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These Ghost Pizza Bagels became my go-to Halloween dinner the year my kids wanted to help in the kitchen but I still needed something filling and fast. Every spooky little face gets gobbled up in record time which makes these perfect for busy nights or as a fun party treat. With just four ingredients and less than thirty minutes needed these ghostly bites are friendly on time and effort too.
I first made these for my youngest who is obsessed with all things Halloween and now they are a staple for our October dinners. The best part is seeing everyone’s ghostly cheese shapes and hearing the giggles as they come out of the oven.
Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese slices: These melt perfectly and their smooth texture makes them easy to cut into ghost shapes Look for fresh slices or buy a block and slice yourself for more flexibility
- Mini bagels: Mini bagels create the ideal bite size base for these snacks Choose ones that are soft with a nice chewy crust
- Marinara sauce: Go for your favorite brand or use homemade The richer the flavor the better it stands out under the mozzarella
- Black olives: These become the ghost eyes Use firm pitted olives so you can slice them cleanly for cute eye shapes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the oven:
- Begin by setting your oven to three hundred fifty degrees so it’s nice and hot when you are ready
- Shape the cheese:
- Take your mozzarella slices and cut them into ghostly shapes with a small paring knife or use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter Let the kids help with this step but supervise closely if using knives
- Assemble the bagels:
- Place your mini bagels split side up on a baking tray Spread each with a thin even layer of marinara sauce Right to the edges works best for flavor in every bite
- Add the ghost cheese:
- Lay a mozzarella ghost on top of each sauced bagel Press gently so it stays put but do not flatten the cheese too much since bubbling makes it look spooky
- Bake the bagels:
- Slide the tray into the oven and bake for about ten minutes The cheese should be gooey and the edges of the bagels just crisp
- Finish the details:
- While baking cut tiny circles from the black olives These will become the ghostly eyes The smaller the pieces the cuter the result
- Decorate and serve:
- Once bagels are hot remove from oven and carefully press two olive pieces into each ghost for eyes Serve immediately while warm and melty
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My favorite part is shaping each little ghost and laughing with my kids about who makes the silliest or spookiest spirit Some nights we even let everyone name their ghosts before eating
Storage Tips
Leftover pizza bagels keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat toast in a toaster oven or bake at three hundred fifty degrees until warmed through and the cheese is melty again Avoid microwaving as this can turn the bagels soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in any mild melting cheese for the mozzarella if needed Monterey Jack works in a pinch If you cannot find mini bagels use regular size and adjust the baking time or look for thick cut bread rounds For the ghosts olives can be traded for mini pepperoni or even edible candy eyes if you are focusing on fun over savory
Serving Suggestions
These are great as an after school snack lunch or party treat Pair them with a simple green salad for a complete dinner Or serve with carrot sticks and apple slices at any Halloween gathering for a colorful and healthy spread
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A Little Halloween History
Bagels and pizza have a long tradition of being kid favorites but adding the ghostly cheese is a modern twist Many families started making spooky snacks as part of Halloween celebrations to add fun to the night This recipe is all about laughter creativity and sharing something festive before heading out for trick or treating
Commonly Asked Questions
- → How do I make the ghost shapes from mozzarella?
Use a paring knife or a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut mozzarella slices into ghost shapes. This adds fun Halloween flair to your bagels.
- → Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Either store-bought or homemade marinara works well. Choose your favorite for the best flavor.
- → How long should I bake the bagels?
Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly on top.
- → What can I use for the ghost eyes?
Slice black olives into small pieces and place them on the mozzarella ghosts to create eyes. You can also use peppercorns or capers if preferred.
- → Are these safe for kids to help prepare?
Yes! Kids can help spread the sauce, place the mozzarella ghosts, and dot on the olive eyes. Adult supervision is recommended when cutting shapes.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Assemble the bagels and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. Add the olive eyes just before serving for the best presentation.