes clear:
- Mix ricotta or cream cheese with a teaspoon of cornstarch or powdered sugar to firm it up.
- Shape the ghosts on parchment paper before placing on the pizza. Use a clean spoon or piping bag for neat shapes.
- Add small olive pieces or seeds for eyes while shaping.
- After the initial pizza bake, add the ghost shapes on the hot pizza and bake only 3-4 minutes more. This warms the ghosts without melting them too much.
- Watch closely to prevent browning or spreading.
Doing these steps will help your ghosts stay cute, soft, and delicious without melting away into just blobs!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Pizza stone or baking sheet – I recommend a pizza stone for a crisp crust, but a regular baking sheet works too.
- Rolling pin – makes it easy to roll out the dough evenly for a perfect 12-inch circle.
- Mixing bowls – for stirring and shaping the ricotta or cream cheese mixture.
- Piping bag or spoon – helps create neat ghost shapes on top of the pizza.
- Parchment paper – for shaping the ghosts before placing them on the pizza to keep shapes intact.
- Small knife or scissors – for cutting tiny details or adjusting shapes if needed.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for pepper Jack or had cheese for a spicy or extra flavorful twist.
- Add cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, or sliced mushrooms under the cheese for extra toppings.
- Use different colored cheeses or food coloring in the ricotta to make colorful spooky ghosts.
- Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley after baking for a fresher taste and a pop of color.
Ghost Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pizza Base:
- 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), enough for a 12-inch pizza
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Olive oil (for brushing the crust)
For The Ghost Toppings:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or whipped cream cheese (to shape ghosts)
- 1 tsp cornstarch or powdered sugar (to help stabilize the cheese)
- Black olive pieces or black sesame seeds (for the ghost eyes)
Optional Toppings:
- Pepperoni or any other pizza toppings you like
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 25-30 minutes. It takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and roll out the dough, add toppings, and shape the ghosts. Baking takes about 10-12 minutes at first, plus an additional 3-4 minutes after adding the ghost shapes. It’s a quick and fun pizza perfect for a festive meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Dough:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). On a clean, floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it carefully to a pizza stone or baking sheet that’s lightly dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
2. Adding Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings:
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch free around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese all over the sauce, and if you like, add shredded cheddar on top for some extra flavor. Arrange any optional toppings like pepperoni now.
3. Initial Baking:
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Preparing Ghost Cheese Shapes:
While the pizza bakes, mix the ricotta or whipped cream cheese with cornstarch or powdered sugar until smooth. This helps your ghosts hold their shape. Using a spoon or piping bag, dollop the cheese mixture onto parchment paper and shape into little ghosts with rounded heads and arms. Add two small black olive pieces or sesame seeds for their eyes. Make 5-6 ghosts depending on your pizza size.
5. Adding Ghosts and Final Baking:
Once the pizza is out of the oven, carefully place your ghost shapes on top of the hot pizza. Return the pizza to the oven for 3-4 minutes more, just until the ghosts soften gently but don’t brown or lose their shape.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the pizza out of the oven and brush the crust lightly with olive oil if you like for a glossy finish. Slice it up and enjoy your spooky, tasty Ghost Pizza!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for Ghost Pizza?
Yes, frozen pizza dough works fine! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature before rolling it out. This makes the dough easier to handle and ensures a better crust texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Ghost Pizza?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty.
Can I Make the Ghost Shapes Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and shape the ghost cheese mixture ahead and keep them on parchment paper in the fridge for a few hours. Just add the olive eyes right before placing them on the pizza to avoid discoloration.
What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta for the Ghosts?
If you don’t have ricotta, whipped cream cheese is a great substitute. Mix it with a little cornstarch or powdered sugar to help it hold its shape, just like with ricotta.