This spiderweb pizza with olive spiders is a fun, festive recipe that turns an ordinary pizza into a spooky treat. I love how simple it is to make and how much it impresses both kids and adults. With gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and clever olive spiders, it’s perfect for a Halloween dinner or party centerpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both delicious and creative. The pizza itself is loaded with cheesy, savory flavor, but the real charm is in the design. The spiderweb pattern made with cheese adds a spooky touch, and the olive spiders make it extra fun. I also like that it’s customizable — I can make it with store-bought dough and sauce for convenience or homemade versions when I have extra time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 3 sticks string cheese (pulled into thin strands, or 1/2 cup thin mozzarella strips)

• 12 black olives (whole, halved, and sliced for spider bodies and legs)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust)

• Optional toppings: sliced mushrooms, pepperoni, or bell peppers for extra flavor under the web

Directions

1. I start by preheating my oven to 450°F (230°C).

2. I roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone and brush the edges lightly with olive oil.

3. I spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough.

4. I sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, making sure it’s evenly covered.

5. For the spiderweb, I pull apart string cheese into thin strands and arrange them in a web pattern on top of the pizza.

6. To make spiders, I slice black olives in half — one half is the body, and the other half is cut into thin strips for legs. I arrange them on the pizza like little spiders crawling across the web.

7. I bake the pizza for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

8. I let it cool slightly before slicing so the design stays neat.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 slices of pizza and serves 4 people. The total time is around 25 minutes: about 10 minutes of prep and 12–15 minutes of baking.

Variations

I like to change this recipe depending on who I’m serving it to. Sometimes I add pepperoni or cooked sausage under the web for more flavor. For a vegetarian version, I pile on bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. I’ve also tried making mini spiderweb pizzas on individual dough rounds, which are great for parties.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes until warm and crisp again. The microwave works too, but I prefer the oven to keep the crust from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the pizza up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for a few hours. When I’m ready, I just bake as usual.

What type of cheese works best for the spiderweb?

I find that string cheese works best because it’s easy to pull into strands. Thin strips of mozzarella also work nicely.

How do I keep the olive spiders from burning?

I place them on top of the cheese right before baking. Since the pizza doesn’t bake for too long, they hold their shape well.

Can I use a different base sauce instead of tomato?

Yes, I sometimes use Alfredo sauce or pesto for a fun twist, especially when I want a different flavor.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes, I use a gluten-free pizza dough, and it works just as well with the same toppings and decorations.

Conclusion

This spiderweb pizza with olive spiders is one of my favorite Halloween recipes because it’s festive, flavorful, and easy to make. I love how it brings a playful touch to the dinner table and always gets people talking. Whether I’m making it for family dinner or a party, it’s a recipe that combines creativity with delicious comfort food.