PEPPERONI PIZZA PUMPKINS IRRESISTIBLE

Tired of the same old Halloween treats? Imagine biting into a savory, cheesy, pepperoni-packed pizza, all shaped like a cute little pumpkin! These Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins aren’t just adorable; they’re ridiculously delicious and so easy to make, I promise you’ll be the star of the spooky season. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Pizza Dough:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Pizza Sauce:

• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup pepperoni slices (small or regular, cut into smaller pieces)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: Black olives, sliced (for the stem)

Egg Wash (for golden crust):

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Let’s Gather Our Tools

Before we dive into creating our adorable pizza pumpkins, let’s make sure we have everything we need within arm’s reach. Having your tools ready will make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable – trust me, a little prep goes a long way!

• Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet is essential for baking your pizza pumpkins evenly.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: This will prevent your pizza pumpkins from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Pumpkin Cookie Cutter: You’ll need a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter (about 3-4 inches wide) to create the pumpkin shape. If you don’t have one, you can use a knife to carefully cut out the shapes – just take your time!
• Pizza Cutter or Knife: For slicing the pizza dough and any extra toppings.
• Pastry Brush: This will be used to apply the egg wash for a golden brown crust.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning.
• Rolling Pin (Optional): If you’re using store-bought dough that’s a little thick, a rolling pin can help you achieve your desired thickness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to make it easier to work with.
3. Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the pizza dough to about ¼ inch thickness. (If you’re using pre-made pizza crust, you can skip this step!)

2. Cut Out the Pumpkins:

1. Use the pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out pumpkin shapes from the dough. Re-roll any scraps to cut out more pumpkins until all the dough is used.
2. Carefully transfer the pumpkin shapes to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

3. Sauce It Up:

1. In a small bowl, combine the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning.
2. Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture evenly over each pumpkin, leaving a small border around the edge.

4. Cheese and Pepperoni Time!

1. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced pumpkins.
2. Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Don’t be shy – the more pepperoni, the better!
3. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake to Perfection:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create the egg wash.
2. Brush the edges of the pizza pumpkins with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Add the Stem (Optional):

1. If using, add a small piece of sliced black olive to the top of each pumpkin to resemble a stem.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

1. Let the pizza pumpkins cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter.
2. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

Tips for Pizza Pumpkin Perfection

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but let’s elevate those Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins from good to *amazing*. Here are a few little secrets and tricks I’ve learned along the way:

• Dough Matters: While store-bought dough is super convenient, homemade pizza dough really takes these pumpkins to the next level. If you have the time, give it a try! There are tons of easy recipes online.
• Preventing Soggy Bottoms: Nobody likes a soggy pizza. To prevent this, make sure your baking sheet is preheated, and consider blind-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings. This will give the crust a head start and prevent the sauce from soaking in.
• Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is a classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Provolone, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of ricotta can add a unique flavor. A blend of cheeses is always a winner!
• Pepperoni Placement: For even cooking, make sure your pepperoni slices are evenly distributed. I like to tear larger slices into smaller pieces to cover more surface area.
• Spice it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
• Olive Oil: Brush the baking sheet with olive oil before placing the pumpkin shapes on it. This helps the bottoms get crispy and adds delicious flavor.

Creative Variations for Your Pizza Pumpkins

Now that you’ve mastered the basic Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins, let’s get creative! Here are a few fun variations to try, perfect for pleasing even the pickiest of eaters.

• Veggie Patch Pumpkins: Add some finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the toppings. This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients!
• Hawaiian Hula Pumpkins: Top your pumpkins with ham and pineapple for a tropical twist.
• BBQ Chicken Pumpkins: Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce and top with shredded chicken and red onion.
• Spicy Sausage Pumpkins: Use Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled) instead of pepperoni for a spicier kick.
• Garlic Herb Pumpkins: Brush the crust with garlic herb butter before adding the sauce and toppings.

Making Ahead & Storage Tips

Life gets hectic, especially during the holiday season. Good news: you can totally prep these Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins in advance! Here’s how:

• Make the Dough Ahead: Homemade pizza dough can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
• Assemble Ahead: You can assemble the pizza pumpkins (cut out shapes, sauce, cheese, and toppings) several hours before baking. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving.
• Storage: Leftover pizza pumpkins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Complete The Halloween Feast

Don’t let the fun stop with the Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins! Round out your Halloween spread with other festive and delicious treats. Start with some spooky appetizers like Salami Mozzarella Eyeballs, which are always a crowd-pleaser. For a heartwarming and adorable dinner, consider making Meatball Mummy Dinner. And for a sweet treat that blends fall flavors perfectly, try Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins. Don’t forget to save the pumpkin seeds and make Garlic Roasted Pumpkin Seeds for a healthy and delicious snack. These Hot Dog Mummies are always a hit with the kids! Or try these Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkin Bites for another fun and easy variation on the theme.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – a super simple, incredibly cute, and utterly delicious recipe for Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins! Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, looking for a fun family activity, or just craving some pizza with a festive twist, these little pumpkins are guaranteed to be a hit. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy the spooky season! Happy baking, my friend!

Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins

These Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins are a fun and festive Halloween treat! Shaped like adorable pumpkins and packed with savory pizza flavors, they are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at any spooky celebration.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb pizza dough store-bought or homemade
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup pepperoni slices small or regular, cut into smaller pieces
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 eg g
• 1 tablespoon water
• Optional: Black olives, sliced for the stem

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
• Pumpkin cookie cutter (3-4 inches wide)
• Pizza cutter or knife
• Pastry brush
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to make it easier to work with.
3. Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the pizza dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
4. Use the pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out pumpkin shapes from the dough. Re-roll any scraps to cut out more pumpkins until all the dough is used.
5. Carefully transfer the pumpkin shapes to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
6. In a small bowl, combine the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning.
7. Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture evenly over each pumpkin, leaving a small border around the edge.
8. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced pumpkins.
9. Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
10. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
11. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create the egg wash.
12. Brush the edges of the pizza pumpkins with the egg wash.
13. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. If using, add a small piece of sliced black olive to the top of each pumpkin to resemble a stem.
15. Let the pizza pumpkins cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter.
16. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For preventing soggy bottoms, preheat the baking sheet and consider blind-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings. Experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or ricotta. Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce. Brush the baking sheet with olive oil before placing the pumpkin shapes on it for crispy bottoms. Make pizza dough a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can assemble the pizza pumpkins several hours before baking. Leftover pizza pumpkins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.