Pumpkin-Crust Halloween Pizza

This pumpkin crust Halloween pizza combines seasonal flavors with a fun festive presentation that makes it perfect for a spooky gathering or a cozy fall night. The crust is enriched with pumpkin puree, adding subtle sweetness and moisture, while the roasted butternut squash arranged like a jackolantern turns the pizza into a Halloween centerpiece.

I first made this recipe for a Halloween party, and the kids loved helping create the pumpkin face on top. It has since become my go to fall treat that feels both special and approachable.

Ingredients

• Active dry yeast: Active dry yeast offers a light, airy crust when properly bloomed in warm water
• Bread flour: Bread flour provides the strength needed for good pizza structure pick good quality for best results
• Fine sea salt: Fine sea salt enhances all flavors without overpowering
• Pumpkin puree: Pumpkin puree adds moisture and gentle sweetness choose canned without additives or make your own for the freshest taste
• Olive oil: Olive oil enriches the dough and aids in forming a tender crust extra virgin is great here
• Honey: Honey contributes to a balanced slightly sweet flavor and helps activate the yeast
• Whole milk ricotta: Whole milk ricotta adds creamy body to the white sauce fresh and smooth is ideal
• Shredded mozzarella: Shredded mozzarella gives melty gooey texture to the sauce and topping using a whole milk version amplifies richness
• Milk: Milk helps loosen the ricotta mixture and makes the sauce spreadable
• Dried oregano: Dried oregano introduces herbal notes that complement the cheese
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper season every component
• Butternut squash slices: Butternut squash slices provide sweetness and texture once roasted pick a firm unblemished squash that is easy to slice
• Black olives: Black olives form striking eyes on the pumpkin face choose firm black Kalamata or Spanish olives
• Fresh basil: Fresh basil garnishes the pumpkin stem with bright color and flavor
• Sliced pepperoni: Sliced pepperoni is optional but adds savory contrast and a festive touch

Instructions

Bloom yeast:

Add the yeast to the warm water and let bloom for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy signaling the yeast is active

Combine dry ingredients:

While waiting pulse the bread flour and fine sea salt in a food processor five times to combine evenly

Mix pumpkin:

Whisk pumpkin puree olive oil and honey into the yeast mixture until the ingredients are well mixed

Form dough:

With the food processor running on low slowly pour in the pumpkin yeast liquid until a dough ball forms then process for 30 seconds to knead gently

Knead dough:

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times to form a smooth tight ball

First rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size approximately one and a half to two hours

Make white sauce:

Mix together ricotta shredded mozzarella milk and dried oregano in a medium bowl then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste stirring until smooth and creamy

Preheat oven for squash:

Preheat the oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit

Slice and season squash:

Slice the butternut squash crosswise into half inch rounds drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before tossing to coat every piece evenly

Roast squash:

Transfer the squash slices to a baking sheet and roast until tender and lightly browned about thirty to thirtyfive minutes

Heat pizza stone:

Increase the oven temperature to five hundred degrees Fahrenheit and place a pizza stone on the top rack to heat

Divide and roll dough:

Divide the dough into two equal balls and roll one into a twelve to fourteeninch circle on a floured surface

Transfer to peel:

Transfer the rolled dough onto a well floured pizza peel for easy transfer into the oven

Assemble pizza:

Quickly spread half of the white sauce evenly over the dough in a circular pattern then sprinkle with one cup shredded mozzarella and if using arrange pepperoni slices spaced around the outer edge near the crust

Bake pizza:

Slide the pizza onto the heated pizza stone and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly

Repeat for second pizza:

Repeat with the remaining dough sauce and cheese to bake the second pizza

Arrange squash face:

Once both pizzas are out of the oven arrange the roasted butternut squash slices on top to create a jackolantern face using two triangles for eyes with black olive centers one triangle for the nose and several triangles around the edge for teeth

Garnish:

Finish by garnishing the pumpkin stem with fresh basil leaves

Pumpkin puree is my favorite part of this recipe because it naturally enriches the dough with moisture and subtle fall flavor while keeping it tender. I remember making this with my niece one Halloween and she was delighted to craft the pumpkin face on the pizza with the roasted squash and olives making the meal a memorable treat beyond just the flavors.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep the crust from drying out. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a crisp base or in the oven on a baking sheet to maintain the cheesy topping and roasted vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

Greek yogurt can replace some of the ricotta for a tangier white sauce. Butternut squash slices may be swapped for roasted sweet potatoes or even carrots for a different sweet vegetable note. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a similar sweetness with earthier flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this pizza with a simple autumn greens salad dressed with apple cider vinaigrette to balance rich flavors. A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling cider complements the cheesy savory profile perfectly.

This pumpkin crust pizza is a festive seasonal centerpiece that's fun to make with family. Serve warm and enjoy the autumn flavors.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ How does the pumpkin puree affect the dough?

The pumpkin puree adds moisture and natural sweetness, resulting in a tender, slightly soft crust with unique flavor nuances.

→ What is the purpose of roasting the butternut squash?

Roasting caramelizes the squash, enhancing its sweetness and softening its texture for a balanced topping.

→ Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough benefits from resting and rising at room temperature, which develops flavor and texture.

→ What role does the white sauce play in this dish?

The white sauce combines creamy ricotta and mozzarella with oregano, providing a rich, herbed base for the toppings.

→ How do I create the jack-o-lantern design with toppings?

Arrange roasted squash triangles as eyes and teeth, use olives for eyeballs, and garnish with basil as the pumpkin stem.