These spooky Ghost Pizza Bagels are a fun twist on your regular pizza! With cheesy faces that look like friendly ghosts, they’re perfect for Halloween snacks or any time you want a treat!
I love whipping these up for my kids. They giggle every time they see the ghostly faces, and I can’t resist sneaking a few bites myself. It’s pizza that’s fun to eat! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: I love using plain bagels for these ghostly delights. They’re the perfect base! You can also use whole wheat or onion bagels for more flavor.
Pizza sauce: Store-bought pizza sauce saves time, but homemade sauce is delicious too! Just crush canned tomatoes with some garlic and herbs for a fresh taste.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella is the classic choice, but you can mix in cheddar for a sharper flavor. Dairy-free cheese is also great if you’re avoiding dairy!
Pepperoni: I like using mini pepperoni for a fun look! Veggie alternatives work well, too, like mushrooms or bell pepper slices, if you’re looking for healthier options.
Fresh mozzarella: This gives the ghost shape and a creamy texture. If unavailable, regular cheese can work—just shape it by hand! You could even use provolone for a change.
How Do I Create Those Adorable Ghost Shapes?
Making those ghost shapes is easy and adds a fun touch! Here’s how to do it:
- Slice the fresh mozzarella ball into thick slices (about 1/4 inch).
- Using a small ghost-shaped cookie cutter, press down to cut out your ghost. If you don’t have a cutter, just use a knife to shape them freehand.
- Don’t worry about perfection! Each ghost can be a little unique, which adds to the charm!
These little ghosts will melt beautifully on the pizza bagels, creating a soft and cheesy finish that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
How to Make Ghost Pizza Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 plain bagels, sliced in half (12 halves total)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 slices of pepperoni
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella ball (for ghost shapes)
- Black olive slices or black peppercorns (for eyes and mouth)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. So you’ll be enjoying these delicious Ghost Pizza Bagels in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will make sure your bagels get nice and toasty. While the oven heats up, you can prep your bagels.
2. Prepare the Bagel Base:
Arrange all the bagel halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. This will be the base for all the delicious toppings you’ll add next!
3. Spread the Pizza Sauce:
Using a spoon, spread about 1 to 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over each bagel half. Don’t be shy; you want enough sauce to keep things tasty!
4. Add Cheese and Pepperoni:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each bagel half. Then place one slice of pepperoni on top of the cheese for that classic pizza flavor!
5. Create Your Ghosts:
Next, take your fresh mozzarella ball and slice it into thick slices (about 1/4 inch). Using a small ghost-shaped cookie cutter or a knife, cut out ghost shapes from the mozzarella slices. If you don’t have a ghost cutter, just make fun, ghost-like shapes!
6. Add Ghosts to the Bagels:
Place one mozzarella ghost on top of each pepperoni slice. They’ll melt beautifully in the oven and create a spooky effect!
7. Make Ghost Faces:
Cut small pieces of black olive or use black peppercorns to add eyes and a mouth to each mozzarella ghost. This is where your ghosts will come to life!
8. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bagels are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the Ghost Pizza Bagels cool for a minute. Then, they are ready to serve. Enjoy the spooky delight!
These Ghost Pizza Bagels are perfect for parties, Halloween, or a fun family night! Enjoy your delicious creations!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Bagels Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat bagels will add a nice nutty flavor and are a healthier option. They work just as well with the sauce and toppings!
What Can I Use Instead of Pepperoni?
If you’d like a vegetarian option, try adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even olives. Those will still provide a delicious flavor while keeping it meat-free!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Ghost Pizza Bagels in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy again!
Can I Freeze These Bagels?
Yes, you can! Assemble the bagels but don’t bake them, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to a month. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
