Mummy Pizza Pies

Looking for a fun, spooky, and delicious treat to serve during Halloween or any family gathering? Mummy Pizza Pies are the perfect fusion of creativity, flavor, and kid-friendly fun. These adorable little hand pies resemble wrapped mummies with “eyes” peeking through, making them an instant hit at parties, school events, or cozy weeknight dinners. Not only do they look like something out of a monster movie, but they also taste incredible—crispy on the outside, cheesy and savory on the inside. Whether you’re cooking with kids or impressing guests with your culinary flair, Mummy Pizza Pies offer a playful twist on traditional pizza that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat.

The History

While there’s no ancient tombstone marking the origin of Mummy Pizza Pies, their creation is rooted in modern culinary whimsy, particularly around Halloween-themed foods. The idea likely emerged from the broader trend of character-based cooking—where food is transformed into edible art using simple ingredients and clever presentation. Think sushi animals, pancake portraits, and toast monsters. In the 2010s, social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook exploded with creative recipes designed to delight children and adults alike, especially during holidays. Mummy Pizza Pies gained traction as a Halloween favorite thanks to their eerie yet cute appearance, made possible by wrapping crescent dough around mini pizzas and adding olive “eyes” to complete the mummy effect. Though not derived from any specific cultural tradition, this recipe embodies the spirit of festive cooking—playful, imaginative, and full of flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

The magic of Mummy Pizza Pies lies in their simplicity. Every ingredient serves a purpose—not just for taste, but for visual appeal too. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Crescent Roll Dough: The star of the show! Pre-packaged refrigerated crescent roll dough provides the perfect flaky, golden wrap that mimics mummy bandages. It bakes up light and airy, holding its shape beautifully while separating slightly to reveal the “gaps” between bandages.
Pizza Sauce: A rich, tangy tomato base adds classic pizza flavor. You can use store-bought marinara or homemade sauce, depending on your preference. Opt for a thicker variety so it doesn’t leak out during baking.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey mozzarella is essential for that authentic pizza experience. Shredded works best, though fresh mozzarella cut into small cubes can add extra creaminess.
Pepperoni Slices: These provide a salty, savory punch and act as the “face” beneath the dough strips. Mini pepperoni works ideally due to size, but regular slices can be quartered.
Black Olives: Used to create the mummy’s eyes, pitted black olives are sliced thinly to form pupils that peek through the dough. Green olives can work in a pinch, but black olives offer better contrast.
Optional Add-Ins: Feel free to customize with cooked sausage crumbles, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even jalapeños for heat. For a vegetarian version, skip meat entirely and load up on veggies.

All ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens or easily accessible at grocery stores, making this recipe both budget-friendly and convenient.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Bases: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. Press each triangle into a rectangular shape using your hands or a rolling pin. Cut each rectangle horizontally into three long strips—one wide center strip and two thinner side strips. Set aside.
Assemble the Mini Pizzas: On one end of each dough rectangle (opposite the pointed tip), place a small spoonful of pizza sauce, followed by a pinch of shredded mozzarella and 1–2 pieces of pepperoni. This will be the “face” area.
Add the Eyes: Before wrapping, press a thin slice of black olive onto the pepperoni to represent one eye. You’ll add the second eye after baking if desired, or place both now for symmetry.
Wrap the Mummy Bandages: Take the long dough strips and begin layering them over the filling, starting from the bottom and working upward, leaving a small gap in the middle for the eyes to show. Overlap the strips slightly but leave visible spaces between them to mimic tattered mummy wraps. Tuck the ends underneath the pie for a clean finish.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each assembled mummy pie on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for expansion.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
Final Touch – Second Eye: Immediately after removing from the oven, press a second olive slice onto the pepperoni to complete the two-eyed look. The warmth helps it stick without falling off.
Cool and Serve: Let cool for 3–5 minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm when the cheese is still gooey.

Tips

Don’t Overfill: Too much sauce or cheese can cause leakage during baking, leading to messy bandages. Use about 1 teaspoon of sauce and 1 tablespoon of cheese per pie.
Keep Dough Cold: Work quickly with the dough while it’s still chilled to maintain its structure. If it gets too soft, pop it back in the fridge for 5–10 minutes.
Use Mini Pepperoni: Standard pepperoni slices may be too large; mini pepperoni fits perfectly under the dough veil and gives a more proportional mummy face.
Seal Edges Well: Make sure the dough strips are securely tucked under to prevent unraveling in the oven.
Bake Immediately After Assembly: Assembled pies should go straight into the oven to avoid sogginess from the sauce soaking into the dough.
Customize Faces: Use different toppings to give each mummy unique expressions—try red bell pepper slivers for blushing cheeks or tiny mushroom caps for noses.
Double Batch Friendly: This recipe scales well. Double the ingredients and bake in batches if feeding a crowd.

Variations and Customizations

Mummy Pizza Pies are incredibly versatile. Once you master the basic technique, the possibilities are endless:

Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, pepper jack, or a blend for varied flavor profiles.
Sauce Swaps: Try Alfredo sauce for a white pizza mummy, pesto for a herby twist, or BBQ sauce for a smoky Southern-style mummy.
Meat Lovers: Add cooked bacon bits, ham, or seasoned ground beef for a heartier option.
Veggie-Packed: Include spinach, roasted red peppers, artichokes, or caramelized onions for a nutritious boost.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free puff pastry or alternative dough sheets available in specialty stores.
Vegan Version: Substitute with plant-based cheese, vegan crescent dough (check labels), and omit animal products. Use marinated tofu slices or tempeh “pepperoni” for protein.
Dessert Mummies: Yes, dessert versions exist! Replace pizza sauce with Nutella or apple butter, use mini marshmallows or chocolate chips instead of cheese, and top with a cherry or blueberry “eye.”
Mini vs. Large: While individual hand pies are standard, you can make one giant mummy pizza by placing all components in the center of a large dough circle and draping strips across the top—perfect for sharing!

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While Mummy Pizza Pies are undeniably indulgent, they can be adapted to fit various dietary needs and health goals:

Calorie Content: One average-sized mummy pie contains approximately 180–220 calories, depending on fillings. Most come from carbohydrates (dough) and fats (cheese, pepperoni).
Fat & Sodium: Traditional versions can be high in saturated fat and sodium due to processed meats and cheese. Opt for low-fat cheese, reduced-sodium pepperoni, or turkey pepperoni to lower these values.
Protein Boost: Adding lean proteins like grilled chicken or beans increases satiety and nutritional balance.
Fiber Enhancement: Incorporate whole wheat crescent dough (if available) or add fiber-rich vegetables like zucchini or kale to the filling.
Allergen Notes: Contains gluten (wheat), dairy (cheese), and potential egg/sesame in some dough brands. Always read packaging carefully for allergens.
Portion Control: Since they’re small and fun, it’s easy to overeat. Stick to 1–2 per person as part of a balanced meal.
Kid Nutrition: A great way to sneak in veggies—finely chop spinach or mushrooms and mix into the sauce or cheese.

Enjoy them occasionally as a treat, or modify ingredients to align with your health objectives.

Ingredients

1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
1/2 cup pizza sauce (thick variety preferred)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
16–20 mini pepperoni slices (or 8 regular pepperoni, quartered)
10–12 pitted black olives, thinly sliced (about 20 eye pieces)
Optional: garlic powder, dried oregano, or Parmesan for added flavor

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles. Press each into a rectangle and cut each into 3 horizontal strips.
On the wider end of each rectangle, place 1 tsp pizza sauce, 1 tbsp mozzarella, and 1–2 pepperoni slices.
Place one olive slice on the pepperoni for the first eye.
Begin layering dough strips diagonally over the filling like bandages, leaving a space in the center for the eyes. Tuck ends underneath.
Arrange on baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
Right after removing from oven, add the second olive slice to each mummy to complete the eyes.
Let cool slightly before serving. Best served warm.

FAQ

Can I make Mummy Pizza Pies ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture.

Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked pies on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to cook time.

Why are my mummy bandages breaking?
This usually happens if the dough is too dry or handled too much. Keep it cool and work gently. Lightly brushing strips with water can help them adhere better.

What can I use instead of pepperoni?
Try ham, salami, cooked bacon, grilled chicken, or even a veggie patty for vegetarians.

Are these suitable for kids to help make?
Perfect for little chefs! Kids can spread sauce, add cheese, and drape dough strips under supervision.

Can I use puff pastry instead?
Yes, puff pastry works well and creates a crispier shell. Just cut into squares and follow similar assembly steps.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or in a toaster oven to preserve crispness. Avoid microwaving, which makes dough soggy.

Summary

Mummy Pizza Pies are a frightfully delicious and fun twist on pizza, combining flaky crescent dough, melty cheese, and savory toppings to create Halloween-themed hand pies everyone will love. Easy to customize, simple to make, and perfect for kids and adults alike, these spooky snacks are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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