There’s something undeniably fun about sinking your teeth into these Ghost Pizza Bagels halloween treats—melty mozzarella stretching as you lift each eerie white ghost from its crispy bagel base. During my third round of testing, I noticed that giving the bagels a quick 3-minute toast first prevents any soggy spots under that tangy pizza sauce. The warm, fragrant steam rises as you bite into the tender-with-a-slight-bite crust. Ghost Pizza Bagels halloween treats bring out the kid in all of us, and trust me, you’ll catch yourself smiling at those little olive eyes staring back at you.
Why You’ll Love Ghost Pizza Bagels halloween treats
- A fun twist on pizza night that’s ready in under 15 minutes from oven-ready bagels to your plate
- Customizable ghost shapes and toppings spark creativity—kids can help assemble
- A bonus technique: pre-toasting bagels for an ultra-crisp base
- Rooted in classic pizza flavors but playful enough for a Halloween party
A Little Background
I first stumbled on these bagel pizzas scrolling through Delish’s Halloween roundup, and from that moment I knew I’d have to test them myself. My first batch came out a bit uneven—some ghosts had floppy arms—so I tweaked the cheese placement on attempt two, tearing bits of shredded mozzarella to form arm-like wisps. By attempt three, each cheesy spirit held its shape perfectly as it bubbled under the broiler’s gentle sizzling glow.
Key Ingredients for Ghost Pizza Bagels halloween treats
- Plain bagels (4): Halved gives 8 mini canvases; use day-old for sturdier crust.
- Pizza sauce (½ cup): Holds flavors; classic marinara works, or swap with pesto for a green ghost twist.
- Shredded mozzarella (1½ cups): Silky melt; pre-shredded is fine, but freshly grated gives a richer pull.
- Black olives (6): Sliced for ghost eyes; Kalamata or black Spanish both darken beautifully.
- Chopped parsley (1 tbsp, optional): Brightens and mimics ghostly wisps of fog if sprinkled right after baking.
How to Make Ghost Pizza Bagels halloween treats
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange bagel halves cut-side up on a rimmed baking sheet; toast until lightly golden, about 3–5 minutes.
- Remove sheet and let cool briefly. Evenly spread about 1 tablespoon pizza sauce on each bagel half, creating a thin, glossy layer.
- Divide the shredded mozzarella among the halves, tearing small pieces to form ghost shapes (include “arms” on each side) so cheese is tender but holds form.
- Press two olive slices into each ghost for its eyes. Slide the pan back into the oven and bake until cheese is melted and bubbling around the sides, about 5–7 minutes.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Pre-toast bagels: My tests showed a 3-minute toast keeps sauce from seeping and fogs up less under the cheese.
- If cheese browns unevenly, rotate the pan halfway through baking so that the edges get the same gentle golden kiss.
- For a spicy spin, stir ¼ tsp red pepper flakes into the sauce before spreading.
- Doubling for a crowd? Use two sheets and swap racks halfway to maintain consistent heat.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Once cooled, store Ghost Pizza Bagels halloween treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—make sure they cool to room temperature first to prevent sogginess. Reheat on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore that crispy edge. For longer storage, flash-freeze cooled bagels on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 1 month; reheat directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to baking time. Always refrigerate within 2 hours of baking for food safety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these ghostly bites alongside a crunchy celery-and-carrot veggie platter for contrast, or place them on a spooky-themed tray with dipping bowls of ranch and extra pizza sauce. They’re also charming on a black slate board dotted with edible candy eyes and paprika “grave dirt.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use bagel thins instead of regular bagels? Yes—bagel thins work well, but reduce baking time by 1–2 minutes to avoid overbrowning.
- What’s the best way to keep the cheese from spreading? Tear mozzarella into ghost shapes rather than sprinkling; this maintains the “arms” and stops the cheese from sliding off.
- How long do ghost pizza bagels last in the fridge? Up to 3 days stored in an airtight container once fully cooled.
- Can I freeze assembled bagels before baking? I recommend baking first, then freezing; raw sauce and cheese can introduce moisture that makes the bagel soggy when baked frozen.
- What oven setting is best—bake or broil? Baking at 425°F gives even melt and avoids crispy burnt edges you’d get under broil.
- How do I make these dairy-free? Swap in a plant-based mozzarella and ensure the pizza sauce has no whey; the method stays the same.
Final Thoughts
These Ghost Pizza Bagels halloween treats have become my go-to for last-minute parties or a laid-back movie night—each batch brings a smile when those little olive eyes peek up at you. My favorite way to enjoy them? Fresh from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a side of sweet chili sauce. Give them a try, share your spookiest creations, and let me know how your ghosts turn out!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Black Poison Swirl Candy Apples: A Wickedly Fun Halloween Treat – a sweet, spooky counterpart to your savory ghosts
- Dill-Pickle Gummy Worms – a playful creepy snack that amps up the Halloween vibe
- Cheesy Pizza Muffins: Easy, Savory, Bite-Sized Snacks – another pizza-inspired mini treat to round out your party menu