Halloween Pizza Recipe

Halloween Pizza: A Spooktacular Treat for Your Festive Table

As Halloween approaches, it’s time to start planning for the perfect menu to delight your family and friends. Among the spooky treats and eerie eats, a Halloween Pizza with a white garlic cream sauce and mozzarella stands out as a ghostly good centerpiece. This recipe is not only delicious but also visually captivating, making it an ideal dish for a festive gathering. In this article, we will take you through the steps of creating this hauntingly delightful pizza, from preparing the crust to garnishing it with spooky toppings.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm (105ºF-115ºF) water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 to 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Butter
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh garlic
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Chicken Topping:

• 2 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Butter
• 10 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 8 ounces (2 cups) Land O Lakes® Mozzarella Farmstyle Cut Shredded Cheese

For Garnish:

• Black olives
• 1 slice cherry tomato

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Crust

The first step in creating your Halloween Pizza is preparing the crust. Begin by preheating your oven to 425ºF. Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

In a bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Add the sugar and let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active. Stir in the olive oil and salt, followed by enough flour to form a dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Once the dough has rested, press it with floured hands onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a ghost, approximately 17 inches tall and 15 inches wide from arm to arm. This ghostly shape will be the foundation of your spooky pizza. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it is partially cooked.

Step 2: Making the White Garlic Cream Sauce

While the crust is baking, you can start preparing the white garlic cream sauce. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of Land O Lakes® Butter over medium heat until it begins to sizzle. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it is fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook the mixture over medium heat until it becomes bubbly. This usually takes about 1 minute.

Gradually add the milk and salt to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Continue to cook the sauce until it thickens and comes to a boil. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and set it aside. This creamy, garlicky sauce will serve as the perfect base for your Halloween Pizza.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

Next, you will need to cook the chicken that will top your pizza. In a nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of Land O Lakes® Butter over medium heat until it begins to sizzle. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook them until they are no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 4: Assembling the Pizza

With the crust partially baked, the sauce prepared, and the chicken cooked, it’s time to assemble your Halloween Pizza. Spread the white garlic cream sauce evenly over the partially baked crust. Top the sauce with the cooked chicken pieces, distributing them evenly across the pizza. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

Return the assembled pizza to the oven and continue baking it for an additional 13-15 minutes. The pizza is ready when the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Step 5: Adding the Spooky Garnishes

To give your Halloween Pizza its final spooky touch, it’s time to add the garnishes. Slice black olives in half and use them to create eyes on the ghost-shaped pizza. A slice of cherry tomato can serve as the ghost’s mouth, adding a pop of color and a touch of whimsy to your creation.

Tips for the Perfect Halloween Pizza

1. Shaping the Dough: When shaping the dough into a ghost, you can use a template to guide you. Draw a ghost shape on parchment paper and place it under the baking sheet. This will help you create a more precise and recognizable ghost shape.
2. Garlic Intensity: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic in the sauce. Conversely, if you love garlic, feel free to add more to suit your taste.
3. Chicken Marinade: For added flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in a bit of olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning before cooking them. This will infuse the chicken with extra taste that complements the pizza.
4. Vegetarian Option: If you want to make a vegetarian version of this pizza, you can replace the chicken with vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables in butter just like the chicken to enhance their flavor.
5. Cheese Variation: While mozzarella is a classic choice for this pizza, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Halloween Pizza is a perfect addition to any Halloween party or family gathering. Serve it alongside other festive treats like spider cupcakes, mummy hot dogs, and pumpkin-shaped cheese balls to create a complete spooky spread. Pair the pizza with a seasonal salad, such as a mixed greens salad with roasted pumpkin seeds and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, to balance out the richness of the pizza.

For drinks, consider serving themed beverages like a blood-red punch or a creamy pumpkin spice latte. These drinks not only complement the flavors of the pizza but also add to the overall festive atmosphere.