Save These playful Ghost Calzone Pockets are the ultimate treat for Halloween night or any day that could use a little whimsy. Each hand pie hides gooey cheese and zesty pizza flavors inside a flaky crust, topped with olive eyes for extra personality. They are incredibly fun to make with kids and disappear in minutes at any party.
The first time I baked these for my niece's Halloween sleepover, she and her friends could not stop giggling at their ghostly faces. Now it is a family tradition I look forward to every October.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: Gives the calzones their tender bite and structure Choose fresh or high-quality store dough for best results
- Pizza or marinara sauce: Delivers classic Italian flavor Look for a thick robust sauce to avoid soggy filling
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully with a mild tang Whole-milk mozzarella gives the best stretch
- Mini pepperoni or diced vegetarian pepperoni: Adds a savory bite and color Use mini size for even distribution or skip for a vegetarian option
- Dried oregano: Infuses that unmistakable pizzeria aroma Choose a fragrant bright green oregano for freshness
- Garlic powder: Layers in extra flavor Use sparingly to avoid overpowering
- Salt and pepper: Rounds out the taste Season to preference after tasting your sauce
- Black olive slices: Forms the ghost eyes Pick firm briny olives so eyes hold their shape
- Olive oil: Ensures a golden finish and light crispness Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper This step will help the bottoms crisp and prevents sticking
- Roll and Shape Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface roll out your pizza dough to about half a centimeter thick Aim for even thickness all over so each pocket cooks uniformly
- Cut Ghost Shapes:
- Cut out sixteen ghost shapes using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter or trace a template with a sharp knife Re-roll scraps if needed to get all your pieces
- Build the Base Layer:
- Arrange eight dough ghosts on the prepared baking sheet Make sure to space them out so they do not touch
- Add Sauce and Filling:
- Spoon one to one and a half tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each base Leave a slim border free of sauce to help with sealing Sprinkle a generous handful of mozzarella and a few pieces of pepperoni or vegetables if using Dust with dried oregano garlic powder a little salt and pepper
- Seal the Pockets:
- Lightly brush the edges with water for sticking Lay a matching dough ghost over each filled base Gently press the edges to seal and use a fork to crimp securely all around
- Apply Eyes and Decorations:
- Place two black olive slices on each ghost as eyes and gently press them in Make a small slit for a mouth for extra detail if you want
- Brush and Bake:
- Brush the tops with olive oil for shine and color Bake in your preheated oven for eighteen to twenty minutes until golden brown and puffed
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the pockets cool a few minutes so the cheese sets before serving These are especially delicious with extra warm sauce on the side for dipping
Save The mozzarella is always my favorite part watching it stretch with every bite brings back memories of lively Halloween nights making these with my nephews They would compete to see whose ghost looked the silliest or scariest
Storage Tips
Once baked cool the pockets completely and store in an airtight container for up to three days Warm up in the oven instead of a microwave for the crispiest crust For longer storage arrange unbaked ghosts on a tray freeze until solid then transfer to bags so you can bake them fresh on demand
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap in vegan cheese and a dairy free dough for plant based diets If olives are not a favorite use small bits of roasted red pepper for eyes Instead of pepperoni try sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a veggie-packed version
Serving Suggestions
Pile these on a platter with extra warm pizza sauce or marinara for dipping They are perfect as party snacks but also serve well as a light meal beside a simple green salad Serve alongside sparkling water or a mild Italian red wine for the grown ups
Cultural and Festive Context
These hand pies are inspired by classic Italian calzones but dressed up for American Halloween fun The spirit of this recipe is all about turning familiar foods into playful shapes to make holiday traditions extra special
Seasonal Adaptations
Switch up the shapes for other holidays try bats or pumpkins for fall swap in your favorite seasonal veggies like roasted squash or caramelized onions or even use pesto sauce for a bright spring twist
Save This festive recipe is sure to become a tradition for your next party or gathering. Try swapping out fillings or shapes to bring more fun and flavor each season.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I create the ghost shapes?
Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, or cut the dough freehand with a knife and template for custom shapes.
- → Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely—substitute vegetarian pepperoni or omit it. Add chopped veggies for extra flavor and texture.
- → What type of dough works best?
Store-bought or homemade pizza dough both work well. Use classic or whole wheat for different tastes.
- → How should I seal the hand pies?
Brush borders with water, top with dough, seal edges by pressing, and crimp gently with a fork.
- → How do I serve these for parties?
Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Pair with beverages like Italian red wine or sparkling water.
- → Are there allergen concerns?
Contains wheat and dairy. Some ingredients may contain soy or sulfites; always check package labels for safety.