Description
Create spooky and fun mini Halloween pizzas that are perfect for kids and parties. This recipe offers a delightful and easy way to celebrate the season with charming, bite-sized treats.
Ingredients
- For the Pizza Dough: 1 ¾ cups warm water, 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- For the Spooky Pizza Sauce: 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 1 teaspoon sugar (optional), salt and pepper to taste, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Cheesy Layer: 1 (16-ounce) package low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese shredded, ½ cup fresh mozzarella cheese thinly sliced or shredded
- For the Halloween Toppings: 1 (3.8-ounce) can sliced black olives drained, 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 6-8 slices pepperoni, Small cookie cutters with Halloween shapes (optional), Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes or with a stand mixer for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Divide Dough: Punch down dough, turn onto a floured surface, and divide into 12-16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and cover while working.
- Prepare Sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan, sauté garlic, add crushed tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer for 15-20 minutes and season to taste.
- Shape Toppings: Cut fresh mozzarella into ghost shapes. Cut red and green bell peppers into pumpkin, horn, hat, or mouth shapes. Drain and prepare black olives for spiders or eyes. Cut pepperoni into bat shapes if desired.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll Bases: On a floured surface, roll dough balls into 2-3 inch circles, about ¼-inch thick. Place on prepared baking sheets.
- Assemble Pizzas: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of sauce onto each base, leaving a border. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
- Add Toppings: Decorate with mozzarella ghosts, bell pepper shapes, olive spiders, pepperoni bats, or create mummy pizzas with mozzarella strips and olive eyes.
- Bake Pizzas: Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Rotate sheets halfway if needed.
- Cool and Serve: Let pizzas cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Ensure yeast is active by checking for foam.
- Do not over-sauce pizzas to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven.
- Get creative with topping arrangements for unique spooky designs.
- Consider using small Halloween-themed cookie cutters for toppings and dough bases.
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 Minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Mini Pizza
- Calories: Approx. 150-200 (will vary based on toppings)
- Sugar: Approx. 3-5g
- Sodium: Approx. 300-400mg
- Fat: Approx. 7-10g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 3-5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 4-5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 15-20g
- Fiber: Approx. 1-2g
- Protein: Approx. 7-10g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 15-20mg
Keywords: Mini Halloween Pizzas, Spooky Pizzas, Halloween Party Food, Kids Halloween Treats, Easy Halloween Recipes, DIY Halloween Pizzas, Spooky Snacks