Ghost Pizza Bagels are a fun twist on a classic! They combine chewy bagels with tasty pizza toppings like cheese, pepperoni, and a spooky shape that’s perfect for Halloween.
Who knew bagels could be so ghostly? I love making these with the kids—they always end up giggling and decorating their “ghosts” with extra toppings! 🎃
The best part? You can whip these up in no time and eat them fresh from the oven. Just pop them in, and they’ll be ready for your Halloween party or a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: Plain bagels work best, but you can try other flavors like garlic or everything bagels for a unique twist. If you can’t find bagels, English muffins are a great alternative!
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought pizza sauce, but homemade marinara also adds a nice touch. For a spicier option, swap in spicy pizza sauce or marinara.
Mozzarella Cheese: I love using shredded mozzarella for its meltiness. If you’re vegan, go for plant-based shreddable cheese. Alternatively, you can use cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Pepperoni: You can replace traditional pepperoni with turkey pepperoni or even add veggies like diced bell peppers or olives for a healthier option.
Ghost Shapes: For the ghost, you can use any other cheese like provolone or even a slice of white cheddar. They’ll add a creamy texture on your bagels!
How Do You Make the Perfect Ghost Shapes?
Creating ghost shapes is a fun part of making your Ghost Pizza Bagels! Here’s a simple way to get it right:
- Use a small ghost-shaped cookie cutter—for best results, select one that’s about 2-3 inches tall.
- For the eyes and mouth, a piping tip or small round straw works perfectly. Just press lightly to cut out two eyes and a mouth.
- If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can slice the mozzarella into squares and use a knife to carve out a ghost shape.
- Place the ghost cheese on your bagel right before baking to ensure it melts perfectly.
This easy technique not only makes your pizza bagels look fun but also adds a tasty touch to each bite!
Ghost Pizza Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 plain bagels (sliced in halves)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 24 slices pepperoni (about 6 per bagel half)
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese block (for ghost shapes)
- Black pepper or Italian seasoning (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious and fun recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10-12 minutes of baking time. So in just under 30 minutes, you can have some spooky and tasty Ghost Pizza Bagels ready to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven ready will ensure your bagels bake perfectly!
2. Prepare the Bagels
Place the halved bagels, cut side up, on a baking sheet. This is where all your tasty toppings will go, so make sure they’re nicely arranged!
3. Add the Pizza Sauce
Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over each bagel half. This sauce will be the base of your pizza flavor.
4. Sprinkle the Cheese
Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce until it’s nicely covered. More cheese equals more deliciousness!
5. Add the Pepperoni
Next, arrange 5-6 slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese on each bagel half. This will add a savory flavor that everyone loves.
6. Create Ghost Shapes
Using a small ghost-shaped cookie cutter, carefully cut ghost shapes out of the block mozzarella cheese. These spooky ghosts will bring fun to your pizza bagels!
7. Add Eyes and Mouth
Take a small round tool, like the end of a piping tip or a straw, and cut out two eyes and a mouth in each ghost shape so they look extra spooky!
8. Place the Ghosts
Gently place one mozzarella ghost on top of the pepperoni on each bagel half. Make sure they’re ready for the oven!
9. Bake Until Golden
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bagels are lightly toasted.
10. Garnish and Serve
Optionally, sprinkle a little black pepper or Italian seasoning over the top before serving. This gives it an extra bit of flavor! Serve warm and enjoy your spooky Ghost Pizza Bagels!
These bagels are perfect fun-sized pizzas for a Halloween party or a delightful snack any time! 🎃
Can I Use Mini Bagels for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Mini bagels make for perfect bite-sized portions, especially for parties. Just adjust the toppings accordingly, using less sauce and cheese as needed!
What Can I Substitute for Pepperoni?
For a healthier option, consider using turkey or chicken sausage. You can also use veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a vegetarian twist!
How Do I Store Leftover Ghost Pizza Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through!
Can I Make the Ghost Shapes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cut the ghost shapes in advance and keep them in the fridge for a few hours. Just add them to the bagels right before baking for the best results!
