These Cheesy Halloween Pizza Skulls are fun and tasty! Made with gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, they’re shaped like skulls for a spooky treat.
Getting the kids involved in making these is a blast. Plus, who can resist pizza that looks this cool? When they’re done, we all have a little Halloween party at home! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient helps the dough rise. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. Just skip the proofing step!
All-Purpose Flour: This is perfect for the dough, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour. It gives a nutty flavor but may require a bit more water.
Olive Oil: A little oil helps keep the dough moist. You can use vegetable oil or melted butter as a great alternative if you’re out of olive oil.
Pizza Sauce: I recommend using marinara for a classic taste, but any store-bought or homemade pizza sauce works. If you prefer a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper to it!
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese gives that melty goodness. If you want a different flavor, try using provolone or a mix of cheeses. Vegan cheese works too if you’re dairy-free!
How Do You Shape the Dough for the Skulls?
Shaping the dough into skulls might seem tricky, but it’s really fun! Here’s how you can do it:
- After dividing the dough, flatten each piece into a circle about 1/2-inch thick.
- Use your fingers to create two eye sockets and one nose hole—press gently to form the shapes.
- Your indentation should be deep enough to hold the cheese but not so deep that it goes through the dough.
- Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; it’s about having fun and being creative!
If you want to add extra detail, use a knife to carve small lines or cheekbone shapes into the sides of the skulls!
Cheesy Halloween Pizza Skulls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional pizza toppings (mini pepperoni, olives, mushrooms)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including 1 hour for the dough to rise and 10-12 minutes for baking. It’s mostly hands-off time as the dough rises, so you can prepare your spooky decorations while you wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix together the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir it gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns foamy and bubbly!
2. Make the Dough:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything together until a rough dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough:
Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. Keep kneading until the dough feels smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, feel free to add a bit more flour as you go!
4. Let It Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This makes your dough nice and fluffy!
5. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and grease a baking sheet or pizza stone lightly.
6. Shape the Skulls:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove the air. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rough skull shape that’s about 1/2-inch thick.
7. Create Skull Features:
Use your fingers or a spoon handle to press in indentations for the eye sockets and nose. Be creative and make each skull a little different!
8. Add Sauce:
Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce onto each skull, making sure to leave the edges clear. This creates a nice little border.
9. Top with Cheese and Toppings:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, adding some extra inside the eye and nose holes to make them stand out. If you’re using optional toppings, sprinkle them on top now!
10. Bake the Skulls:
Place the skulls in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for a golden crust and bubbly cheese! They smell amazing as they bake.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, let the pizza skulls cool for a few minutes. Then, serve them warm and enjoy your fun Halloween treat!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! You can save time by using store-bought pizza dough. Just follow the package directions for shaping and baking, and then proceed with adding the toppings for your pizza skulls!
What Can I Substitute for Mozzarella Cheese?
If you’re looking for a different flavor, try using provolone, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. For a dairy-free option, there are many tasty vegan cheese alternatives available!
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftover pizza skulls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again!
Can I Freeze These Pizza Skulls?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped, unbaked pizza skulls! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen—just extend the baking time slightly!
