Okay, so you need some FUN, seriously EASY party food that’ll wow the crowd, right? And maybe you’re juggling gluten-free needs or just want something that screams party without a ton of fuss. Well, let me tell you, I’ve got just the thing! I’ll never forget the first time I whipped up these adorable Ghost Pizza Bagels for Parties (Air Fryer or Oven) for my kids’ Halloween bash. My son, who usually feels a bit left out with all the gluten-free stuff, just lit up! It reminded me that food should be pure joy, no matter what. These little guys are perfect for any get-together, especially when you need a hit of fun flavor that everyone, yes, even the pickiest eaters, will gobble up!
Why You’ll Love These Ghost Pizza Bagels for Parties (Air Fryer or Oven)
You’re gonna absolutely adore making these Ghost Pizza Bagels for Parties (Air Fryer or Oven)! They’re a total game-changer for so many reasons:
- Super Simple to Make: Honestly, it’s almost too easy! Kids can totally help with this one.
- Kid-Approved Fun: Little ghosts made of pizza? It’s a guaranteed hit that’ll have them begging for more.
- Oven or Air Fryer? No Problem! Whether you’re a die-hard oven baker or an air fryer fan, these turn out perfectly either way.
- Party Perfect: They’re the ultimate appetizer or snack for Halloween, birthday parties, or just a fun Friday night!
Gather Your Ingredients for Ghost Pizza Bagels
Alright, let’s get this spooky party started! Here’s what you’ll need to pull off these adorable Ghost Pizza Bagels for Parties (Air Fryer or Oven):
- 8 mini bagels (use gluten-free if you need to!)
- About 1/2 cup of your favorite marinara sauce
- 8 slices of mozzarella cheese – this is where the magic happens, so grab a good melting one!
- About 4 black olives, just enough to cut into little pieces for the ghost eyes.
Essential Equipment for Making Ghost Pizza Bagels
To bring these fun little ghosts to life, you don’t need much! Just a couple of trusty kitchen helpers:
- A sharp paring knife is key for cutting those cute ghost shapes out of the cheese and making the olive eyes.
- A sturdy baking sheet is perfect for popping them into the oven. If you’re air frying, you might not even need this, but it’s good to have on hand!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ghost Pizza Bagels
Alright, let’s get these spooky little guys assembled! It’s super quick and totally worth it. I’ve figured out the best way to do it, whether you’re using your trusty oven or your speedy air fryer. Trust me, these steps are fool-proof!
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Get Everything Preheat-y! First things first, get your oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C). If you’re going the air fryer route, set it to the same temperature, 350°F (175°C). It just takes everything to be ready to go!
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Ghostly Cheese Shapes! Now for the fun part: turning that mozzarella into adorable ghosts. Grab your paring knife and carefully cut out ghost shapes from each slice. If you’ve got a mini ghost cookie cutter, even better! This is where the spooky character comes from!
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Sauce ‘Em Up! Take your mini bagels, cut them in half, and slather a nice, thin layer of marinara sauce over each one. Don’t go too crazy with the sauce, just enough to give it that pizza flavor. Then, carefully place your cheesy ghost shapes right on top of the sauce.
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Bake to Bubbly Perfection! Now, arrange your pizza bagels on a baking sheet. Pop them into the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. You want that cheese to be all melty and bubbly – pure heaven! If you’re using an air fryer, it’ll be even faster, usually just 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get too dark!
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Give Them Eyes! While your ghosts are doing their thing in the oven or air fryer, take your black olives and cut them into tiny little pieces – these will be the eyes! As soon as the bagels come out and the cheese is perfectly melted, gently press those olive pieces onto the mozzarella to give your ghosts their spooky little faces. For more air fryer tips, check out these air fryer tips!
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Serve ‘Em Hot! And that’s it! Serve these adorable Ghost Pizza Bagels for Parties (Air Fryer or Oven) right away while they’re warm and gooey. They disappear fast!
Tips for Perfect Ghost Pizza Bagels Every Time
You want your Ghost Pizza Bagels for Parties (Air Fryer or Oven) to be absolutely perfect, right? It’s all about a few little tricks! First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your marinara sauce – a flavorful one makes a big difference! When you’re cutting those mozzarella ghosts, take your time; a sharp paring knife is your best friend here. If the cheese starts getting warm and melty while you’re cutting, pop it in the freezer for a couple of minutes to make it firmer and easier to shape. And for that perfect melt? Keep a close eye on them! Whether in the oven or the air fryer like these other great air fryer appetizers, you want that cheese bubbly and just starting to brown around the edges, not burnt!
Ingredient Notes and Substitution Ideas
So, you want to make these Ghost Pizza Bagels for Parties (Air Fryer or Oven) extra special or maybe you’ve run out of something? No worries, I’ve got you covered with some fun ideas! The mini bagels are the base, and if you need a gluten-free option, just grab those! For the cheese, mozzarella is truly king here because it melts so beautifully, making those ghost shapes pop. But hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, provolone or even a mild white cheddar could work, though they might not create that same ghostly white canvas. And the marinara? Use your favorite, or if you’re feeling fancy, a ricotta cheese base with a swirl of pesto could be an interesting, albeit less traditional, twist! Just remember to keep those ghost shapes visible!
Serving and Storage for Your Ghost Pizza Bagels
These Ghost Pizza Bagels for Parties (Air Fryer or Oven) are best served fresh and warm, right out of the oven or air fryer. That’s when the cheese is perfectly gooey and the bagel is delightfully toasty from your air fryer! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, just pop them back into the air fryer or a toaster oven for a few minutes until warm and melty again!
Frequently Asked Questions about Ghost Pizza Bagels
Got more questions about these fun Ghost Pizza Bagels for Parties (Air Fryer or Oven)? I totally get it! Let’s clear up anything that might be on your mind:
Can I make these ghost pizza bagels ahead of time?
You know, while they’re best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely do some prep ahead of time! You can cut out the mozzarella ghost shapes and have your olive eyes ready. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble them right before baking. They’re so quick to make, though, you might find it just as easy to whip them up right when you need them for your party!
What other toppings work well for these pizza bagels?
Oh, the fun possibilities! Beyond the classic marinara and mozzarella, you could try a thin layer of pesto sauce, or use different cheeses like provolone for a milder flavor. For extra festive touches, consider mini pepperoni circles for eyes, or maybe some tiny diced bell peppers for a bit of color. Just remember to keep the shapes simple and small so they don’t overwhelm the ghost cutout!
Are these Ghost Pizza Bagels for Parties (Air Fryer or Oven) good for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! That’s one of the best parts. By simply using gluten-free mini bagels, you make this recipe totally gluten-free. It’s a fantastic way to include everyone in the fun, and honestly, with how tasty these are, nobody will even realize they’re gluten-free! You can find tons of great gluten-free recipes right here if you’re looking for more ideas.
My mozzarella isn’t melting right, what am I doing wrong?
No worries, it happens! Make sure you’re using a good quality, low-moisture mozzarella cheese, as that melts best. Also, don’t put *too* much sauce on the bagel, as excess moisture can sometimes steam the cheese instead of letting it melt nicely. Keep an eye on the cooking time, especially in the air fryer, as it can cook things super fast. If you need more tips on air fryer cooking, I’ve got you covered!
Nutritional Information
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nitty-gritty, right? Here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per ghost pizza bagel. Keep in mind, this can totally change depending on the brands you use and if you go the gluten-free route!
I’d estimate it’s around:
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 7-10g
- Protein: 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
These are just ballpark figures, but they give you a good idea! Enjoy these fun treats!
Ghost Pizza Bagels for Parties (Air Fryer or Oven)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using an air fryer, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Cut the mozzarella slices into ghost shapes using a paring knife. You can also use a small ghost-shaped cookie cutter if you have one.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over each mini bagel half. Top each with a mozzarella ghost shape.
- Place the prepared bagels on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If using an air fryer, cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- While the bagels are baking, cut the black olives into small pieces to create eyes for your ghosts. Once the bagels are out of the oven, dot the mozzarella ghosts with the olive pieces for eyes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your spooky treats!
Notes
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Gluten-Free Chef & Latin Cuisine Innovation Specialist
My youngest son’s celiac diagnosis at four changed everything. Suddenly, all those traditional Brazilian and Portuguese recipes from my avó needed to be completely reimagined without losing their soul.
After graduating from Johnson & Wales and working Miami’s Latin fusion scene, my son’s diagnosis became my calling. How do you make gluten-free empanadas that taste like childhood? Over eight years, I’ve developed 320+ gluten-free recipes celebrating authentic Latin flavors using cassava flour and plantain alternatives.
My gluten-free empanada recipe won “Best Appetizer” at the 2023 Miami Gluten-Free Food Festival. I ran “Sabores Sin Gluten,” a catering business serving Miami’s Latino community—quinceañeras, family gatherings, all the celebrations that matter.
Food is culture, and everyone deserves to experience the joy of sharing traditional family meals, regardless of dietary restrictions.