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Easy Jack-O-Lantern Face Pizzas for a Spooky Halloween Dinner

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These personal pizzas feature a jack-o-lantern face carved directly into the dough before baking, creating a fun and festive Halloween dinner that’s ready in about 25 minutes. The cheese melts into the cutouts, giving a glowing effect that delights kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (about 450g) pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
  • ½ cup (120ml) pizza sauce
  • 2 cups (about 200g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 20–24 slices pepperoni (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
  2. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces (about 4 ounces or 115g each). Let rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes if cold.
  3. Roll or press each piece into a 6-inch (15cm) circle, about ¼ inch (6mm) thick.
  4. Using a sharp paring knife, cut a classic jack-o-lantern face (two triangle eyes and a jagged smile) into each dough round, cutting all the way through. Remove the cut pieces (save to bake as ‘pizza chips’ if desired).
  5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the carved dough rounds on the paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently reopen any cutouts that closed during transfer.
  6. Spoon about 2 tablespoons (30ml) of pizza sauce onto each round, spreading evenly but avoiding the cutouts.
  7. Sprinkle about ½ cup (50g) of shredded mozzarella over each pizza, keeping cheese mostly on the solid parts. Some cheese will fall into the cutouts—that’s perfect.
  8. If using, arrange 5-6 pepperoni slices on each pizza around the face to look like warts or scars.
  9. Brush the outer edge of each pizza with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder on the oiled crust if desired.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown in spots.
  11. Let cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with dried oregano if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use low-moisture shredded mozzarella (not fresh). Let dough come to room temperature before carving to prevent cutouts from closing. Bake on the bottom rack for the first 8 minutes for a crispier crust. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween pizza, jack-o-lantern pizza, personal pizza, easy Halloween dinner, kid-friendly pizza, spooky pizza

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/easy-jack-o-lantern-face-pizzas-for-a-spooky-halloween-dinner/