Get ready for a spooky treat with these Cheesy Halloween Pizza Skulls! They are filled with gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, all baked in fun skull shapes.
Making these is a blast, and they are perfect for a Halloween party or just a fun night in. I like to dip mine in marinara sauce for an extra splash of flavor! 🍕👻
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, but homemade dough can be more satisfying if you enjoy cooking. If gluten-free, look for a gluten-free dough mix or pre-made option.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is a must for that cheese pull, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or even some pepper jack for a kick! If you want a dairy-free version, try plant-based cheese shreds.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni adds fun bite-sized bursts of flavor. If you prefer healthier options, go for turkey pepperoni or omit it entirely for a veggie version. Chopped bell peppers can also add a nice crunch!
Marinara Sauce: You can use any store-bought marinara, but homemade is always a nice touch! A simple tomato sauce with herbs works well too. For a different twist, consider pesto or Alfredo sauce.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Shaped Pizza Skulls?
Creating those spooky skull shapes might seem tricky, but it’s actually quite simple! Here’s how to get it just right:
- First, roll your pizza dough out to about 1/4 inch thick to ensure the skulls bake evenly.
- Using a skull-shaped cutter or template, press firmly to cut out the shapes. If you don’t have a cutter, a large glass can work too—just get creative!
- Don’t forget to cut out the eyes and nose holes! This makes your pizza skulls look spooky and allows the cheese to peek through as it melts.
Remember, the more dough you can knead and roll out without overworking it, the better the final texture will be. Happy baking!
How to Make Cheesy Halloween Pizza Skulls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza Skulls:
- 1 package (about 1 lb) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra color and flavor)
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or finely chopped pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes of baking, making it about 30 minutes total! You can whip these up in no time for a spooky snack or party treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to make your skulls deliciously golden. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Roll Out the Pizza Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness ensures your pizza skulls are soft and chewy in the middle while getting crispy on the edges.
3. Cut Out Skull Shapes:
Using a skull-shaped cookie cutter (or you can even draw a template and use a knife), cut out skull shapes from the dough. Remember to make little cut-outs for the eyes and nose of each skull!
4. Add the Sauce:
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on each skull dough piece, but make sure to leave the eye and nose holes open. This allows the cheese to bubble through and gives it a fun look!
5. Load Up on Cheese:
Sprinkle a hearty mixture of mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce. Fill in around the eye and nose holes to create a cheesy goodness that oozes out when baked!
6. Decorate with Pepperoni:
If you’d like, press mini pepperoni slices into the cheese for spooky “eyes.” You can have fun arranging them however you like!
7. Season It Up:
Now sprinkle the tops with Italian seasoning and garlic powder for extra flavor. These seasonings will make your pizza skulls taste even more delicious!
8. Bake the Skulls:
Carefully place your pizza skull shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the exposed edges of the dough with olive oil to help them brown nicely.
9. Enjoy the Magic of Baking:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust turns golden brown. Keep an eye on them – you want them beautifully baked, not burnt!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove your skulls from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Transfer them to a serving plate and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Now, gather your friends and family, and enjoy your spooky, cheesy Halloween pizza skulls hot and melty! 🎃🍕
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and performs perfectly in this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for the best results.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
You can get creative with the fillings! Try adding diced veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, cooked sausage, or even olives. Just ensure not to overload the skulls to maintain their shape.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again.
Can These Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the skulls and assemble them a few hours ahead. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This way, you can save time and still serve a fresh treat!
