Save to Pinterest Ghost Calzone Pockets bring playful spirit and classic pizza comfort to your Halloween spread or any fun night. With a flaky crust and gooey filling plus a whimsical ghost shape these hand pies keep both kids and grown-ups coming back for more at parties or movie marathons.
When my niece was little she was a picky eater but she loved anything shaped like creatures especially at Halloween The first time I brought a tray of these ghost pockets she lit up and even helped me make olive eyes This recipe turned our family baking into a playful memory.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: delivers that classic calzone chew buy fresh from a local shop if possible for best flavor
- Pizza or marinara sauce: brings signature tomato tang choose a brand with real tomatoes and few additives
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully pick whole milk mozzarella for maximum gooey texture
- Mini pepperoni slices or diced vegetarian pepperoni: add zest and heartiness optional for customizing to your crowd
- Dried oregano: lifts the flavor get a quality one that smells fragrant
- Garlic powder: infuses a hint of savory depth select a fresh spice container for best results
- Salt and pepper: tune the seasoning taste as you go
- Black olive slices: create playful ghost eyes purchase whole olives and slice yourself for freshest taste
- Olive oil: makes the tops golden and more flavorful a high quality extra virgin oil gives best results
Instructions
- Preparing the Oven:
- Set your oven to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it heat thoroughly Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Rolling the Dough:
- Dust your surface lightly with flour roll pizza dough out to about half a centimeter thick Aim for an even sheet so your ghosts bake evenly
- Shaping the Ghosts:
- Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter or trace around a template with a sharp knife Cut out sixteen ghosts reroll scraps as needed Take your time for playful shapes
- Assembling the Filling:
- Arrange eight dough shapes on your parchment Spoon one to one and a half tablespoons of sauce on each keeping a border for sealing Layer with mozzarella pepperoni if using oregano and garlic powder plus a pinch of salt and pepper Adjust fillings for flavor preference
- Sealing the Pockets:
- Brush edges with water to help them stick Lay the other eight dough ghosts on top Press edges gently to seal crimp tightly with a fork for a finished look
- Decorating the Faces:
- Nestle two olive slices onto each top pressing gently as eyes Optionally use a knife to cut a small mouth slit for character
- Brushing and Baking:
- Brush the tops of each calzone ghost lightly with olive oil for shine and extra taste Bake for eighteen to twenty minutes watching for golden puffed crust
- Cooling and Serving:
- Let pockets cool slightly to set the cheese Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping if you like the classic pizza parlor feel
Save to Pinterest One year we made a full haunted party spread and these ghosts completely disappeared within minutes The laughter over goofy olive eyes made it all worthwhile
Storage Tips
Store cooled calzone pockets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to twenty four hours or refrigerate for up to four days For longer keeping arrange in a single layer and freeze wrapped in foil Heat up in the oven directly from the freezer no thawing needed for weekday snacks
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms sweet bell peppers or black beans for a vegetarian variation Try cheddar in place of mozzarella for sharper flavor You can use whole wheat or gluten free dough if desired Just ensure it is rolled evenly and not too thick
Serving Suggestions
Set out a bowl of warm marinara for dipping or serve alongside a crisp salad for a simple meal Make mini versions for little hands or triple the recipe for a party centerpiece Pair these pockets with Italian sodas or grape juice for a festive family treat
Cultural Context
Calzones are an Italian street food tradition and this ghost shaped version nods playfully to Halloween celebrations in the United States The classic pizza filling inside captures those familiar flavors everyone recognizes in a cozy hand pie format
Save to Pinterest Share these ghost calzones warm for best results and let everyone join in the decorating fun They are guaranteed to bring smiles and disappear fast
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I shape the dough into ghosts?
Roll out the dough and use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter or cut around a paper template with a sharp knife for best results.
- → Can I make these hand pies vegetarian?
Yes, use vegetarian pepperoni or omit it entirely. You can also add more veggies such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
- → What sauces work well as fillings?
Classic pizza or marinara sauce adds the perfect flavor, but you can experiment with pesto or Alfredo for a twist.
- → How do I prevent filling from leaking out?
Seal the edges well by brushing them with water and pressing firmly with a fork. Avoid overfilling the pies.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
You can shape and fill the pies a few hours in advance, refrigerate them, then bake right before serving for best results.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for maximum crispness.