When the leaves start to change colors and the days grow chillier, I feel a wonderful mix of nostalgia and excitement as I think about our family gatherings. Each autumn, my husband Matt and our two kids, Lily and Jake, look forward to our Halloween tradition of crafting spooky treats. One October evening, as the last rays of sun slipped behind the trees, I decided it was time to introduce something new to our menu: Cemetery Flatbread Pizza. The name alone made Lily squeal with delight. We all adore pizza in our household, but this time, we’d add a dash of fun and creativity.
As I unfolded the flatbread dough, I couldn’t help but remember my childhood. I spent countless hours in the kitchen, helping my mom. We would roll dough and brainstorm silly shapes, and that whimsical spirit has stayed with me as a parent. I wanted to create a warm and fun-filled night for my family, filled with laughter and delicious food. So, with my kids donning their mini chef aprons, ready for action, we set out to craft our Cemetery Flatbread Pizza together!
Why Make This Recipe
Cemetery Flatbread Pizza is the perfect blend of tasty and fun. Not only is it a delicious pizza, but it also serves as an exciting activity for the whole family to embark upon. Whether you are looking for a new dish for a Halloween party or just a cozy family dinner, this pizza adds a playful twist. The ghost-shaped mozzarella pieces and black olive gravestones make it visually appealing, and the kids will love getting involved in the preparation.
This pizza embodies all the joy of family cooking—it’s easy to put together and opens up a world of possibilities. You can chat, laugh, and create something wonderful together, and you end up with a mouthwatering dinner at the end!
How to Make Cemetery Flatbread Pizza
Ingredients
To whip up this spooky and delicious Cemetery Flatbread Pizza, you’ll need:
- 1 pound flatbread dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices of mozzarella cheese (cut into ghost shapes with a cookie cutter or freehand)
- ½ cup black olives (whole and sliced)
- 1 cup cauliflower florets (small bite-sized pieces)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Feel free to customize the toppings that suit your family’s taste. If you’d like to add different veggies or meats, go for it!
Directions
Here’s how to create your own Cemetery Flatbread Pizza, step by step:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). This will ensure a crispy crust!
- Lightly oil a large baking sheet. I like to drizzle a little olive oil and spread it evenly with a paper towel. It gives the flatbread a beautiful golden crisp.
- Roll out the flatbread dough into a rectangle shape that fits your baking pan. You can let your kids go wild with rolling pins, making various shapes and sizes—just remember that rectangle is the goal!
- Brush the dough with olive oil. This step adds flavor and helps the crust golden up when baking.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Lily enjoyed layering the sauce; her giggles made it clear she was feeling like a master chef!
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Cheese is a big hit in our house, so we don’t hold back!
- Arrange the cauliflower florets evenly across the flatbread. They are our “grave markers,” adding both flavor and a healthy element to this delicious meal.
- Bake for about 8 minutes, just until the cheese begins to melt and the edges start to crisp.
- Remove from the oven. This is when the kids get to have fun! Place the mozzarella ghost cutouts on top of the melted cheese.
- Press sliced black olives into the ghosts to create eyes and mouths. Jake loved this part; he wanted to make the creepiest faces possible!
- Add whole or halved black olives around the flatbread to resemble gravestones.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the ghosts are melty but still hold their shape, and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro for that finishing touch!
- Slice into squares and serve warm. Enjoy sharing your delicious creation with loved ones!
How to Serve Cemetery Flatbread Pizza
We usually serve our Cemetery Flatbread Pizza with a side of fresh salad or a big bowl of popcorn for a cozy movie night. I find that serving it up on a spooky-themed platter adds to the thrill of the evening! My kids love to add their toppings as well, so I typically prepare a small spread of extra black olives, sliced peppers, and even some pepperoni. It encourages them to customize their slices and makes for a fun interactive meal.
How to Store Cemetery Flatbread Pizza
If by some chance you have leftovers (which, in our house, is rare!), simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. The crust will crisp back up nicely!
Tips to Make Cemetery Flatbread Pizza
- Experiment with flavors! You can use different sauces like barbecue sauce or pesto for a flavor twist.
- Get the kids involved. Letting them shape the ghosts or sprinkle toppings can turn mealtime into priceless memories.
- Don’t rush the baking. If your oven runs hot, keep an eye on the pizza to prevent burning.
- Make it healthier. Swap in whole-grain flatbread or add additional veggies to sneak in more nutrition.
Variations
Depending on what you have at home or personal preferences, there are endless ways to customize your Cemetery Flatbread Pizza! Try substituting the cauliflower with diced bell peppers or zucchini. You could also add cooked sausage or pepperoni if your family enjoys meat. For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce when serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! If you love cheddar or gouda, feel free to replace the mozzarella. Just remember that different cheeses have different melting properties, so the final look may vary.
2. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! Cemetery Flatbread Pizza is entirely vegetarian. You can enhance it by adding more veggies or using vegan cheese to make it plant-based.
3. Can I freeze the baked Cemetery Flatbread Pizza?
Yes! Just let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to two months.
As I reflect on our evening filled with laughter, stories, and our homemade Cemetery Flatbread Pizza, I am reminded of how meaningful it is to create experiences with my family. Cooking together not only brings joy, but it also fosters a love for food and creativity. So, gather your loved ones, make some spooky memories, and dive into the deliciousness that is Cemetery Flatbread Pizza this Halloween season!
Cemetery Flatbread Pizza
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Lightly oil a large baking sheet with olive oil.
- Roll out the flatbread dough into a rectangle shape that fits your baking pan.
- Brush the dough with olive oil.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
- Arrange cauliflower florets evenly across the flatbread.
- Bake for about 8 minutes, just until the cheese begins to melt and the edges start to crisp.
- Remove from the oven and place the mozzarella ghost cutouts on top of the melted cheese.
- Press sliced black olives into the ghosts to create eyes and mouths.
- Add other whole or halved black olives around the flatbread.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the ghosts are melty but still hold their shape.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish.
- Slice into squares and serve warm.