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.”