Ghost Pizza Bagels are a fun and spooky snack perfect for any Halloween gathering! With a soft bagel base, they are topped with gooey cheese and pepperoni, shaped like little ghosts.
Making these is a blast! I love to watch the cheese get all melty. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up—perfect for when friends drop by! 🎃👻
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Bagels: Plain mini bagels are great for this recipe, but you can use any flavor you like—everything bagels add a nice twist! If bagels aren’t available, a thick slice of bread can work too.
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought pizza sauce is easy, but you can make your own by mixing crushed tomatoes with Italian herbs. For a twist, barbecue sauce gives a sweet and tangy flavor!
Pepperoni: Classic pepperoni adds flavor, but turkey pepperoni or even veggie alternatives can suit those with dietary preferences. Feel free to skip them altogether for a cheese-only version!
Cheese: Mozzarella is perfect for melting, but feel free to mix in some cheddar for a sharper taste. If you’re dairy-free, there are excellent plant-based cheeses available.
How Do You Create Ghost Shapes with Cheese?
Cutting out those adorable ghost shapes is key to the fun aesthetic of this dish. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Use a cookie cutter: This makes it easy! You can find ghost-shaped cutters around Halloween.
- Cut by hand: If you don’t have a cutter, take a knife and carefully cut a ghost shape from the cheese slice, making a rounded head and two flowing sides.
- Placement: Set the cheese ghost on the bagel after topping it with pepperoni and before baking to get that melted look!
For the eyes and mouth, small pieces of black olives or sesame seeds add a cute touch. Enjoy making these delightful snacks!
Ghost Pizza Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 4 plain mini bagels, sliced in half
- 4 tablespoons pizza sauce
- 8 slices pepperoni (2 per bagel half)
For the Ghost Shapes:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (for ghost shapes)
- Black olive slices or black sesame seeds (for eyes and mouth decoration)
Other:
- Cooking spray or oil (optional, for baking sheet)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and bake! Just enough time to whip up a fun and spooky snack for Halloween parties or casual get-togethers. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you like, lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper so that the bagels don’t stick.
2. Arrange the Bagels:
Next, place the bagel halves on the baking sheet with the cut side facing up. Make sure they have some space between them so they cook evenly.
3. Add the Pizza Sauce:
Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly on each bagel half, covering them nicely—you want that yummy pizza flavor!
4. Top with Pepperoni:
Now, it’s pepperoni time! Place 2 slices of pepperoni on top of the sauce on each bagel half. You’re going to love how they look poking out from under the cheese!
5. Sprinkle with Cheese:
Take your shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it around the edges of the bagels, leaving a lovely space in the center for those spooky ghost shapes!
6. Create Ghost Shapes:
To make those adorable ghost shapes, use a cookie cutter or carefully cut out ghost shapes from the mozzarella cheese slices. Place one ghost piece right in the center of each bagel half.
7. Add Eyes and Mouth:
To give your ghosts some personality, use small black olive slices or sesame seeds to create cute eyes and a mouth. It’s those little touches that make them extra fun!
8. Bake:
Time to bake! Put your baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the Ghost Pizza Bagels bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bagels are lightly toasted.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll be hot! Once cooled slightly, serve them up and enjoy your spooky, delicious creations!
Happy munching on your Ghost Pizza Bagels—perfect for Halloween or any fun gathering!
Can I Use Different Types of Bagels?
Absolutely! While plain mini bagels are classic, you can use any flavor like everything, garlic, or even whole grain for added texture and taste. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the toppings!
Can I Make These Bagels Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make these bagels vegetarian by skipping the pepperoni. You could substitute with veggie pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, or olives for added flavor and texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza Bagels?
If you have leftovers (unlikely, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Ghost Pizza Bagels?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled but uncooked bagels. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.