Save This spooky Halloween-inspired appetizer has become my go-to party pleaser every October. The combination of crispy mini naan pizzas topped with creepy-crawly black olive spiders never fails to delight both kids and adults alike. The contrast between the melty cheese and the olive "spiders" creates a festive treat that's as fun to make as it is to eat.
I first created these for my daughter's Halloween party when I needed something quick that wouldn't compete with candy. Now they've become our traditional pre-trick-or-treating dinner that the whole neighborhood looks forward to.
Ingredients
- Mini naan or pocketless pitas: Provides the perfect individual-sized base that gets crispy on the edges while staying tender inside
- Pizza sauce: Use a thick variety for best results so it doesn't make the bread soggy
- Shredded low-moisture mozzarella: Essential for that perfect cheese pull without excess moisture
- Pepperoni slices: Optional but adds a savory punch and festive color contrast against the black olives
- Grated Parmesan: Adds a salty depth of flavor that elevates these simple pizzas
- Whole pitted black olives: The star ingredient that transforms ordinary pizzas into spooky Halloween treats
- Olive oil: Brushing the naan creates a barrier against moisture and helps achieve golden edges
- Italian seasoning: Provides classic pizza flavor with minimal effort
- Garlic powder: Adds depth without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic
- Red pepper flakes: Optional for serving but adds a grown-up kick for those who enjoy heat
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 425°F and prepare a sheet pan with parchment paper. The high temperature ensures crispy edges and properly melted cheese without overcooking the naan base. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly simple.
- Prepare the Base:
- Take each mini naan and brush lightly with olive oil across the entire surface. This creates a moisture barrier and helps the edges crisp up beautifully. Then spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each piece, leaving a small border around the edge for a proper crust.
- Add the Cheese Layer:
- Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly across each pizza base, using about ¼ cup per mini naan. Follow with a light dusting of Parmesan for extra flavor. The combination of cheeses creates the perfect "web" for your olive spiders to rest upon.
- Create Spider Decorations:
- Drain and pat the olives completely dry with paper towels. Cut half of the olives in half lengthwise for spider bodies. Slice the remaining olives into thin slivers to create eight legs for each spider. The drier your olives are, the easier they'll be to position.
- Assemble the Spooky Pizzas:
- Place pepperoni slices if using, then carefully arrange one olive half as the spider body on each pizza. Position eight olive slivers around each body to create legs. For extra creepy effect, bend some legs slightly for a more realistic crawling appearance.
- Season and Bake:
- Lightly dust each pizza with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and edges turn golden brown. Watch carefully in the final minutes to prevent burning.
Save The black olives are truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I discovered this technique when trying to entice my olive-hating nephew to try them in a fun way. The transformation from everyday ingredient to creepy crawler was so successful that he now requests these "spider pizzas" year-round, not just at Halloween.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These mini pizzas are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is melty and the edges are crisp. However, you can prepare them up to the point of baking and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Simply cover loosely with plastic wrap and bake when ready to serve. If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore some crispness.
Ingredient Substitutions
No mini naan available? English muffins, bagel halves, or even flour tortillas make excellent alternatives. For a gluten-free option, try cauliflower pizza rounds or gluten-free pita bread. Dairy-free guests can enjoy these with plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well. Green olives can stand in for black ones for a different look, though they provide a more assertive flavor that might not appeal to all children.
Kid-Friendly Cooking Project
This recipe makes an excellent cooking activity for children. Kids as young as three can help arrange the olive spiders on top of the cheese while older children can measure ingredients and help with assembly. It's a wonderful way to get little ones involved in Halloween preparations while teaching basic cooking skills. The individual-sized portions mean each child can customize their own pizza creation.
Serving Suggestions
Create a Halloween pizza bar by setting out the prepared naan bases and letting guests add their own toppings and create their own olive spiders. Serve alongside a festive Halloween punch for children or a blood-red sangria for adults. These mini pizzas pair wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a complete meal, or alongside other finger foods for a party spread.
Save These mini pizzas are a fun and festive way to celebrate Halloween. They are simple enough for kids to help make and delicious enough for everyone to enjoy.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you prevent soggy pizza tops?
Use low-moisture mozzarella and lightly brush naan with olive oil before adding toppings. This helps maintain a crisp crust and keeps cheese from releasing excess moisture while baking.
- → How do you make the olive spiders?
Slice pitted black olives in half for the bodies and cut additional olives into thin strips for legs. Arrange creatively on top of the cheese before baking for a spooky effect.
- → Can you use different bases than naan?
Yes, mini pitas or other small flatbreads work well. Choose a sturdy base that crisps up nicely and holds the toppings without getting soggy.
- → Are there vegetarian options?
Simply skip the pepperoni for a vegetarian version—these pizzas are tasty with or without meat. You can add extra veggies if desired.
- → How can you make these ahead for parties?
Assemble pizzas up to the baking step and refrigerate. Bake just before serving so they're hot, crisp, and the olive spiders keep their shape.