Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy—it’s about creating spooky, delicious dishes that make the night truly magical! If you’re searching for a unique, fun, and savory recipe to serve this Halloween, look no further than these Ghost Veg Pies with Creamy Filling.
These adorable and eerie mini pies are flaky on the outside, rich and creamy on the inside, and shaped like little ghosts to perfectly match the Halloween theme. Made with buttery pastry and a luscious vegetable filling, they’re not only festive but also packed with flavor and nutrition.
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, planning a family dinner, or just looking for a creative cooking project, this 7-step recipe will guide you through crafting the ultimate spooky comfort food. Pair them with a side of soup or salad, and you’ve got a dish that’s both cute and creepy delicious!
Let’s get ready to bake some Halloween magic!
Ingredients for Ghost Veg Pies
Before we start haunting the kitchen, here’s everything you’ll need to make these buttery, golden pies with their irresistible creamy veggie filling.
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 6–8 tablespoons ice-cold water
Shortcut Tip: You can use pre-made pie crust or puff pastry sheets to save time without losing flavor.
For the Creamy Veg Filling:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup corn kernels
- 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
For Decoration and Baking:
- 1 egg (for egg wash, or use milk for a vegan option)
- Black olives or peppercorns (for ghost eyes)
- Cookie cutter (ghost-shaped, or cut freehand with a knife)
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
If you’re making your crust from scratch, start here. Otherwise, jump to Step 2.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add cold butter cubes and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work them in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Gradually drizzle in ice water, mixing gently until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: Keeping your dough cold ensures your pies bake up light, flaky, and buttery.
Step 2: Cook the Creamy Veggie Filling
Now let’s make the rich, creamy filling that brings the “comfort” to these spooky comfort pies!
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and golden.
- Stir in mushrooms, carrots, peas, and corn. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add the flour and stir for 1 minute to coat the veggies—it’ll help thicken the sauce.
- Slowly pour in milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Add cheese, spinach, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Flavor Tip: For an extra punch, add a splash of white wine or vegetable broth while cooking.
Once done, let the filling cool slightly—it’ll be easier to assemble the pies later.
Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
Now that your filling’s ready, it’s time to shape your ghostly creations!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of pie dough (or puff pastry) to about ⅛ inch thick.
- Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many “ghosts” as possible.
- Re-roll scraps as needed to make more shapes.
You’ll need two ghost shapes per pie—one for the base and one for the top.
Creative Tip: If you don’t have a ghost cutter, cut the dough freehand into ghostly outlines using a small knife. Uneven shapes make them look even more adorably spooky! 👻
Step 4: Assemble the Ghost Veg Pies
This is where the fun (and the spookiness) really begins!
- Place half of your ghost cutouts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. These will be your bases.
- Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the creamy veggie filling into the center of each.
- Place another ghost cutout on top and gently press the edges with a fork or your fingers to seal.
- Use the tip of a straw or knife to cut out little eyes and a mouth—turning them into ghostly faces!
- Brush the tops with egg wash (or milk for a vegan version) for a golden glow.
Fun Tip for Kids: Let your little ones help shape and decorate the ghosts—it’s a perfect family Halloween activity!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Spooky
Pop those pies into the oven and get ready for the delicious aroma to fill your kitchen.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly puffed.
- Let them cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before serving.
As they bake, the little ghost faces puff up beautifully, making them look like they’re floating right out of the oven!
Pro Tip: For extra crispness, you can brush the tops again with egg wash halfway through baking.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Now for the details that make your ghost pies irresistibly cute and spooky:
- Use black olive slices or peppercorns as ghost eyes (you can gently press them in before baking or glue them with a dab of cream cheese after baking).
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or herbs on top for flavor and texture.
- Serve your ghost pies warm with a side of ketchup, garlic mayo, or a tangy ranch dip for the perfect flavor contrast.
Presentation Idea: Arrange the ghost pies on a dark platter surrounded by dry ice or fog effect for a hauntingly cool Halloween party setup!
Step 7: Serve, Share, and Spook Your Guests!
Congratulations — your Ghost Veg Pies with Creamy Filling are ready to delight your family and friends!
The buttery crust, creamy veggie filling, and ghostly presentation make these pies an unforgettable addition to any Halloween spread.
Here’s how to enjoy them best:
- As Party Snacks: Perfect bite-sized treats for Halloween buffets.
- As a Dinner Entrée: Serve 2–3 pies per person with salad or soup.
- For Kids’ Lunch Boxes: They’re fun, flavorful, and sneak in lots of veggies!
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the pies and freeze them before baking. Just bake directly from frozen (adding 5–7 minutes to cook time) for stress-free Halloween entertaining.
Why You’ll Love These Ghost Veg Pies
These pies aren’t just spooky—they’re irresistibly satisfying and wholesome!
Fun & Family-Friendly:
Kids will love the cute ghost shapes, and adults will adore the creamy, savory flavor.
Packed with Veggies:
A great way to sneak vegetables into your meal without anyone noticing!
Flaky and Buttery:
The crust is crisp and golden, perfectly complementing the rich, creamy filling.
Perfect for Halloween Parties:
A creative and festive addition to any Halloween dinner table.
Versatile and Customizable:
Swap the filling with your favorites—broccoli and cheese, spinach and ricotta, or even spicy Mexican corn!
Delicious Variations You Can Try
Want to mix things up? Try these fun flavor twists:
- Spicy Ghost Pies: Add jalapeños or chili flakes for a fiery twist.
- Cheesy Mushroom Ghosts: Use extra mozzarella and sautéed mushrooms for a richer filling.
- Pumpkin Ghost Pies: Mix roasted pumpkin puree with cheese and herbs for a fall-inspired filling.
- Mini Ghost Empanadas: Use puff pastry and bake smaller versions for bite-sized snacks.
- Vegan Ghost Pies: Swap dairy milk with oat milk, cheese with vegan mozzarella, and butter with margarine.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem!
- To Store: Keep pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness.
- To Freeze: Store unbaked pies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen when ready.
Meal Prep Bonus: Double the batch and freeze half—you’ll have ghost pies ready for any cozy autumn evening!
Final Thoughts: A Hauntingly Delicious Halloween Treat
These Ghost Veg Pies with Creamy Filling are everything you want in a Halloween recipe — spooky, savory, and full of charm. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe a few playful scares!) to everyone at your table.
So, preheat your oven, grab your ghost cutter, and let your kitchen come alive with Halloween spirit. Because when flaky pastry meets creamy filling and ghostly shapes, the result is pure ghoul-icious perfection!