Pumpkin-shaped pizza
Make dinner tonight extra special with our pumpkin-shaped pizza! They are fun and tasty, combining a creamy mix of tomato, Mediterranean herbs, and melted mozzarella in a golden, crispy crust. They are true all-rounders for parties and birthdays.
Ingredients
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1
Pizza dough
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35 g
Mozzarella
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12
Salami slices
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12
Fresh basil leaves
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1
Egg
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1
Fresh Rosemary Sprig
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20 g
Tomato sauce
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Cold dough is firmer and less sticky, making it much easier to cut and shape into pumpkin-like balls. The tighter gluten structure reduces elasticity, so you can form neat rounds that do not spring back. It also holds fillings better and ties cleanly without tearing. Chilling the dough for 30–60 minutes before use helps maintain this firmness and prevents air bubbles, giving you smooth, even shapes that will not burst in the oven.
Try to keep your pumpkin-shaped pizza dough balls the same size before tying them with string. Evenly sized portions bake at the same rate, so none end up undercooked or overdone. It also makes the finished pumpkins look neat and consistent on the plate.
When filling and shaping the pizzas, allow a little mozzarella to spill out onto the baking tray. As the pizzas bake, this excess cheese melts and crisps up, forming irresistible golden “cheese skirts” around the pumpkins. These crunchy edges not only add extra flavour and texture but also give your pumpkins a rustic finish.
FAQ: Questions about pumpkin-shaped pizza
If you want to make the perfect pumpkin-shaped pizza, our FAQ section has all the answers you need for festive and tasty results.
Why do I need to tie a string around the dough balls?
You need to tie a string around the dough balls to give them a pumpkin-like shape. As the dough expands in the oven, the string creates ridges that mimic natural pumpkin segments. Tie it firmly enough to leave visible grooves, but not so tight that it cuts into the dough. Once baked, remove the string and tuck in a sprig of rosemary to finish the look with a realistic pumpkin stem.
Can I prepare the dough balls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough balls a few hours ahead of baking. Once shaped, place them on a tray, cover them loosely with cling film, and keep them in the fridge until ready to bake. This helps the dough relax while also saving time if you are preparing for a party or gathering. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before baking for the best texture and even cooking.
How can I make pizza dough for the pumpkin-shaped pizzas myself?
To make the pizza dough for the mini pumpkin-shaped pizzas yourself, mix 500 g of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, combine dried yeast with about 325 ml lukewarm water and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Leave for 10 minutes, then add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil to the flour. Knead into a smooth dough (this usually takes about 10 minutes), then place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and leave to rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours until doubled in size. Knock back the dough, divide into small portions, and roll out, then you are ready to top your mini pizzas.
How should I store leftover pumpkin pizzas?
Let the pizzas cool fully, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 175 °C for 8–10 minutes until crisp and hot. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough chewy and the cheese filling unevenly heated.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
649 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 3.2 gram fibers |
| Protein | 16.5 | 26.3 gram |
| Fat | 25.8 | 18.9 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 57.7 | 92.3 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
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Try easy pumpkin-shaped pizza for pizza night
Give your regular pizza night a seasonal upgrade with these pumpkin-shaped pizzas. Fun to make and simple to bake, they bring a playful touch to the table while still delivering all the flavours you love. The dough bakes into golden little pumpkins that are just enjoyable to look at, but taste even better. Much like our pumpkin buns, they are a guaranteed hit with children and add a creative element to a family favourite.
With salami, tomato sauce, and mozzarella
For a tasty filling that never disappoints, layer herby tomato sauce on the base, add slices of salami for a savoury kick, and finish with mozzarella that melts into a cheesy, gooey filling. What sets these little pumpkins apart is the way the crust bakes into a golden shell, hiding a creamy, salty richness inside. Small in size but big on flavour, they are bound to disappear fast.
Bring them to a Halloween-themed party
Nothing says Halloween party like pumpkins, which means that pumpkin-shaped pizza will fit right in. They are easy to transport, so you can prepare them at home and bring them along to any gathering. As the kids run around in their crazy costumes and have a wonderful time, you can rest assured that they will do so on a full stomach because no one can resist these small and savoury delights.
Alongside these mini pizzas, you can serve severed Halloween sausage fingers dipped in ketchup or scary monster burgers. You can even make the burgers with black burger buns. Later in the evening, enjoy caramel popcorn with its irresistible sweet-and-salty crunch. We will show you how to make popcorn at home.
Try different fillings and ideas
There are many ways to get creative with the recipe. Swap salami for roasted vegetables if you prefer a lighter option, or add pumpkin purée to the base for a slightly sweet autumnal flavour. Spicy chorizo, caramelised onions, or even some pesto under the cheese bring rich and savoury notes. You can even decorate the tips with olives, peppers, or mushrooms to create fun little faces before baking.
