My kids have always loved pizza in any form—pizza rolls, pizzadillas, even just plain cheese on toast. But these Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins? Oh my! They’re pure fun. This recipe started as a simple after-school snack, but with their cute pumpkin shape, they quickly became a Halloween tradition. These adorable little pizza bites are now a must-have for classroom parties and neighborhood gatherings.
These Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween, though! They’re super adaptable—perfect for a game day snack or a quick dinner. Just swap out the pepperoni for veggies, or use different cheeses. Get creative! And the pumpkin shape, made simply by tying kitchen twine around the dough, makes them just that much more irresistible.
Why You’ll Love It
These Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins are not your average snack. Here’s what makes them special:
- Kid-friendly Fun: These mini pizzas are adorable and fun to eat, making them a guaranteed hit with children. Getting kids involved in tying the twine makes it an activity, too!
- Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up a batch of these pizza pumpkins in no time, even on busy weeknights.
- Festive & Adaptable: They are ideal for any occasion. Use cookie cutters to create a shape other than pumpkin to make them even more special.
- Deliciously Cheesy: The combination of marinara, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella is a classic flavor explosion that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Parties: Their cute shape and small size make them perfect for serving at parties or gatherings, as appetizers or snacks.
Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
These adorable Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins are a fun and festive twist on traditional pizza. Perfect for Halloween, parties, or a quick weeknight meal, these mini pizzas are easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The pumpkin shape adds an extra touch of whimsy!
Ingredients
- Refrigerated Pizza Dough
- Marinara Sauce
- Pepperoni Slices
- Mini Mozzarella Balls
- Egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll pizza dough and cut out 8 circles using a 3 ½-inch or 4-inch cookie cutter.
- Place marinara sauce, pepperoni slices, and a mozzarella ball on each dough circle.
- Bring dough edges up and pinch tightly to seal. Wrap twine around each dough ball to create ridges.
- Whisk an egg with 2 teaspoons of water and brush over each pumpkin.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool slightly before removing twine and serving.
Notes
For a crispier crust, bake the pizza pumpkins for a few extra minutes on the lower oven rack. If using fresh mozzarella, pat it dry before adding it to the pumpkins to prevent excess moisture. For a fun variation, use cookie cutters to create different shapes.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins. See the recipe card below for precise measurements.
- Refrigerated Pizza Dough: The foundation of our little pumpkins. It’s super convenient and bakes beautifully!
- Marinara Sauce: Provides the classic pizza flavor. Use your favorite store-bought brand or try our homemade version!
- Pepperoni Slices: We love the traditional flavor, but feel free to experiment with different kinds of salami or ham.
- Mini Mozzarella Balls: These add a wonderful cheesy element to the pizza pumpkins. You can substitute with mozzarella cubes if needed.
- Egg: An egg wash helps to give the pizza pumpkins a golden brown crust and a touch of shine.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This also makes cleanup easier!
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a 3 ½-inch or 4-inch round cookie cutter, cut out 8 circles of dough.
Step 3: Assemble the Pumpkins
Place a small dollop of marinara sauce in the center of each dough circle. Top with 2 pepperoni slices and a mini mozzarella ball (or a cube of mozzarella).
Step 4: Close and Tie
Carefully bring the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pinching them together tightly to seal. Make sure there are no gaps, or the cheese might ooze out during baking. Now comes the fun part! Wrap a long piece of kitchen twine around each dough ball, creating eight sections. This will give your pumpkins their signature ridges.
Step 5: Egg Wash & Bake
Whisk an egg with 2 teaspoons of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the egg wash over each pumpkin. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pumpkins are puffed up and golden brown. Watch them carefully so they don’t overbake and brown too much.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the pumpkins cool for a few minutes before gently removing the kitchen twine. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Smart Tips & Tricks
Here are a few tips to make your Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins even better:
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on the toppings, be careful not to overfill the pumpkins. This can prevent them from sealing properly and lead to messy baking.
- Twine Trick: To make removing the twine easier, lightly grease it with cooking spray before wrapping it around the dough.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your pumpkins as they bake. Ovens can vary, so adjust the baking time as needed to achieve that perfect golden-brown color. For a crispier bottom, bake for a few extra minutes on the lower rack. Need some inspiration for a party snack? Try our Crispy Korean Fried Chicken recipe.
Flavor Twists
Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Veggie Delight: Swap the pepperoni for chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Be sure to precook them first.
- Hawaiian Twist: Add a small piece of pineapple to each pumpkin for a sweet and savory twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat. Or, you can use a spicy pepperoni if you’re truly bold. Our spicy Korean pork belly recipe would be delicious as a topping!
- Cheese Variety: Explore different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Can I make these Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pumpkins a few hours ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze these Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins?
Absolutely! Once they’re baked and cooled, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.
What can I serve with Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins?
They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side salad, some fresh fruit, or extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, you can certainly use homemade pizza dough if you prefer. Just make sure it’s rolled out to the same thickness as the refrigerated dough.
What to Serve With It
These Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins are pretty fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to make them a complete meal:
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pizza pumpkins.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruit adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, pesto, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. These pizza pumpkins are just as delicious with a simple dip as they are on their own. Looking for a side dish to pair? Check out our easy cucumber salad recipe.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to make these delightful Pepperoni Pizza Pumpkins! I just know they’ll be a hit with your whole family. They’re such a fun, simple treat that brings a little bit of creativity to snack time, lunch or dinner. They’re also perfect for any Halloween or Thanksgiving celebrations! Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out our Korean side dish recipes. Share your photos of your Pizza Pumpkins on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
