Ghost Pizza Bagels are a fun and tasty treat that’s perfect for Halloween! These bagels are topped with cheese and pepperoni, giving you all the flavors of pizza in a spooky shape.
Making them is a blast—just spread some sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add fun toppings. I love serving these at parties; they always disappear quickly, and everyone enjoys the festive twist! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: Plain bagels are the best start for this recipe, but you can also use whole wheat or everything bagels for added flavor. If you want a gluten-free option, try gluten-free bagels!
Pizza Sauce: Any pizza sauce will work, but homemade is great too! You could also use marinara or a simple tomato sauce. If you’re low on sauce, try mixing a bit of ketchup with Italian seasonings.
Mozzarella Cheese: I love using shredded mozzarella for easy melting. For ghost shapes, pick up fresh mozzarella slices or use string cheese. If you’re avoiding dairy, plant-based cheese works fine, too!
Black Olives: They add a nice contrast for the ghost’s eyes and mouth. If you prefer not to use olives, small pieces of pepper or even capers can work just as well.
How Can You Achieve Perfectly Shaped Ghosts?
Creating the ghost shapes is a fun part of the process, but it can be tricky! Here’s how to make those ghostly figures stand out:
- Make sure to use a clean, dry cookie cutter. Press down firmly on the mozzarella slice to get a clean cut.
- If you don’t have a ghost cookie cutter, freehand it with a sharp knife! Just cut out little ghost shapes with arms and a rounded head.
- After cutting, handle the mozzarella ghosts gently to avoid breaking. Place them carefully on the bagels.
Using a little creativity makes your Ghost Pizza Bagels more fun—get the kids involved for extra spookiness!
How to Make Ghost Pizza Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 plain bagels, sliced in half
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (for ghost shapes)
- Olive oil or non-stick spray (for baking sheet)
- Black olives or an edible marker (for ghost eyes and mouth)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and festive recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10-12 minutes for baking. So, in just about half an hour, you can whip up a spooky snack! Perfect for Halloween parties or just a fun family dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting for it to heat up, lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent the bagels from sticking.
2. Assemble the Bagels:
Take the sliced bagels and place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. This is where the fun begins!
3. Add Pizza Sauce:
Spread a generous spoonful of pizza sauce evenly on each bagel half. Don’t be shy—more sauce means more flavor!
4. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each bagel. Make sure to cover the sauce well, so it gets nice and gooey when melted.
5. Create Ghost Shapes:
Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, cut ghost shapes out of the mozzarella slices. Be careful as you press down; you want clear ghost shapes!
6. Place Ghosts on Bagels:
Now, place one mozzarella ghost cutout on top of the cheese layer of each bagel. Position them so they look ready for a spooky adventure!
7. Add Eyes and Mouths:
To make your ghosts come alive, use small pieces of black olive or an edible food marker to create their eyes and an open mouth. This little detail adds personality to your ghosts!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bagels are nicely toasted. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then you’re ready to enjoy your spooky Ghost Pizza Bagels!
These delightful treats are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the laughter and fun as you serve them! Happy Halloween! 🎃
Can I Use Other Types of Bread Instead of Bagels?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of bagels, you can use English muffins, pita bread, or even slices of bread to make mini pizzas. Just adjust the baking time depending on the thickness of the bread.
How Do I Store Leftover Ghost Pizza Bagels?
Store any leftover Ghost Pizza Bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in a toaster oven or your regular oven for a few minutes until warm and crispy again.
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the Ghost Pizza Bagels ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just bake them right before serving to enjoy that melty cheese and fresh flavor!
What Can I Use Instead of Mozzarella Cheese?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use provolone, fontina, or even dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well for the best results!
