Halloween Pizza Skulls are a creative and spooky way to enjoy one of everyone’s favorite foods—pizza! These handheld treats are easy to make and perfect for Halloween parties, whether for kids or adults. Made with refrigerated pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and sausage, they’re packed with flavor and have a fun, festive presentation. Using a skull-shaped cake pan gives these mini pizzas a spooky twist, and they’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Serve them hot and watch them disappear faster than a ghost at midnight! Perfect with a side of marinara dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Halloween Pizza Skulls are a fun and spooky way to bring pizza to your Halloween party! These mini pizzas, baked in a skull-shaped pan, are filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and crumbled Italian sausage. With their crispy golden crust and delicious fillings, they’re a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. The best part? They’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings! Serve them with a side of marinara dipping sauce for the perfect bite.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 (13.8-oz) can refrigerated pizza dough: Forms the crispy base for the pizza skulls, holding all the fillings together.
- 6 tablespoons pizza sauce: Adds a tangy, tomato-rich flavor to complement the savory fillings.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully inside the pizza skulls, creating a gooey, cheesy center.
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage: Adds a flavorful and meaty element to the filling.
- 24 slices pepperoni, chopped: Provides the classic pizza taste with a slight kick of spice.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a skull-shaped cake pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Step 2:
- Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and press it into a 15x10-inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 6 equal strips.
- Step 3:
- Carefully drape each strip of dough into the cavities of the skull-shaped pan, making sure the dough covers the entire mold and extends up the sides.
- Step 4:
- Add a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese to the bottom of each dough cavity. Follow with 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce, 4 chopped slices of pepperoni, and a spoonful of crumbled Italian sausage.
- Step 5:
- Top the fillings with more shredded mozzarella cheese. Fold the excess dough over the fillings and press the seams to seal.
- Step 6:
- Bake the pizza skulls in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7:
- Remove the pizza skulls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the pan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve Halloween Pizza Skulls hot and fresh out of the oven with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. These mini pizzas are perfect for parties or gatherings and are easy to serve as handheld treats.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350ºF for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispy crust.
- Pair them with spooky-themed sides like “witches' fingers” (breadsticks) or a Halloween-themed salad for a complete party spread.
Helpful Notes
- These pizza skulls are highly customizable! You can add your favorite toppings like olives, mushrooms, or even jalapeños for a bit of heat. Make them your own by experimenting with different flavors.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and pepperoni and load up on veggies like bell peppers, onions, or spinach.
- If you don’t have a skull-shaped cake pan, you can make these in a muffin tin for mini pizza pockets that are just as tasty.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Bobby Flay: “For perfectly crispy pizza dough, make sure to preheat the oven and use a non-stick spray to ensure easy removal from the pan.”
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis: “Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the pizza sauce for an extra burst of flavor. It elevates the taste of the entire dish.”
- Chef Rachael Ray: “Play with different cheeses—try mixing mozzarella with provolone or even cheddar for a twist on the classic pizza flavor.”