Monster Eyeball Pizza

This monster eyeball pizza is a spooky and fun treat perfect for Halloween or any playful gathering. Using store bought pizza dough, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and black olive slices as eyeballs, it’s an easy recipe that turns into a delightful centerpiece.

One Halloween, my daughter and I spent a cozy afternoon crafting these eyeball pizzas in our costumes, laughing and creating memories that I still cherish. When I made this for the first time, the kids' excitement seeing the monster eyes melt in the oven made it all worthwhile and instantly a repeat favorite.

Ingredients

• Store bought pizza dough: One ball, choose dough fresh from the bakery for best texture
• Marinara sauce: Half a cup, opt for a flavorful one with herbs for a savory base
• Shredded mozzarella: One and a half cups, essential for a gooey, melty pizza surface
• Mozzarella bocconcini: Six small mozzarella balls that create the perfect eyeball shape when baked
• Pitted black olive slices: Six slices to form the pupils of the eyeballs adding a creepy detail
• Olive oil: For brushing the dough to get a crisp, golden crust, use extra virgin for the best flavor

Instructions

Prepare the dough:

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or a heavy baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly. Roll or stretch out your pizza dough on parchment paper into a circle about 12 inches wide and lightly brush the surface with olive oil to create a golden, crunchy base.

Sauce and cheese the base:

Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a half inch border so the crust can brown nicely. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauce.

Assemble monster eyeballs:

Space the mozzarella bocconcini evenly across the pizza and place a black olive slice on top of each ball, gently pressing so it sticks after baking.

Bake the pizza:

Transfer the pizza on the parchment directly onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10 to 13 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden and the crust is browned.

Serve and enjoy:

Let the pizza cool for a minute or two before slicing and serve while hot so everyone can admire the gooey monster eyes.

My daughter's eyes lit up so big when she saw these cheesy eyes emerge from the oven that it's become a must make tradition for us.

Storage tips

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a hot oven or skillet to preserve the crispiness rather than the microwave.

Ingredient substitutions

If you cannot find mozzarella bocconcini, try larger mozzarella balls cut in half or small fresh mozzarella slices. Olive slices can be replaced by small pieces of roasted red pepper for a different eerie eye color.

Serving suggestions

Pair this pizza with a fresh basil drizzle or sprinkle torn basil after baking for a bright, herby lift. Serve alongside a fruity Italian soda or a tart berry punch for a festive Halloween feast.

This eyeball pizza is an easy, festive centerpiece that gets kids involved and looks impressive. Try it for your next Halloween party.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ How do I prevent the pizza dough from sticking?

Dust your hands and the parchment paper with flour or semolina before spreading the dough. This helps ease handling and prevents sticking.

→ What’s the best way to keep mozzarella balls in place?

Press each mozzarella ball gently into the shredded cheese to secure it. Adding the olive slice before baking also helps it adhere firmly.

→ How can I avoid the cheese browning too fast before the crust is done?

If your oven runs hot, tent the pizza lightly with foil toward the end of baking. This prevents over-browning while allowing the crust to finish cooking.

→ Can I prepare the topped pizza in advance?

Yes, you can preassemble the pizza without baking a few hours ahead. Keep it refrigerated, then add extra baking time when ready to cook.

→ Any tips for a crispier crust?

Preheat your oven with a pizza stone or an inverted heavy baking sheet inside to mimic pizzeria heat, which helps achieve a crispier base.

→ How do I maintain the shape of mozzarella eyeballs during baking?

Chill mozzarella balls before assembling the pizza. This helps them retain their shape and preserve the eyeball appearance as they melt.