Halloween Eyeball Pizza

Rest the Dough

1. Place the pizza dough on a lightly floured work surface and divide it into 4 equal portions if needed. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or an upside down bowl and let the dough rest for 15 minutes. This makes it easier to stretch and helps prevent it from shrinking back.

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the oven to 500°F. If using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven while it preheats. Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil if baking directly on a tray.

Prepare the Eyeballs

1. Slice the mozzarella balls in half. Press a small piece of black olive into the center of each green olive slice to create the pupils. Set the toppings aside so they are ready once the pizzas have had their first bake.

Shape the Pizzas

1. Using your hands or a rolling pin, gently stretch each dough portion into a 6 to 7 inch round. Place each round onto a floured pizza peel or prepared baking sheet. Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over each pizza, leaving a small border around the edge.

Bake the Pizza Bases

1. Bake the pizzas for about 5 minutes, or until the crust begins to turn lightly golden and the sauce is bubbling. The crust should look set but not fully browned.

Add the Toppings

1. Remove the pizzas from the oven and arrange the mozzarella halves evenly across each pizza with the cut side facing down. Return them to the oven and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is warm, glossy, and just beginning to soften.

Finish the Eyeballs

1. Carefully press one prepared olive slice onto each mozzarella half while the cheese is still warm. Dip the tip of a small knife into the hot sauce and gently draw a few thin lines around each eyeball to create a bloodshot effect. Serve immediately while the cheese is soft and the crust is crisp.