One fall evening, my little cousin asked me, “Shaym, can food be scary and delicious?” Challenge accepted. I grabbed a silicone skull mold I bought on a whim, rolled out pizza dough, and started stuffing. Cheese first (non-negotiable), followed by spicy pepperoni and marinara. When they baked up golden and started oozing, the kitchen smelled like pizza heaven and looked like Halloween mayhem. The kids lost their minds. And just like that, pizza skulls became a SoolFood October tradition.
Now, whether it’s a Halloween party or a Friday movie night with a twist, these creepy-cute bites are always the first to disappear. They’re like a personal pan pizza, only way more fun (and way more photogenic).
What Are Pizza Skulls?
Pizza skulls are individual pizza pockets baked inside skull-shaped molds. Think of them as Halloween calzones, but smaller, crispier, and creepier. You can fill them with anything you love: classic pepperoni, sausage and onions, buffalo chicken, or even mac and cheese if you’re feeling wild. The goal is a spooky shell with a cheesy, melty core.
Whether you’re a seasoned pizza lover or new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and flexible. And when you slice one open and see the gooey cheese stretch out like zombie brains? That’s the spooky magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves pizza in fun form.
- Customizable: Endless filling combos to play with.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep and bake before guests arrive.
- Halloween-perfect: Adds instant fun to any spooky spread.
If you’re into stuffed, crispy, handheld food, you’ll probably also love our homemade chicken quesadilla or this easy sandwich bread for building mini Halloween sliders. Want to go more classic? Don’t miss our deep dive on What Makes Authentic Italian Pizza Unique.
🧠 Full Pizza Skulls Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yields: 6 pizza skulls (depending on mold size)
🛒 Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or use homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce (thick-style works best)
- ½ cup pepperoni slices (or cooked sausage, diced veggies, etc.)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing molds
🍴 Equipment:
- Skull-shaped silicone baking mold
- Pastry brush (optional)
- Baking sheet (if mold is flexible)
🔪 Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the skull mold cavities with cooking spray or a brush of oil.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut into sections large enough to press into each skull cavity with some overhang.
- Layer in the fillings in this order: mozzarella first, then a spoonful of sauce, followed by pepperoni or other toppings. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning if using.
- Fold over the dough, sealing it into the shape of the mold. Pinch seams and press lightly.
- Brush with egg wash for a golden crust.
- Place mold on a baking sheet (if it’s floppy) and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before removing from mold. Serve with extra marinara for dipping!
💡 Shaym’s Tips:
- Don’t overfill: It’s tempting, but a leak-free skull is a better skull.
- Go spooky: Add black olives for eyeballs or use food-safe dye in the dough.
- Make ahead: Fully bake, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes before serving.