These Ghost Pizza Bagels are a fun twist on your usual pizza. They’re made with bagels topped with tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and spooky pepperoni slices to create a deliciously haunting treat!
Perfect for Halloween parties or just a fun dinner, I love how easy they are to make. Just pop them in the oven, and soon you’ll have ghostly goodness to enjoy! 👻🍕
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: Classic plain bagels work best here, but you can use whole-wheat bagels or even gluten-free bagels if needed. The key is to choose a sturdy bagel that holds up well to toppings.
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought pizza sauce for convenience, but homemade sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs adds extra flavor. If you’re short on time, even marinara sauce works well.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is great for melting, but feel free to swap with provolone or a cheese blend if you want a different flavor. For a lighter option, low-fat mozzarella is available.
Pepperoni: Traditional slices add that classic pizza flavor, but you can use turkey pepperoni or veggie toppings for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Ghost Mozzarella Shapes: Instead of fresh mozzarella, consider using pre-sliced string cheese. Just cut it into ghost shapes – kids will love it!
How Do I Get the Cheese to Melt Perfectly?
Getting the cheese perfectly melted is crucial for that gooey pizza experience. Here’s how to ensure you achieve that!
- Preheat your oven to the right temperature (375°F or 190°C) to allow the cheese to melt evenly.
- Spread the cheese evenly across the bagels, ensuring every bit has a chance to melt.
- Keep an eye on them as they bake (10-12 minutes), and remove them once the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. This prevents overcooking!
Let the bagels cool a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your tongue on the hot cheese. Enjoy your Ghost Pizza Bagels this Halloween!
Ghost Pizza Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 plain bagels, halved
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices pepperoni
- 8 slices fresh mozzarella (for ghost shapes)
- Black olive or edible black food marker (for eyes and mouth)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and spooky Ghost Pizza Bagels recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes for a deliciously haunted snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important to get your bagels nice and crispy while the cheese melts beautifully.
2. Prepare the Bagels:
Take your bagels and cut them in half. Place the bagel halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. This is where all the magic happens!
3. Sauce It Up:
Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each bagel half. Make sure to cover it evenly to give your bagels loads of flavor!
4. Cheese Time:
Now, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Everyone loves cheesy goodness, so don’t be shy!
5. Add the Pepperoni:
Top each bagel half with one slice of pepperoni. This will add that classic pizza flavor that makes these bagels so tasty!
6. Create Ghosts:
Using a small ghost-shaped cookie cutter, cut ghost shapes out of the fresh mozzarella slices. If you don’t have a cutter, you can simply use a knife to shape them! Get creative!
7. Assemble the Ghosts:
Place one of the mozzarella ghosts on top of each bagel half, pressing gently to make sure it stays in place.
8. Eyes and Mouth:
Now for the spooky part! Use small pieces of black olive or an edible black food marker to create two eyes and a round mouth on each ghost. Make them as friendly or spooky as you like!
9. Bake the Bagels:
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is melty and bubbly—yummy!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly. This will help you avoid any burnt tongues. Then, it’s time to enjoy your Ghost Pizza Bagels!
These are perfect for a Halloween snack or party treat. Have a spooky and delicious time!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Bagels?
Absolutely! Whole wheat or gluten-free bagels are great alternatives. Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold the toppings, so they don’t get soggy when baked.
How Can I Store Leftover Ghost Pizza Bagels?
Leftover bagels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to get them crispy again.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! You can add veggies like bell peppers or olives, different meats like sausage or ham, or even switch up the cheese with cheddar or a cheese blend for added flavor.
Can I Make the Sauce from Scratch?
Definitely! A simple homemade pizza sauce can be made by simmering crushed tomatoes with garlic, onion, Italian herbs, and a splash of olive oil for about 20 minutes. It adds a lovely homemade touch to your bagels!