gourmet halloween pizza

7 Genius Ways to Make Halloween Pizza at Home (That’ll Totally Bewitch Your Guests)

black charcoal halloween pizza crust topped with creamy burrata ghosts

Halloween food doesn’t have to be all sugar comas and food dye. If you’d rather serve something that’s spooky and sophisticated, it’s time to talk pizza. Yep — Halloween pizza can go way beyond ghost-shaped mozzarella and plastic spiders.

Picture this: black charcoal dough, burrata ghosts oozing in the moonlight, and eerie green pesto swirls that look straight out of a witch’s cauldron. Hungry yet?

I’ve tested these seven recipes at home (some with friends brave enough to be my taste testers), and they strike the perfect balance between creepy and classy. Let’s get your kitchen smelling like melted cheese and mischief.

1. Black Charcoal Crust Pizza with Burrata Ghosts

You can’t host a spooky feast without a black pizza crust. The secret? Activated charcoal powder. It turns your dough jet-black without affecting the flavour — promise.

Quick Overview:

  • Star Ingredient: Activated charcoal powder
  • Flavour Profile: Smoky, creamy, and rich
  • Best Occasion: Dramatic Halloween dinner
  • Difficulty: Easy once you mix the dough

Details:

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 42 mins
Oven Temp: 250°C (480°F)
Servings: 2 large pizzas

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups strong bread flour
  • 1 tbsp activated charcoal powder (find it online or in health shops)
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 balls burrata or mozzarella, torn
  • 1/3 cup tomato sauce
  • Fresh basil leaves

Note: The charcoal gives the dough a beautiful black hue — you only need a small amount!

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it foam (about 5 mins).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, charcoal, and salt. Add yeast mix and olive oil.
  3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and rest 1 hour. For a flawless crust texture, follow the tried-and-tested guide from King Arthur Baking — their dough ratios never fail.
  4. Roll the dough out, spread tomato sauce, and scatter torn burrata.
  5. Bake on a preheated pizza stone until bubbly (10–12 mins).
  6. Add basil leaves — the contrast of black, white, and green looks epic.

Tips & Variations:

  • Add sliced olives for “eyeballs.”
  • Swap burrata for vegan mozzarella if needed.
  • Charcoal powder can make your hands dark — wear gloves if you’re fancy.

FAQ:

Can I use regular flour? Yep. Just add the charcoal powder to your standard dough.
Is charcoal safe to eat? Totally — just stick to food-grade charcoal powder.

Want more crust inspiration? Try my 10 Homemade Pizza Dough Recipes for Bakery-Style Results.

2. Green Witch’s Pesto & Spinach Pizza

Every Halloween needs something witchy. This vibrant pizza gets its eerie green glow from basil pesto and spinach purée, but it tastes fresh, garlicky, and amazing.

Quick Overview:

  • Star Ingredient: Basil pesto
  • Flavour Profile: Herby, garlicky, slightly nutty
  • Best Occasion: Witch-themed dinner or fall party
  • Difficulty: Super easy

Details:

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 32 mins
Oven Temp: 230°C (450°F)
Servings: 2 medium pizzas

Ingredients:

  • 1 pizza base (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • 1 handful fresh spinach, blended with 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • Pinch of red chilli flakes

Instructions:

  1. Spread pesto and spinach purée across your pizza base.
  2. Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic evenly.
  3. Bake until golden (10–12 mins).
  4. Add chilli flakes for a fiery “witch’s spell” finish.

Tips & Variations:

  • Add green olives or artichokes for a textured look.
  • For extra drama, drizzle with black truffle oil before serving.

FAQ:

Can I use kale instead of spinach? Absolutely. It adds an earthy twist.
What pairs with this? A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a blackcurrant mocktail.

3. Mummy Pepperoni Pizzas

These are creepy in the best way — mini pizzas wrapped in “bandages” of mozzarella strips, with olive eyes peeking through. Perfect for kids, but adults secretly love them too.

Quick Overview:

  • Star Ingredient: String cheese or thin mozzarella slices
  • Flavour Profile: Classic pepperoni, cheesy goodness
  • Best Occasion: Halloween party snacks
  • Difficulty: Easy

Details:

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Oven Temp: 220°C (425°F)
Servings: 8 mini pizzas

Ingredients:

  • 1 batch pizza dough (or store-bought)
  • ½ cup pizza sauce
  • 16 slices pepperoni
  • 2 cups mozzarella, cut into thin strips
  • 8 sliced black olives (for eyes)

Instructions:

  1. Cut dough into small ovals or rounds.
  2. Spread sauce and place two slices of pepperoni.
  3. Lay mozzarella strips criss-cross like mummy bandages.
  4. Add two olive “eyes.”
  5. Bake until golden (8–10 mins).

Tips & Variations:

  • Swap pepperoni for roasted veggies for a meat-free version.
  • Use puff pastry for flakier, bite-size “mummy bites.”

FAQ:

Can I make these ahead? Yep! Assemble and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking.
Do they freeze well? Totally. Reheat from frozen at 180°C for 10–12 mins.

4. Pumpkin-Shaped Butternut Squash Pizza

A pizza that looks like a pumpkin and tastes like autumn? Yes, please. The key is shaping your dough slightly oval and topping it with roasted butternut squash purée instead of tomato sauce.

Quick Overview:

  • Star Ingredient: Butternut squash purée
  • Flavour Profile: Sweet, creamy, and savoury
  • Best Occasion: Fancy fall dinner
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Details:

Prep Time: 1 hour (includes roasting)
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 12 mins
Oven Temp: 240°C (465°F)
Servings: 2 medium pizzas

Ingredients:

  • 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 pizza dough
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ¼ cup goat cheese crumbles
  • 1 tbsp chopped sage leaves

Instructions:

  1. Roast squash with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until soft.
  2. Mash into a smooth purée.
  3. Roll dough into a pumpkin shape — use a knife to carve small grooves.
  4. Spread squash purée, then top with cheeses and sage.
  5. Bake until bubbly (10–12 mins).

Tips & Variations:

  • Add crispy pancetta or caramelised onions for extra depth.
  • Finish with a drizzle of honey for that sweet-savory balance.

FAQ:

Can I use canned pumpkin? You can, but fresh squash gives better texture.
How do I make the stem? Stick a small strip of green pepper at the top before baking.

5. Graveyard Flatbread Pizza

This one looks straight off a Tim Burton set. Think flatbread pizzas decorated with tombstone-shaped crackers and “dirt” made of black olives and herbs.

Quick Overview:

  • Star Ingredient: Kalamata olives
  • Flavour Profile: Earthy, herby, and salty
  • Best Occasion: Halloween buffet
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Details:

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Oven Temp: 200°C (400°F)
Servings: 4–6 people

Ingredients:

  • 2 large flatbreads or naan
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup sliced black or Kalamata olives
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • ½ cup crumbled feta
  • 6–8 crackers or tortilla cut-outs (for tombstones)

Instructions:

  1. Spread sauce and cheese over flatbread.
  2. Add olives and oregano to resemble “earth.”
  3. Bake until cheese is melted (12–15 mins).
  4. Stick crackers upright like tombstones once cooled slightly.

Tips & Variations:

  • Write “RIP” on the crackers using edible food marker.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley to make “grass.”

FAQ:

How do I make tombstones stand upright? Use a bit of melted cheese as edible glue.
What if I want it meatier? Add sausage “worms” or pepperoni bones.

6. Spiderweb Pizza with Prosciutto Threads

This one’s pure art. You’ll pipe sour cream or ricotta into a web pattern and use crispy prosciutto strips as the “spiders.” Elegant, eerie, and so good.

Quick Overview:

  • Star Ingredient: Prosciutto
  • Flavour Profile: Salty, tangy, and creamy
  • Best Occasion: Classy adult Halloween dinner
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Details:

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 37 mins
Oven Temp: 230°C (450°F)
Servings: 2 medium pizzas

Ingredients:

  • 1 pizza base
  • ½ cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella
  • ¼ cup ricotta (or sour cream)
  • 3 slices prosciutto, cut into thin “threads”
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Spread sauce and mozzarella over dough.
  2. Bake until melted and golden.
  3. Transfer ricotta to a piping bag (or ziplock) and pipe a spiral.
  4. Drag a knife through the spiral from centre to edge to create a web pattern.
  5. Add crispy prosciutto pieces as “spiders.”

Tips & Variations:

  • Use squid ink dough for extra drama.
  • If you prefer vegetarian, replace prosciutto with sun-dried tomatoes.

FAQ:

How do I crisp prosciutto? Bake slices on parchment at 200°C for 5–6 mins.
Can I use cream cheese instead of ricotta? Yep — just thin it slightly with milk.

Love unique pizza twists? Check out my Ghost Pizza Ideas for more spooky inspo.

7. Bloody Beetroot & Goat Cheese Pizza

Goth vibes, but make it gourmet. The deep red colour comes from roasted beetroot purée, layered with tangy goat cheese and balsamic glaze — spooky elegance in every bite.

Quick Overview:

  • Star Ingredient: Roasted beetroot
  • Flavour Profile: Sweet, tangy, earthy
  • Best Occasion: Halloween date night or dinner party
  • Difficulty: Easy

Details:

Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 52 mins
Oven Temp: 240°C (465°F)
Servings: 2 medium pizzas

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium beetroots, peeled and roasted (see the Serious Eats roasting guide for perfect results)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 pizza dough
  • ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh rocket
  • Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions:

  1. Roast beets until tender (30–35 mins). Blend with olive oil, garlic, vinegar, and seasoning.
  2. Spread beet purée on rolled dough.
  3. Add goat cheese crumbles.
  4. Bake for 10–12 mins until edges crisp.
  5. Top with rocket and drizzle balsamic glaze — looks like dripping “blood.”

Tips & Variations:

  • Add walnuts or caramelised onions for texture.
  • Swap goat cheese for feta if you prefer sharper flavour.

FAQ:

Will the beet stain my hands? Oh yes — wear gloves if you care about that.
Can I use pre-cooked beets? Definitely. Just skip the roasting step.

Pro Tips for Perfect Halloween Pizza

To pull off your spooky pizza night like a pro, remember these essentials:

  • Preheat your pizza stone for at least 30 minutes. Crispy base = happy eater.
  • Use parchment paper for easy transfer — no dough tears.
  • Play with colours: black dough, red beet, green pesto, white cheese — it’s edible art.
  • Keep it playful. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s atmosphere. Dim lights, pour wine, cue the spooky playlist. For more eerie food inspiration, check out Epicurious for creative Halloween party ideas that pair perfectly with your pizzas.

Hosting a crowd? You’ll love my 8 Halloween Pizza Ideas for even more eerie party inspo.

Final Thoughts

Halloween pizza doesn’t have to scream Pinterest fail or kid’s craft night gone wrong. With a few clever tricks — black doughs, witchy greens, beetroot “blood” — you can make something that’s creepy, delicious, and totally photo-worthy.

So next time you’re hosting a spooky dinner, skip the candy corn pizza (please) and try one of these. Tag @thatpizzakitchen if you make any of them — I love seeing your eerie creations come to life.

Happy haunting, and even happier eating.

Zach Miller
Latest posts by Zach Miller (see all)

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