If you’re hunting for a fun and spooky way to wow your family and friends this October, this Halloween Mummy Pizza Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Picture a golden, cheesy pizza wrapped up like a creepy mummy, with perfect little olive eyes staring back at you. Trust me, it’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, and your kids (and maybe even the adults) will be begging for more. Stick with me here—I’ll show you how to get that perfect messy braid and share all the tips I’ve learned so you can serve up something spooky yet delicious without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Fun: You don’t have to be a pro chef to create this impressive Halloween centerpiece.
- Family Favorite: My kids go absolutely wild for the cheesy pepperoni and spooky look.
- Customizable: You can swap out toppings to suit everyone’s taste buds perfectly.
- Perfect for Parties: It’s a great festive crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a pizza that’s not only delicious but also perfectly festive. I usually keep refrigerated pizza dough handy for moments like this—makes the prep super quick! Fresh mozzarella melts so beautifully, and I always rely on pepperoni for that classic, crowd-pleasing flavor.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: Pillsbury brand works great and is easy to stretch; homemade dough is fantastic if you want to get really hands-on.
- Pizza sauce or marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade marinara; it adds that tangy base that balances the cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded—trust me, it’s worth the extra minute.
- Pepperoni slices: Classic topping that gives a nice savory punch and looks like perfect little mummy buttons when arranged.
- Black olive: Just one for the mummy’s eyes – sliced in half, it adds the spooky finishing touch.
Variations
I love tinkering with this Halloween Mummy Pizza Recipe depending on the mood or crowd. Feel free to make it your own! It’s a fun blank canvas to play with flavors or dietary preferences.
- Vegetarian: Swap out pepperoni for sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives; my family actually enjoys the veggie version just as much.
- Spicy: Add a few jalapeño slices or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes to give your mummy a little kick.
- Creative cheeses: Mix mozzarella with cheddar or gouda to boost flavor complexity.
- Mini Mummies: Make smaller versions using pita bread or naan for individual, easy-to-serve portions—perfect for party platters!
How to Make Halloween Mummy Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (trust me on the parchment—it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze). Roll out your refrigerated pizza dough onto the parchment paper on your work surface. I usually stretch it gently to about a rectangle shape—don’t worry if it’s not perfect; the imperfect shapes add to the mummy’s character!
Step 2: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni
Spread about one and a half cups of pizza or marinara sauce down the middle vertical half of the dough. This will act as your ‘mummy’s body.’ Then sprinkle two cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, followed by pepperoni slices layered neatly. This layering creates a solid base that melts into a gooey, delicious interior.
Step 3: Create Your Mummy’s Bandages
Using a sharp paring knife, cut 1-inch wide diagonal slits from the edge of the dough toward the sauce on both sides. These strips will become the mummy’s bandages. Now, fold the bottom strips over the filling and start braiding them up toward the top. I like to do a loose twist rather than a tight braid—that messy look really sells the mummy effect. Leave a small blank space near the top for the mummy’s eyes.
Step 4: Make the Eyes and Final Touches
In the blank spot near the top, dollop a little extra sauce to act as glue and place two black olive halves as the mummy’s creepy eyes. This step always cracks me up because those olives suddenly make everything so much more festive! Once you’re happy with the braid and positioning, transfer the whole parchment paper with the mummy pizza carefully onto your baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Gorgeous
Bake the mummy pizza in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until you see that golden crust and bubbling cheese. The smell will undoubtedly have you hovering nearby; I can’t blame you! If you want crispier bandages, broil for the last 2-3 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
Pro Tips for Making Halloween Mummy Pizza Recipe
- Stretch Gently: I learned that overstretching the dough can cause tears, so handle it softly and if a rip appears, pinch it back together before adding toppings.
- Keep Slits Uniform: Cutting consistent 1-inch strips helps the braid hold its shape and bake evenly—this was a game changer for me.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lifting the pizza by the paper onto the baking sheet avoids any accidental falling apart of the mummy wrap.
- Eye Placement: Make sure the olive eyes are well nestled into sauce; otherwise, they might slide off during baking.
How to Serve Halloween Mummy Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing off this recipe with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a pinch of crushed red pepper for some color and flair. Sometimes, a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil adds a little extra savory punch and makes it feel a touch fancier. The kids usually skip the basil, but the grown-ups appreciate that fresh herbal note.
Side Dishes
Pair your Halloween mummy pizza with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or some roasted garlic green beans to balance the richness. For a real festive spread, my go-to is a bowl of hearty pumpkin soup—it just screams October!
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I served this pizza on a Halloween platter surrounded by fake cobwebs and plastic spiders (harmless ones, of course!). It made for a great centerpiece at our spooky family movie night. You can also cut the mummy pizza into strips and serve with little cups of extra marinara sauce for dipping—kids love the interactive aspect!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let any leftover mummy pizza cool completely, then store it in a large airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It holds up in the fridge for about two days without losing quality—perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Freezing really depends on how much time you have. I’ve frozen the baked pizza wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer bag; it keeps well for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to avoid sogginess.
Reheating
To reheat, I warm the pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This re-crisps the crust and melts the cheese nicely. Microwaving works in a pinch but the crust won’t stay as crispy.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade pizza dough for the Halloween mummy pizza?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and lets you control the flavor and texture even more. Just make sure it’s rolled out evenly and not too thin so it can hold the braid shape without tearing.
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How do I make the mummy look more spooky?
Try adding a little black olive tapenade for ‘scorch marks’ or use thin strips of roasted red pepper for ‘bloody’ accents. You can also slightly darken some cheese strips by lightly broiling to add a crispy, burnt effect.
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Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the fun presentation and familiar flavors. Just skip any spicy variations or add-ons and let little ones help with the braiding—it’s a fun activity to get them involved in the kitchen.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free pizza dough available at many grocery stores, or make your own. Just be gentle when braiding since some gluten-free doughs can be less elastic.
Final Thoughts
This Halloween Mummy Pizza Recipe quickly became one of my favorite festive treats because it’s so simple, creative, and perfectly delicious. Every time I make it, the reactions are priceless—adults are impressed, kids are thrilled, and the munching is non-stop. If you’re looking to add some playful spooky flair to your October menu, this is your go-to recipe. Seriously, give it a try—you’ll have so much fun, and who knows? It might just become a beloved yearly tradition in your house too!
PrintHalloween Mummy Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Halloween Mummy Pizza is a fun and festive twist on traditional pizza, perfect for spooky celebrations. Using refrigerated pizza dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices arranged to resemble a mummy wrapped in bandages, this recipe is easy to prepare and bakes to a golden, delicious finish with cute olive eyes for a charming creepy effect.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 14 oz refrigerated pizza dough (1 can, Pillsbury or homemade dough)
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 40 slices pepperoni
- 1 black olive (for eyes)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by setting it aside for later use.
- Prepare Dough and Sauce: Place the pizza dough onto a piece of parchment paper on your work surface. Spread the pizza sauce evenly on the middle vertical half of the dough.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese layer.
- Create Slits and Braid: Using a paring knife, carefully make 1 inch wide diagonal slits starting from the sauced area outward to the edges of the dough on both sides. Fold the bottom dough strips over the filling and begin braiding the strips upwards, creating a messy mummy effect. Leave some space near the top free for the mummy’s eyes and continue braiding to shape the mummy’s head.
- Add Eyes: Place extra sauce in the empty space created near the top of the braid for eyes and add black olive halves as the eyes.
- Bake: Carefully lift the parchment paper with the mummy pizza onto the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm for a spooky and delicious Halloween treat.
Notes
- The mummy pizza is best served fresh but can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven for best texture or microwave for a quicker option.
- You can customize toppings to your preference, such as using different cheeses or adding veggies under the ‘bandages’.
- If you want a crispier crust, bake on a pizza stone instead of a baking sheet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of pizza
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg