These Cheesy Halloween Pizza Skulls are spooky and fun! With gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings stuffed inside a skull-shaped crust, they are perfect for a Halloween treat.
Making these is a blast! I love decorating them with some silly faces. Grab some friends and make it a festive pizza party—there’s no better way to celebrate Halloween! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: For convenience, store-bought dough works well. You can also use pre-puffed pastry for a flakier result. Homemade dough is extra fun if you have the time!
Pizza Sauce: Feel free to use store-bought pizza sauce for ease; marinara or any tomato sauce will work too. If you’re a fan of spiciness, try a spicy marinara or even BBQ sauce.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for pizza; it melts beautifully. Cheddar adds extra flavor, but you can substitute with provolone, gouda, or even dairy-free cheese for a non-dairy version.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and oregano bring great flavor. You can add more herbs like basil or red pepper flakes for a kick. If you’re a fan of other spices, don’t hesitate to experiment!
How Do I Shape the Pizza Skulls Perfectly?
Shaping the skulls might sound tricky, but it’s quite easy once you get the hang of it! Here’s how to make sure they turn out great:
- Roll out your dough evenly to ensure even cooking. Use flour to prevent sticking.
- For eye sockets and noses, a small knife or kitchen scissors works well to cut out shapes. You can also use small cookie cutters for precision.
- If you’re using a cutter, press down firmly then twist slightly to ensure a clean shape.
- Don’t stress too much about perfection; the more whimsical, the better for Halloween!
These fun skulls will not only look cute but will also thrill your guests! Grab your toppings and get creative with them!
How to Make Cheesy Halloween Pizza Skulls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza Skulls:
- 1 batch pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, enough for about 8 small pizzas)
- 1 cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Flour, for dusting
- Black pepper (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This spooky treat takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, for a total of about 35 minutes. It’s a quick way to add some Halloween fun to your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a pizza stone or a baking sheet inside the oven to heat up while you prepare your dough.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. This thickness will help create a nice chewy crust.
3. Cut Out Skull Shapes:
Using a large skull-shaped cookie cutter or a knife, cut out skull shapes from the rolled dough. Don’t worry about perfection; the more unique, the better!
4. Add Facial Features:
For each skull, use the knife to cut out eye sockets and a nose (oval and triangular shapes work well). For the mouth, make small slits to resemble teeth.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Place your dough skulls on a lightly floured surface or parchment paper to prevent sticking. This makes for easy transfer later.
6. Brush and Sauce:
Lightly brush each skull with olive oil for a nice golden finish. Then, spread about one tablespoon of pizza sauce over each skull, but avoid the eye and nose holes.
7. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese (and cheddar, if using) on top of the sauce. Let the cheese be the star here!
8. Season:
Sprinkle the garlic powder and oregano over the cheese for added flavor. If you like, add a pinch of black pepper for a little kick.
9. Bake:
Carefully transfer the skull pizzas onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This helps to avoid any burns from hot cheese!
11. Enjoy:
Serve your Cheesy Halloween Pizza Skulls with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Watch as everyone enjoys this fun and spooky treat!
These pizzas make for a delightful addition to any Halloween gathering, bringing a playful spirit to your celebrations. Happy Halloween!
Can I Use Different Shapes Besides Skulls?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any cookie cutter shapes you like, such as pumpkins or ghosts, to match your Halloween theme. Just adjust the cooking time if the shapes are larger or smaller.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza Skulls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until heated through.
Can I Freeze These Pizza Skulls?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked pizza skulls! After cutting and adding toppings, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Are Some Good Topping Substitutions?
Get creative with your toppings! Feel free to add pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even veggies like spinach. For a twist, try barbecue sauce instead of pizza sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
