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Ghost pizza bagels bring all the classic gooey nostalgia of pizza night together with a bit of Halloween magic. These little bites are perfect for letting kids have fun in the kitchen and work as a quick appetizer for parties or a fuss-free dinner that still feels festive. The joy is in the cheese ghosts, which float on top and can be cut out by hand or with a handy cookie cutter.
My family looks forward to this every October I remember my youngest trying to compete with me on who could make the silliest looking ghost face and honestly hers won
Ingredients
- Mini bagels: look for fresh ones that are still slightly soft so they bake up tender and not too crunchy
- Mozzarella slices: whole milk or part skim both work try to get pre sliced to make ghost cutting smooth
- Marinara sauce: your favorite jarred will do but if you have time to simmer homemade the flavor bumps up
- Black olives: for edible eyes choose firm pitted olives for easy slicing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Cheese Slice:
- Cut each mozzarella slice into the shape of a ghost using either a paring knife or a small cookie cutter This is easiest when the cheese is cold and firm Take your time and let kids have fun making their own shapes
- Sauce the Bagels:
- Arrange bagel halves cut side up on a baking sheet Spread about a tablespoon of marinara sauce evenly over the open sides making sure it goes right to the edge for full pizza flavor
- Top with Ghosts:
- Place one mozzarella ghost on each sauced bagel Adjust the ghost so it looks like it is floating right in the middle
- Bake Until Bubbly:
- Transfer the baking sheet to a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Bake for around ten minutes or until the cheese is perfectly melty and just starting to look ghostly
- Finish with the Eyes:
- While the bagels bake slice black olives into tiny rounds Place two little olive pieces on each ghost immediately after pulling from the oven so they stick to the warm cheese Serve warm and spooky
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My favorite part is letting the kids personalize their own ghost faces Sometimes we have whole trays covered in cheesy smiles or surprised expressions and those memories make these bagels more than just a recipe
Storage Tips
Leftover ghost pizza bagels keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days Layer them with parchment in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven so they stay crisp on the bottom Avoid microwaving as it can turn the bagels chewy
Ingredient Substitutions
Gluten free bagels will work perfectly for anyone with dietary needs Try swapping out traditional mozzarella with vegan slices if needed Sliced bell peppers or mushrooms can stand in for olives if kiddos do not enjoy the briny flavor
Serving Suggestions
Set up a pizza bagel bar with assorted cheese shapes and veggie cutouts for parties Older kids can build their own combinations alongside the ghosts Pair with carrot stick brooms or a cauldron of punch for a fully themed snack table
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Cultural and Historical Context
Bagels have a long tradition as a beloved breakfast bread but pizza bagels are a true American mashup traced back to the late nineteen seventies Adding a playful ghost face captures the inventive spirit of Halloween food Here pizza is less about Italy and all about family fun
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use regular-sized bagels instead of mini?
Yes, regular bagels can be used. You may need to adjust cheese and topping amounts, and possibly bake a bit longer.
- → What kind of cheese works best for making ghost shapes?
Mozzarella slices hold their shape and melt beautifully, making them ideal for cutting into ghost forms.
- → How can I shape the cheese into ghosts easily?
Use a paring knife to freehand shapes, or simplify the process with a ghost-shaped cookie cutter.
- → Are there alternative toppings for the eyes?
Small pieces of black olives work well, but you can also use capers or black sesame seeds for eyes.
- → Can these be made ahead for a party?
Assemble in advance, then bake just before serving so the cheese stays gooey and bagels crisp up nicely.