let’s be real. Halloween is all about the kids running wild on sugar, but what about the rest of us? Don’t we deserve a little fun, too? I’m talking about a dinner that’s so easy to throw together, it’s almost scary, but so delicious it’ll have everyone at your party—or your kitchen table—coming back for more. These Haunted House Flatbread Pizzas are my go-to for a spooky night in. They’re the perfect project to get the whole family involved, and they turn a simple flatbread into a seriously fun and festive meal. Let’s get cooking!
Top Reasons To Make It
You’re going to love these little haunted houses. First off, they come together in a flash. We’re talking 20 minutes from start to finish, which is a lifesaver on a busy school night or when you’re prepping for a party. They’re also incredibly versatile. Don’t have one ingredient? No worries. Swap it out for something else in your fridge. It’s a fantastic way to get creative and let the kids decorate their own dinner. And the flavor? So good. It’s the perfect combo of savory, cheesy, and just plain fun.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces naan bread or pre-made flatbreads: Our edible haunted house foundations.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: The spooky base layer.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that essential, gooey ghostly presence.
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced: Perfect for creating bats, spiders, or spooky trees.
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into thin strips: To make glowing windows and doors.
- 1-2 pepperonis or slices of smoked turkey, cut into shapes: Easy ghosts or tombstones.
- 1-2 string cheese sticks, pulled into strands: The ultimate cobweb material.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for an easy cleanup.
- Lay your naan or flatbreads out on the prepared baking sheet. These are your blank canvases.
- Spread a few tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Now for the fun part—decorate! Use your olive slices to create bats or spiders. Arrange the bell pepper strips into square windows and a pointed door. Create little ghosts from the pepperoni or smoked turkey. Drape the string cheese strands into creepy cobwebs.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly and the edges of the flatbread are golden brown.
- Let them cool for just a minute or two before slicing and serving. Enjoy the spooky deliciousness!
Halloween Themed Variations
Feel like getting even more creative? Try a pumpkin patch flatbread by using cheddar cheese and cutting pumpkin shapes out of little tomatoes. You could also make a monster mash version with green pesto as the base instead of red sauce and use olive slices for eyes. For a real crowd-pleaser, set up a flatbread decorating station with little bowls of different toppings and let your guests build their own haunted houses. It’s a surefire hit.
Tips For Success
- Don’t overload your flatbread with toppings. Too much weight can make the center soggy.
- If you’re making these for a party, prep all your topping shapes ahead of time and store them in little containers. Assembly will be a breeze.
- For a crispier crust, you can pop the naked flatbread in the oven for 2-3 minutes before adding your toppings.
- Honestly, the pre-shredded bagged cheese works perfectly fine here, but if you have a block to shred yourself, it melts even more beautifully.
- And have fun with it! These don’t have to be perfect. A lopsided window just adds to the haunted charm.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These flatbreads are a complete meal on their own, but they also play well with others. I love serving them alongside a simple green salad dressed like a witch’s brew with a tangy vinaigrette. For a real Halloween party spread, pair them with other easy Halloween finger foods like mummy dogs or a bowl of eyeball pasta salad. And you can’t forget the Halloween candy for dessert! A bowl of assorted mini chocolates is the perfect sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
If you somehow have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy again. The microwave will work in a pinch, but it will make the crust soft. I don’t recommend freezing them after they’re assembled and baked, as the toppings can get soggy when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free flatbread or pizza crust as the base. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for everyone.
- What are some other easy Halloween food ideas for a party? Besides these pizzas, you can’t go wrong with a veggie tray arranged like a skeleton or jack-o-lantern fruit pizzas on sugar cookies. The key is to keep it simple and fun.
- My kids are picky. Can I make a less spooky version? Of course! Let them make a happy house or a silly monster face instead. It’s all about getting them excited to eat their dinner.
- Can I use pita bread instead of naan? You sure can. Pita bread works wonderfully and gets nice and crisp. Just keep an eye on it in the oven as it may cook a minute or two faster.