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These creepy pizza skulls are the ultimate Halloween dinner idea. Stuffed with gooey cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and pizza sauce, then baked to golden perfection in a skull-shaped pan, they’re equal parts spooky and delicious.
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 30 min
Ingredients
• 1 (13.8 oz) can refrigerated pizza dough (like Pillsbury)
• 6 tablespoons pizza sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
• 24 slices pepperoni, chopped
Optional Fillings: Mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, pineapple, ham
Equipment
• Skull-shaped cake pan (6 cavities)
• Cooking spray
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Cheese grater (optional)
Nordic Ware Halloween Bakeware, Haunted Skull Cakelet Pan, Bronze
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Spray the skull pan generously with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Unroll the pizza dough and press it into a 15×10-inch rectangle. Slice into 6 even strips. Press each strip into the cavity of the skull pan, gently molding the dough to fit the shape.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
Sprinkle a little mozzarella in the bottom of each skull. Add 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce, 4 chopped pepperoni slices, and a spoonful of sausage. Add more mozzarella on top for extra gooeyness.
Step 4: Seal and Bake
Fold the dough over the filling and press edges together to seal. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the pizza skulls to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Carefully remove and serve warm. A little pizza sauce on the side for dipping is always a good idea.
Why I Love This Recipe
I don’t usually post many Halloween-themed foods, but I could not resist these pizza skulls. They are just too fun. The melted cheese and sauce bubbling out of the skull molds gives them that perfect “guts spilling out” look — creepy in the best way.
They’re a hit with kids and adults alike, and you can fill them with whatever pizza toppings you like. My go-to combo is sausage and pepperoni, but my husband has already requested a version with mushrooms and green peppers next time.
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
You can absolutely make these pizza skulls ahead of time and freeze them for your Halloween party or a quick themed dinner. Simply bake as directed, let them cool completely, then freeze.
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and then warm in the microwave or wrap in foil and bake at 350ºF until hot.
Creative Variations
Use Alfredo sauce instead of red for a white pizza skull
Swap in cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor
Add a dab of pesto for a herby twist
Make them vegetarian with mushrooms, spinach, or olives
Use spicy sausage or hot sauce for a fiery skull surprise
Nutrition Info
Each pizza skull (based on 6 servings) contains approximately 300 calories. Expect around 15 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of protein, and varying amounts of sodium and sugar depending on your toppings.
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on the exact ingredients used. Always refer to product labels or consult a nutritionist for specific dietary needs.
Final Bite
These pizza skulls are creepy, cheesy, and absolutely perfect for Halloween night. Whether you’re feeding the kids after trick-or-treating, hosting a horror movie party, or just feeling festive, this recipe is fast, flexible, and so much fun.
With just a few simple ingredients and a skull cake pan, you can whip up a dinner that’s spooky, satisfying, and sure to be remembered.
Let me know if you’d like Pinterest titles, descriptions, or a printable recipe card next.
