Is there anything better than a recipe that’s equal parts delicious and adorable? I didn’t think so. These Pumpkin-Shaped Pull-Apart Pizza Rolls are about to become your new favorite party trick. They’re a total crowd-pleaser, combining the cozy, familiar flavors of pizza with a fun, festive twist that’s just perfect for Halloween. And let’s be honest, anything you can pull apart and share is a win in my book. So let’s get our hands a little doughy and make something that’s sure to spark some joy—and maybe a few ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’.
Top Reasons To Make It
You’ll love this recipe because it’s seriously so much fun to make. It’s a fantastic activity to do with kids, letting them help shape the little pumpkins. It’s also a major timesaver, using store-bought pizza dough to get a homemade treat on the table without the fuss. Honestly, the ‘wow’ factor is through the roof for how simple it really is. They’re the ultimate grab-and-go finger food for any Halloween gathering, and they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. So good.
Ingredients
- 1 lb store-bought pizza dough: Our no-fuss foundation.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: For that classic flavor we all love.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Because everything’s better cheesy.
- ½ cup finely chopped pepperoni: Our savory, salty star.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For a golden, brushed finish.
- 1 egg, beaten: To help our ‘stem’ stick.
- 5 small pretzel rods: To create the perfect pumpkin stem.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12×9 inches.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and chopped pepperoni over the sauce.
- Starting from one long end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 16 equal pieces. These are your pumpkin bases.
- Place the rolls cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a circle to form a pumpkin shape. Leave a little space between them so they can expand.
- Brush the tops of the rolls lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a broken piece of pretzel rod into the top center of the pumpkin shape to create the stem. Use your beaten egg as ‘glue’ to help it adhere if it’s being stubborn.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving pull-apart style!
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a veggie version, simply swap the pepperoni for some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. If you’re feeding a crowd that loves a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the filling will do the trick. And if you don’t have pretzel rods for the stem, a small piece of bell pepper stem or even a short piece of a breadstick will work in a pinch. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Halloween Food Ideas For Parties
These pizza rolls are the star of the show, but every star needs a supporting cast! Pair them with other easy Halloween food ideas like ‘mummy’ pigs in a blanket, a creepy crudité platter with a black humus dip, or some ‘witch finger’ breadsticks. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with classic Halloween candy or some ghost-shaped rice crispy treats. It’s all about creating a spread that’s spooky, fun, and most importantly, delicious.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Serve these pull-apart rolls warm right from the oven for the ultimate gooey, cheesy experience. I love placing the whole baking sheet in the middle of the table and letting everyone dig in—it’s part of the fun! They pair perfectly with a simple green salad to balance the richness, or alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup for dipping. For a true spooky dinner, serve them as the main event with your other Halloween finger foods.
Storage & Reheating
If you have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), let them cool completely before storing. They’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. The microwave will work in a hurry, but the oven will bring back that crispy exterior. I don’t recommend freezing them once they’re baked, as the dough can get a bit soggy upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I make these Pumpkin-Shaped Pull-Apart Pizza Rolls ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls the night before, cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap, and keep them in the fridge. Just bake them off when you’re ready. - Q: What are some other easy Halloween food ideas?
A: Think simple and fun! Stuff mini bell peppers with cream cheese for ‘pumpkins,’ or make a spiderweb design on a dip with sour cream. The goal is to keep it low-stress. - Q: My dough is sticky. Help!
A> A little extra flour on your hands and the rolling pin is your best friend here. Don’t be shy with it!
No matter how you serve them, these Pumpkin-Shaped Pull-Apart Pizza Rolls are sure to be a hit.