Mini Mummy Pizzas Delight

Mini mummy pizzas bring spooky fun to the table with minimal effort and maximum charm. These bite sized treats use English muffins as the base, layered with pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and black olive eyes that transform them into playful mummies. They are perfect for Halloween gatherings or any time you want a creative twist on a classic snack.

I made these for the first time during a Halloween potluck, and they were the hit of the party. Kids and adults alike couldn’t get enough of their fun appearance and melty cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

• English muffins: split in half, sturdy base that toasts well for crispiness
• Pizza sauce: provides savory, slightly tangy flavor to complement cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts evenly, creating gooey deliciousness
• Mozzarella slices cut into strips: mimic mummy bandages with melting texture
• Black olives sliced in half: add spooky 'eyes' that are salty and contrast visually
• Olive oil, optional for brushing: adds crispness and deeper flavor when lightly toasted
• Notes: Look for fresh, well risen English muffins without excessive moisture to keep them from getting soggy. Choose a pizza sauce with balanced seasoning to avoid overwhelming the mild cheeses.

Instructions

Prepare the Muffins:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Split each English muffin in half and, if desired, brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil to promote a golden, crispy texture. Place them toasted side up on a baking sheet and bake for 3 to 5 minutes until they develop a slight crunch but are not browned. This step prevents sogginess once the toppings are added.

Assemble the Pizzas:

Spread about one tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly over each muffin half, leaving a small border around the edge for neatness. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella on top of the sauce to create a melty base. Take your mozzarella strips and lay them unevenly across the muffins in a crisscross pattern to resemble mummy bandages. Place two halved black olives near the top edge of each pizza half to form the eyes.

Bake the Mummy Pizzas:

Transfer the assembled pizzas onto a parchment lined baking sheet to avoid sticking and for easier cleanup. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and just beginning to bubble. The edges of the muffins should turn golden and become crisp, adding pleasant texture contrast.

Serve and Enjoy:

Let the mini mummy pizzas cool slightly for a few minutes to avoid burning from hot cheese. Arrange them on a festive platter to showcase their spooky charm. Perfect for parties or as a fun snack that brings smiles without requiring costumes.

My favorite part of this recipe is the black olive eyes. Once while making these for a family Halloween dinner, my youngest child insisted on 'giving each mummy a scary look' by placing the olive halves at different angles. It turned the pizzas into little characters and made the experience even more fun for all of us.

Ingredient Substitutions

English muffins can be swapped with refrigerated biscuit dough for a softer, fluffier base or traditional pizza dough for a chewy texture. If pizza sauce is unavailable, marinara sauce works well and adds a slightly different flavor profile with more garlic and herbs. For dairy free or vegan needs, use plant based mozzarella alternatives that melt reasonably well to preserve the mummy look and cheesy satisfaction.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, use a toaster oven or conventional oven to help restore crisp edges rather than microwaving, which could make them soggy. Assemble the pizzas ahead of time but bake right before serving to keep the muffins from losing their crunchiness and the cheese from overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

Try drizzling herbed olive oil or sprinkling flaky sea salt on the hot cheese right out of the oven for an extra flavor boost. Serve with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted carrot 'pumpkins' to keep the festive theme going. A selection of dipping sauces such as ranch or marinara invites everyone to customize their bites.

Mini mummy pizzas are a fantastic way to bring a little playful magic into your kitchen, especially around Halloween. They are simple yet imaginative, making them a memorable recipe to share with family and friends.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ How can I prevent soggy muffin bases?

Pre-toast the English muffin halves before adding toppings to create a crisp base that resists sogginess when baked.

→ Can I prepare these mini pizzas ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate them covered for a few hours, then bake just before serving to maintain crispness.

→ What if I don’t have sliced mozzarella?

Cut mozzarella slices from a block or use string cheese torn into strips to mimic mummy bandages effectively.

→ Are there gluten-free options for the base?

Gluten-free English muffins or pizza dough can substitute for the base; adjust baking time to prevent over-browning.

→ Can I add extra toppings without losing the mummy effect?

Small toppings like pepperoni or diced veggies work well, but avoid piling too thickly to maintain the bandage look.