Pin Mummy French Bread Pizzas always make our Halloween nights extra festive and fun. These quirky pizzas are ideal for cozy family movie nights or serving at a classroom party when you want something quick lovable and a bit spooky. Whether your crew is made up of cheese lovers or adventurous veggie eaters this recipe brings everyone to the table with smiles.
These pizzas became a go-to treat in my family when my youngest begged for “not-so-scary food” before trick or treating. Now we keep extra French bread on hand just for mummy pizza nights.
Ingredients
- French bread: Fresh bakery loaves have a crisp crust and fluffy interior which holds sauce and cheese nicely
- Pizza or marinara sauce: Make sure to choose a robust flavorful sauce without excess sugar for best taste
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Look for whole milk mozzarella for richer melt and flavor
- Black olives: Rounds work best for creating “eyes” that stand out on each pizza
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color as “pupils” and gives a hint of sweetness
- Mozzarella or string cheese: Slices peel easily into strips for whimsical “bandage” effect
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Slice and Arrange the Bread:
- Using a sharp bread knife cut your French bread in half lengthwise. Then cut each half into three smaller pieces so you have six total pizza bases. Place each piece cut side up on your lined baking sheet leaving a little space between for crispier edges.
- Sauce Each Slice:
- Using a spoon spread a generous layer of pizza or marinara sauce over every bread slice. Cover all corners and edges so every bite is flavorful but do not let sauce run off the sides.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese:
- Sprinkle two cups of shredded mozzarella evenly across all six bases. Pay attention to the edges as well for a perfect cheesy crunch.
- Create Mummy Bandages:
- Lay strips of mozzarella or peeled string cheese over each pizza base crisscrossing to mimic mummy wrappings. Leave small open areas for the eyes so the design comes through after baking.
- Make Spooky Eyes:
- Place two olive slices side by side on each pizza to create eyes. If you want extra detail insert a small square of red bell pepper in the center of each olive round for a bright and playful pupil.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes. Watch for the cheese to bubble and melt brilliantly while the bread edges turn golden crisp.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove pizzas from the oven and let cool just a couple minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey cheese and spooky character.
Pin My favorite part is peeling and laying out the cheese "bandages" with my kids. That simple action turns dinner into a group craft project and we laugh when our mummies end up goofy or surprised looking.
Storage Tips
These pizzas keep well in the fridge for up to two days. Wrap tightly or store in an airtight container. Reheat in a toaster oven or with a quick broil to restore the bread&s crunch instead of microwaving which can make them soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
French bread alternatives include Italian bread or baguette. For cheese try provolone or dairy free shreds. Any color olives work and bell pepper may be replaced with tiny tomato bits or green onion circles for different mummy eyes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with raw veggie sticks or a simple green salad for a fresh counterpoint to the warm cheesy bread. For parties serve alongside a cauldron of tomato soup or a platter of apple slices to balance the meal.
Cultural and Historical Context
Mummy pizzas have become a Halloween classic among American households thanks to social media and popular kids&s magazines. Their playful shapes make them a staple for school and home parties where food is meant to delight as much as nourish.
Pin These easy mummy pizzas not only make Halloween memorable but encourage kids to get creative in the kitchen. Serve warm for best flavor and smiles.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of French bread?
Yes, sliced sandwich bread works too, but French bread offers a crispier texture and authentic flavor.
- → Are there alternative toppings for the eyes and decorations?
Green olives, stuffed olives, or diced vegetables can be used for eyes and added creativity on top.
- → How do I make this snack vegan?
Choose dairy-free mozzarella and plant-based sauce, then add vegetable toppings for a delicious vegan version.
- → Can I prepare these pizzas ahead of time?
Assemble pizzas a few hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for best texture and taste.
- → What other cheeses can be used for the mummy bandages?
String cheese, provolone, or any melty cheese can be sliced into strips for creative mummy bandages.
- → Are there tips for serving at parties?
Cut bread into smaller pieces for bite-size servings and keep warm on a tray for self-serve snacking at gatherings.