Description

Have you ever wondered if a pizza could make your Halloween party both spooky and super yummy? Picture cute, ghost-shaped pizzas with creamy cheese and olive eyes that stare right at you. Sounds like a treat that’s perfect for a haunted feast, right? These Individual Scary White Pizzas are super easy to make, ready in just 35 minutes, and sure to bring smiles to kids and adults alike

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a spooky, flavorful pizza. Here’s what you’ll need, why each one matters, and some substitutions:

Prepared Pizza Dough (1-pound ball): The base for the ghost-shaped pizzas, providing a chewy crust.
- Substitution: Use homemade pizza dough, gluten-free dough, or pre-baked flatbread.
All-Purpose Flour: Used for rolling the dough to prevent sticking.
- Substitution: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dusting.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds flavor and helps crisp the crust.
- Substitution: Use avocado oil or melted butter.
Garlic (1 clove, finely grated): Gives a subtle, savory kick to the crust.
- Substitution: Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors.
- Substitution: Use table salt (1/4 teaspoon) or sea salt.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild spice.
- Substitution: Use white pepper or omit for less spice.
Ricotta Cheese (1 cup): Creates a creamy, spreadable base for the topping.
- Substitution: Use cottage cheese (blended smooth) or vegan ricotta.
Grated Parmesan (1/3 cup): Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the topping.
- Substitution: Use Pecorino Romano or vegan Parmesan.
Dried Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Brings classic pizza flavor with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Substitution: Use dried oregano, basil, or a pizza seasoning blend.
Shredded Mozzarella (1 1/2 cups, about 6 ounces): Melts into a gooey, cheesy layer.
- Substitution: Use provolone, cheddar, or vegan mozzarella.
Pitted Black Olives (sliced, for decorating): Forms the ghost’s spooky eyes.
- Substitution: Use pepperoni slices, capers, or small mozzarella balls.

Why These Ingredients Matter

The cheese trio (ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella) provides protein and calcium, making these pizzas a satisfying snack. The garlic and olive oil add heart-healthy fats and flavor, while the pizza dough is a versatile base. The olives create a fun, spooky look without artificial ingredients. These ingredients are affordable, widely available, and easy to swap for dietary needs, like gluten-free or vegan diets, making the recipe perfect for any Halloween gathering.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans

Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Tip: Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Divide the 1-pound ball of prepared pizza dough into 4 equal pieces.
On a lightly floured surface, roll and stretch one piece of dough into an 8- to 9-inch oval.
Pull one end of the oval to create a tapered point, forming a ghost shape.
Transfer to a prepared baking sheet.
Repeat with the remaining dough, placing 2 ghosts on each baking sheet.

Tip: Don’t worry if the ghosts look different—each unique shape adds personality!

Step 3: Brush with Garlic Oil

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil with 1 finely grated garlic clove.
Brush the mixture evenly over the 4 dough ghosts.
Sprinkle with a total of 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Tip: Use a pastry brush for even coverage, or drizzle and spread with a spoon.

Step 4: Bake the Crusts

Bake the dough ghosts for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pans top to bottom halfway through, until the crusts are golden and set.

Tip: Check at 10 minutes to avoid overbaking—ovens vary!

Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping

In a small bowl, mix 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.
Spread the mixture over the baked ghosts, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the ricotta mixture.

Tip: Spread the cheese gently to keep the ghost shape intact.

Step 6: Finish Baking

Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tip: Watch closely to ensure the cheese doesn’t brown too much.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

Place 2 sliced black olive pieces on each ghost for eyes.
Transfer the pizzas to individual plates and serve immediately.

Tip: Use a spatula to lift the pizzas carefully to maintain their shape.