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Ghost Pizza Bagels are a playful twist on classic pizza bagels perfect for Halloween parties or fun family dinners. This adorable snack uses just a few ingredients and comes together in minutes making it great for cooking with kids or prepping a quick themed meal.
The first time I made these for a Halloween sleepover the kids squealed with delight and made up spooky stories for each pizza ghost
Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese slices: this gives you that stretch and bubbly ghost look always pick slices that are firm and cut easily
- Mini bagels: the smaller size makes them just right for snack platters check for fresh bagels so you get a chewy bite
- Marinara sauce: adds that classic pizza flavor use a marinara with real tomato pieces for the best texture
- Black olives: turns into spooky edible eyes use pitted whole olives for easy slicing
For the cheese I really like using part skim mozzarella as it melts well and cuts into shapes without falling apart
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Ghost Cheese:
- Use a sharp paring knife to carefully cut each slice of mozzarella into a ghostly shape Think of little drifts and uneven sides to give them personality
- Spread the Marinara:
- Take each mini bagel and add just enough marinara sauce to give a thin full coverage Try not to overdo it or the bagels may get soggy
- Layer the Cheese Ghosts:
- Gently lay a mozzarella ghost on top of each prepared bagel pressing it slightly so the edges hug the sauce
- Bake the Bagels:
- Place the bagels on a lined or lightly greased baking sheet Bake in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees for about ten minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and lightly golden
- Add the Olive Eyes:
- Cut the black olives into small dots Arrange two pieces on each ghost as eyes for the perfect spooky finishing touch
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the pizza bagels cool for a minute or two so the cheese sets Serve while warm for gooey cheesy bites
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My favorite thing is watching kids come up with names for their pizza ghosts I always remember my niece who named hers Bob and said he was a friendly ghost who loved pizza
Storage Tips
Let any leftovers cool completely then place them in an airtight container Store in the refrigerator for up to two days Reheat in a toaster oven so the bagels stay crispy rather than soggy from microwaving
Ingredient Substitutions
Use string cheese or shredded mozzarella and shape it with your hands if you do not have sliced cheese Any sturdy white cheese will work in slices Try part skim provolone for a milder taste Gluten free bagels work beautifully if needed
Serving Suggestions
Pair these ghost pizza bagels with a side salad or a cup of tomato soup for an easy meal At parties arrange them on a big platter with other Halloween snacks like carrot witches fingers or apple monster mouths
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Cultural Historical Context
Pizza bagels became popular in the United States as a playful crossover of Italian pizza and classic Jewish bakery bagels This ghost version is popular at Halloween but honestly they are a hit any time you want to add a little whimsy
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the mozzarella into ghosts?
Use a paring knife to cut mozzarella slices into wavy, whimsical ghost shapes for a spooky effect.
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
Mozzarella gives a ghostly white look, but provolone or Monterey Jack can also work for a similar result.
- → What’s the best way to get the cheese melty?
Bake the bagels at 350°F for about 10 minutes, just until the cheese softens and slightly bubbles.
- → How do I make the olive eyes stick?
Gently press olive pieces into the cheese right before baking so they stay in place while melting.
- → Are there fun variations for kids?
Try adding different veggie toppings like pepper cut-outs or use colored bell peppers for extra flair.
- → Can these be made ahead?
Assemble the bagels in advance and refrigerate; bake them just before serving for best texture.