Ghost Pizza Bagels are a fun, spooky twist on your favorite pizza! These soft bagels are topped with cheese and pepperoni, all while being shaped like friendly ghosts.
They’re perfect for Halloween parties or a simple dinner. I love making them with my kids—they have a blast decorating each bagel. Plus, they disappear faster than you can say “Boo!” 👻
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: Plain bagels are best here because they serve as a sturdy base. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat or gluten-free bagels work great. Just make sure they can hold the toppings!
Pizza Sauce: I usually grab store-bought pizza sauce for convenience. You can also adapt your favorite spaghetti sauce if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to reduce the seasoning to keep the flavors balanced.
Pepperoni: Classic pepperoni adds a punch of flavor. For a healthier option, turkey pepperoni or veggies like bell peppers can be great substitutes.
Fresh Mozzarella: I recommend fresh mozzarella for its creamy texture. However, pre-shredded mozzarella works too—just make sure it melts well. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese that melts!
Seasoning: Dried basil or Italian seasoning is nice, but feel free to experiment with garlic powder, oregano, or even chili flakes for a kick!
How Do I Make Ghost Shapes with Mozzarella?
Creating ghost shapes from mozzarella cheese can seem tricky, but it’s actually pretty simple! Here’s how to do it:
- Take your fresh mozzarella and slice it into about 1/4 inch thick pieces.
- Using a small, sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut out ghost shapes with rounded tops and “arms.” You can create this by rounding the top and gently pulling down to make arms.
- For added fun, carefully cut out two small holes in the cheese for the eyes.
- Don’t sweat it if they look a little imperfect! Every ghost is unique, just like the fun you’re having making these!
How to Make Ghost Pizza Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 4 plain bagels, sliced in half
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 slices pepperoni
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
- Optional: black olive slices or edible markers for eyes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and spooky recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to bake. In just half an hour, you can whip up these adorable Ghost Pizza Bagels, perfect for a Halloween party or a fun family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready for baking your ghostly treats.
2. Prepare the Bagels:
Place the sliced bagel halves on a baking sheet, making sure the cut side is facing up. This provides a perfect base for your spooky toppings!
3. Spread the Sauce:
Take a generous spoonful of pizza sauce and spread it evenly over each bagel half. Let the sauce cover just about every bit of the bagel; this will keep it deliciously moist!
4. Add the Pepperoni:
Now, top each bagel half with two slices of pepperoni. These will act as a tasty filling beneath the ghostly cheese!
5. Create Ghosts from Mozzarella:
Slice the mozzarella cheese into small pieces that resemble ghosts. To do this, cut out rounded shapes with “arms” extending out. Use scissors or a knife to create two little holes for the eyes — it’s okay to be creative here!
6. Add Mozzarella Ghosts:
Place one of your ghost-shaped mozzarella pieces on top of the pepperoni for each bagel half, making sure they’re well-placed for maximum spookiness.
7. Sprinkle with Seasoning:
Lightly sprinkle the dried basil or Italian seasoning over the bagels for that classic pizza flavor. This will elevate the taste a little further!
8. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and let the bagels bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully melted and bubbling.
9. Decorate Your Ghosts:
If you’d like, you can add small pieces of black olives for eyes or use an edible marker to draw them on. Make your ghost bagels uniquely yours!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’ve cooled slightly, serve your Ghost Pizza Bagels and watch them vanish as everyone enjoys your spooky creation. Have fun!
Can I Use Different Types of Bagels for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any type of bagel you like—whole wheat, everything, or even onion bagels for added flavor. Just make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the toppings without falling apart.
What If I Don’t Have Mozzarella?
No problem! You can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone, but keep in mind that the ghost shapes may look different. Shredded cheese works too; just sprinkle it over the toppings instead of cutting shapes!
Can I Prepare These Bagels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the bagels in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes of baking time if they are cold when they go in the oven.
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 place them in the oven or a toaster oven until warmed through and the cheese melts again.
