Monster eyeball pizza is the perfect spooky treat for your next Halloween party or a fun activity with kids at a birthday bash.
With store-bought pizza dough, zesty marinara sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and eerie black olive “eyeballs,” this pizza is as festive as it is flavorful. It’s quick, creative, and guaranteed to get giggles from both kids and adults.
One chilly Halloween, my daughter and I donned our costumes and crafted this creepy culinary masterpiece together—it’s now our annual tradition and a cherished memory we laugh about every October.
Why You’ll Love This Monster Eyeball Pizza
This monster eyeball pizza isn’t just visually fun—it’s also packed with gooey cheese, savory sauce, and a perfectly crispy crust. It’s a low-effort, high-impact recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy parents, party hosts, or anyone who loves spooky snacks. Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable—get creative with your toppings and make it your own!
Ingredients
- 1 ball of store-bought pizza dough
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 6 black olive slices (pitted)
- Olive oil, for brushing
Step-by-Step: How to Make Monster Eyeball Pizza
1. Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat.
2. Shape the dough
On parchment paper, roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Lightly brush the surface with olive oil for a crispier finish.
3. Add the sauce and cheese
Spread the marinara sauce evenly, leaving about a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the top.
4. Create the monster eyes
Distribute the bocconcini evenly on the pizza. Top each with a black olive slice to form eyeballs. Gently press the olive into the cheese for best results.
5. Bake to perfection
Transfer the parchment and pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-13 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
6. Serve
Allow to cool for a minute. Slice and serve hot for the full monstrous effect!
Helpful Tips
- Crispier crust: Preheat your stone or baking sheet to mimic a pizza oven.
- Avoid sogginess: Pat mozzarella balls and olives dry before using.
- Eyeball definition: Chill mozzarella beforehand so they hold their shape.
- Extra spook factor: Dab marinara around the olives post-bake to look like bloodshot eyes.
Substitutions And Variations
- Mozzarella balls: Swap with halved larger mozzarella balls if bocconcini aren’t available.
- Sauce options: Use pesto or BBQ sauce for a twist.
- Add-ons: Include pepperoni, mushrooms, or green peppers for variety.
- Mini pizzas: Divide dough into smaller rounds for personal-sized monster pies.
Storage Instructions
Leftover slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to revive the crispness. Freezing isn’t recommended due to the fresh mozzarella, which can alter texture upon thawing.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Dietary Fiber: 5 g
Serving Suggestions
Serve your monster eyeball pizza with a side of basil-infused olive oil or a simple green salad. For a fun Halloween party, pair it with blood-red berry punch or Italian soda. It also goes well with:
- Saffron Rice
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Instant Pot White Rice
- Spam Musubi
Frequently Asked Questions About Monster Eyeball Pizza
Why is my pizza dough sticking to the paper?
Use a bit of flour or semolina on the parchment and your hands to prevent sticking. It helps with easier transferring too.
How do I keep the eyeballs from sliding?
Press each mozzarella ball into the shredded cheese, then add the olive. This secures them as the cheese melts.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pizza and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 3 hours. Add 2 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Why did the cheese brown too fast?
Tent the pizza loosely with foil if the cheese is browning before the crust is done—especially if your oven runs hot.
Conclusion
Thanks for joining me in making this frightfully fun monster eyeball pizza! Whether you’re planning a Halloween bash or just looking to cook up a spooky surprise, this recipe is quick, cheesy, and monstrously delicious. I hope it becomes a staple in your holiday tradition like it has in ours. Enjoy every gooey bite—and happy haunting from our kitchen to yours!
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Monster Eyeball Pizza
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Monster Eyeball Pizza is a fun and spooky Halloween dinner idea made with marinara, melty mozzarella, and creepy olive eyeballs. It’s kid-approved, super easy to make, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for parties or themed family nights.
Ingredients
1 ball of store-bought pizza dough
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
6 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
6 black olive slices (pitted)
Olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat.
2. Shape the dough
On parchment paper, roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Lightly brush the surface with olive oil for a crispier finish.
3. Add the sauce and cheese
Spread the marinara sauce evenly, leaving about a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the top.
4. Create the monster eyes
Distribute the bocconcini evenly on the pizza. Top each with a black olive slice to form eyeballs. Gently press the olive into the cheese for best results.
5. Bake to perfection
Transfer the parchment and pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-13 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
6. Serve
Allow to cool for a minute. Slice and serve hot for the full monstrous effect!
Notes
- Dry mozzarella balls and olives to avoid soggy spots.
Chill bocconcini before baking to keep the eyeball shape.
For a dramatic look, add a dab of marinara around the olives after baking.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pizza
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Protein: 26 g