Monster Eyeball Pizza
30 min
|
easy
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 15 min | 30 min |
Introduction
This monster eyeball pizza is a fun, spooky twist on classic cheese pizza that kids and adults will both love.
It uses store-bought pizza dough and simple toppings, so it comes together fast for Halloween parties or movie nights.
Soft mozzarella balls and black olive slices create playful “eyeballs” that look creepy but taste delicious and familiar.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients
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How to Make Monster Eyeball Pizza
-
Preheat the oven and prep the pan
Place a rack in the lower-middle of your oven and preheat to 475°F for a crisp, bubbly crust.
Lightly oil a large baking sheet or pizza pan, or dust a pizza stone with flour or cornmeal.
-
Shape the pizza dough
On a lightly floured counter, stretch or roll the dough into a 10 to 12 inch circle or oval.
Transfer the dough to your prepared pan and gently push it out, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
-
Add the sauce and cheese base
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a half inch border around the edges.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the sauce, making sure to cover almost to the crust.
-
Bake the base
Bake the pizza for 8 to 10 minutes, until the crust is puffed and the cheese is mostly melted.
Remove the pizza from the oven but leave the oven on, since you will finish baking after adding the eyeballs.
-
Create the mozzarella eyeballs
Pat the small mozzarella balls dry with a paper towel so they do not release too much moisture while baking.
Arrange the mozzarella balls on the pizza, then press a black olive slice into the center of each.
Space the eyeballs evenly so each slice gets at least one spooky eye.
-
Finish baking
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 3 to 5 more minutes, until the eyeballs just soften.
The mozzarella balls should look melty and slightly puffed but still mostly white, with the olives clearly visible.
-
Cool slightly and serve
Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes so the cheese sets a little and the toppings are easier to slice.
Slice into wedges, making sure each person gets at least one eyeball, and serve warm.
Substitutions
- Use larger mozzarella balls, halved, instead of small bocconcini
- If the smaller bocconcini-size mozzarella balls are unavailable, use larger fresh mozzarella balls and cut them in half. The cut sides stay flat on the pizza, and the rounded tops still look like plump white eyeballs.
- Use halved black grapes instead of black olive slices
- If you are not a fan of olives, use halved seedless black grapes as the pupils. They keep the deep, spooky color but add a fun sweet burst against the salty, cheesy pizza.
- Use jarred pizza sauce instead of marinara sauce
- If you only have plain pizza sauce, use it in the same amount as the marinara. The flavor will be a little thicker and more concentrated, which actually suits this fun party pizza.
Tips
- Keep the dough at room temperature
- If your dough is cold, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping. Warmer dough relaxes and stretches more easily, so you avoid tearing and fight less with the crust.
- Use high heat for bakery-style crust
- A hot oven helps the crust puff fast and stay tender inside while the bottom crisps. If your oven runs cool, bake closer to the top rack so the cheese browns nicely.
- Dry the mozzarella eyeballs well
- Blotting the mozzarella balls keeps extra liquid off the pizza and helps prevent a soggy center. You can even slice a tiny bit off the bottoms so they sit flat and do not roll.
- Add the eyeballs near the end
- Putting the mozzarella balls on for only the last few minutes keeps them bright white and nicely rounded. If you add them too early, they can collapse and brown, which hides the eyeball effect.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 242 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 15 | g |
| Total Fat | 8 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How do I keep the bottom of the pizza from getting soggy?
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated and the pan is hot before the dough goes on. Baking on a preheated pizza stone or upside-down sheet pan also helps crisp the base. Avoid overloads of sauce, since too much liquid can soak into the dough.
- Can I make this pizza ahead for a party?
- You can par-bake the sauced and shredded cheese pizza for 6 to 8 minutes, then cool completely. Right before serving, add the mozzarella eyeballs and olives, then finish baking until hot and melty. This timing is helpful if kids want to decorate their own spooky pies.
- What if I do not have pizza dough?
- You can use refrigerated canned pizza crust or even a large store-bought flatbread as the base. Bake times may be slightly shorter, so check earlier to avoid overbrowning.
- How can I make this more filling for hungry adults?
- Scatter thin slices of pre-cooked sausage, pepperoni, or mushrooms under the cheese layer for extra protein and flavor. Keep toppings in small pieces so they do not compete visually with the big eyeballs.
Serving Suggestions
This playful monster eyeball pizza pairs well with a simple green salad or a tray of crunchy veggies.
For extra Halloween drama, drizzle a little spicy chili oil over the slices right before serving for a fiery kick.
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