Why You'll Adore This Breakfast Board
- **Perfectly Festive & Fun:** It’s just so visually charming. The little ghosts, mummies, and monsters turn a regular breakfast into a full-blown Halloween event. It’s an instant mood-lifter and gets everyone, young and old, excited for the day. It’s not just food; it’s a decoration you can eat.
- **Amazingly Customizable:** This is more of an idea than a strict recipe. You can use whatever fruits are in season, your favorite pancake or waffle recipe, and any kind of breakfast meat you love. It’s a perfect way to use up little bits of things you have in the fridge and cater to everyone’s preferences.
- **Super Kid-Friendly:** Little hands love interactive food. Letting them help arrange the board or even draw faces on the strawberry ghosts is a wonderful way to get them involved in the kitchen. Plus, a platter full of fun shapes and familiar foods encourages even the pickiest eaters to try a little bit of everything.
- **Simple to Assemble:** While it looks impressive, it’s surprisingly low-stress to put together. Most components can be made simultaneously or even prepped ahead. The 'wow' factor comes from the creative arrangement, not from complicated cooking techniques. It’s all about having fun and playing with your food.
This board was the most magical start to our Halloween! The kids were so excited, and honestly, so was I. It’s our new favorite tradition.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Pancake Batter: You can absolutely use your favorite from-scratch recipe—buttermilk, whole wheat, whatever your family loves. But honestly, a high-quality boxed mix is a lifesaver on a busy holiday morning. The key is getting the consistency right for piping. You want it thick enough to hold a shape but thin enough to flow from a squeeze bottle. If it’s too thin, your ghosts will spread into puddles; too thick, and they’ll be lumpy. A little patience is all you need here.
- Small Breakfast Sausages: I love using little beef or turkey breakfast sausages for the mummies. Their small size is perfect for wrapping and makes them an ideal two-bite treat. Pre-cooked sausages make this step incredibly fast, as you just need to heat them through as the crescent dough bakes. Look for sausages that are relatively uniform in shape, which makes them much easier to wrap neatly. They become the savory star of the board.
- Fresh Fruit: The fruit is what brings the whole board to life with color and freshness. Think about shapes and colors! Clementines are practically begging to be turned into tiny pumpkins with a sliver of celery for a stem. Bananas and strawberries are perfect canvases for ghost faces, and dark grapes or blackberries add that spooky, moody color palette. Use what’s fresh and what you love to eat. The contrast of the fresh, juicy fruit against the warm pancakes and sausages is just perfection.
Complete Cooking Process
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Gathering & Preparation:
First, just breathe and embrace the creative chaos. This is the fun part! I like to start by taking inventory of what I have. Pull out all your fruits, your pancake mix, the sausages, and any little extras like sprinkles or chocolate chips. I wash and dry all the fruit first, so it's ready to go. Then, I mix up the pancake batter in a bowl, letting it rest for a few minutes—this helps it thicken up nicely for making shapes. While it rests, I unroll the crescent dough and slice it into thin little strips with a pizza cutter. It’s like making little dough ribbons, perfect for wrapping our mummies. This stage is all about mise en place, as the fancy chefs say, but for us, it just means getting our little art supplies in order before we start painting our masterpiece.
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Cooking the Spooky Stars:
Now it’s time to bring our characters to life. I get my griddle warming up over a gentle medium-low heat; too high and the pancakes will burn before they cook through. I pour the batter into a squeeze bottle—this is my secret weapon for ghost-making! I gently squeeze out a head shape and then drag it down to create a wavy, ghostly tail. Then I move on to the mummies. I carefully wrap the strips of crescent dough around each little sausage, leaving a small gap for the 'face.' I pop them onto a baking sheet and into the oven. The whole kitchen starts to smell amazing, like a cozy diner on a crisp autumn morning. It’s a dance between the stove and the oven, and the anticipation just builds.
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Assembling Your Masterpiece:
This is where the artist in you gets to shine. Grab your largest board or platter. I like to place my little bowls first—one for yogurt 'potion,' another for maple syrup 'slime,' and maybe one for berries. These act as anchors. Then, I arrange the warm items, like the pancake ghosts and sausage mummies, sort of weaving them around the bowls. After that, I fill in all the gaps with the fresh fruit. I tuck in the clementine pumpkins, scatter the spooky grapes, and place the banana ghosts. The final touch is the details: dotting the eyes on the mummies with mustard, adding chocolate chip eyes to the pancakes, and maybe a sprinkle of powdered sugar 'dust' over everything. Step back and look. Wow. It’s a feast for the eyes before it’s a feast for the tummy.
Designing Your Spooky Scene
You Must Know
- Work with a cool griddle for the first pancake ghost to get the hang of it. Low and slow is your friend.
- Pat the sausages dry before wrapping them in dough to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Assemble the board right before serving to keep warm items warm and cold items cold.
- Let the kids help! Their 'creative' placements are what will make the board uniquely yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I make parts of the spooky breakfast board ahead of time?
Absolutely! That's the secret to a relaxed morning. You can wash and prep all your fruit the day before and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The pancake batter can also be mixed the night before. In the morning, all you'll have to do is cook the pancakes and sausages and assemble everything. It really helps streamline the process so you can enjoy the morning with your family instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
→ What if I don't have a squeeze bottle for the pancakes?
No problem at all! A simple zip-top bag works just as well. Just spoon the batter into the bag, seal it, and then snip off a tiny corner. This gives you a makeshift piping bag that works beautifully for creating the ghost shapes. You can also just use a small spoon to carefully pour and shape the batter on the griddle; they might be a bit more rustic, but they will be just as delicious and charming.
→ I have picky eaters. What are some other ideas to include?
This board is perfect for picky eaters because you can include so many different things! You could add small pots of scrambled eggs, mini muffins, or different kinds of berries. Yogurt tubes, cheese sticks cut into fun shapes, or even some dry cereal in a small bowl can be great additions. The idea is to offer a variety of familiar favorites alongside the fun, themed items. When they see something they love, they're more likely to feel adventurous and try a pancake ghost.
→ How do I keep the hot food warm while I assemble the board?
This is a great question. I usually place the cooked pancakes and sausage mummies on a baking sheet in a single layer and keep them in a warm oven—around 200°F (93°C). This keeps them nice and toasty while you take your time arranging the fruit and other cold items on the board. Then, just before you’re ready to serve, you can add the warm components. Everything will be the perfect temperature.
→ What are some other fun shapes I can make with pancakes?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You could try making pumpkin shapes by piping a circle and adding a little stem at the top. Cats are also fun—a circle for the head and two little triangles for ears. Or you could use Halloween-themed cookie cutters. Just place the greased metal cookie cutter on the griddle, pour a thin layer of batter inside, and let it cook. Once it's set, you can remove the cutter. It’s a super easy way to get perfect shapes every time.
→ Can I turn this into a spooky snack board instead of breakfast?
Definitely! This concept is so versatile. For a snack or appetizer board, you could include things like Halloween mini pizzas, cheese cubes, crackers, veggie sticks with a spooky dip (like spinach dip called 'swamp slime'), and some festive treats. It's a wonderful idea for a Halloween party. In fact, we have a lot of fun Halloween snacks that would be perfect.
→ What kind of dip is good for the fruit?
A yogurt dip is fantastic and fits the breakfast theme perfectly. I like to use vanilla Greek yogurt and swirl in some dark berry puree, like blackberry or raspberry, to make it look like a potion. For a sweeter treat, you could also do a cream cheese dip, made by whipping cream cheese with a little powdered sugar and vanilla. Both are absolutely delicious with all the fresh fruit.
Chef's Tips
To make the 'potion' yogurt, simply place your yogurt in a small bowl and add a spoonful of berry jam or puree. Use a toothpick or the tip of a knife to gently swirl it through, creating a beautiful, magical-looking pattern. Don't overmix; you want to see the distinct swirls.,For the best-looking ghosts, make sure your pancake batter isn't too runny. If it seems thin, let it sit for about 10 minutes, or whisk in another tablespoon of flour until it’s thick enough to hold a shape for a few seconds before settling. This small adjustment makes a world of difference.,This board is fantastic, but if you're feeding a larger or hungrier crowd, consider adding a heartier dish alongside it, like a simple breakfast casserole. It provides a savory anchor and ensures everyone leaves the table feeling perfectly full and happy. It's all about creating a balanced, joyful spread.
Nutrition Facts
per serving
450
Calories
15g
Protein
55g
Carbs
20g
Fat
Taste Profile
A playful mix of sweet pancakes and fruit with savory, savory sausages.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives
If you don't have crescent dough, strips of puff pastry work wonderfully and will give you a flakier mummy. Thin strips of pizza dough will also work, though they'll result in a chewier, more bread-like texture. Adjust baking time as needed.
For a different sweet element, you can make French toast sticks. Simply cut bread into strips, dip in an egg mixture, and pan-fry. They are great for dipping in syrup and fit perfectly on the board. You can even try our french toast roll ups for a seasonal twist.
Recipe Variations
Try these delicious twists on the original
Waffle Webs Version
Instead of pancake ghosts, make your favorite waffles in a standard or Belgian waffle maker. Once cooled slightly, use melted chocolate or a thin black icing in a piping bag to draw spider webs on top. It adds a different kind of spooky fun to the board.
Savory Monster Mash
Lean more into savory by adding mini frittata muffins or scrambled eggs. You can make 'monster eyes' by placing a slice of olive on top of a small ball of cream cheese on a cracker. This would be great for those who prefer less sweetness in the morning. Think of it more as a brunch board than a sweet appetizers platter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results
- Making the griddle too hot. This will cause the outside of your pancakes to cook too quickly (or burn) before the inside is set, making them impossible to flip.
- Overfilling the board too early. Add your warm items last so they don't get cold while you're arranging everything else.
- Slicing the crescent dough strips too thick. Thin, delicate strips give a much better mummy effect than thick, chunky ones.
- Forgetting to have fun! This isn't supposed to be a stressful, perfect creation. It's meant to be whimsical and joyful, so embrace the happy accidents.
Meal Prep & Storage
Make Ahead Tips
You can absolutely get a head start! The night before, mix your pancake batter and store it in the squeeze bottle in the fridge. Wash and cut all your fruit (except the banana, which will brown). You can even assemble the sausage mummies, cover them, and refrigerate them uncooked. In the morning, you just need to bake the mummies and cook the pancakes, making assembly a breeze.
Leftover Ideas
Leftovers are great for a fun snack the next day. Pack individual portions of fruit, a pancake ghost, and a sausage mummy for a festive school lunch. You can also chop up the leftover pancakes and sausages and mix them with scrambled eggs for a 'Halloween Scramble.' Or just enjoy them cold straight from the fridge—I won't tell!
Perfect Pairings
Serve this with...
Cooking Timeline
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll crescent dough and slice into strips.
Wrap the sausages to create mummies and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Bake the mummies. While they bake, mix pancake batter and prep all the fruit.
Cook the pancake ghosts in batches on a medium-low griddle.
Assemble the board with all the warm and cold components, add the final details, and serve immediately.
Spooky Breakfast Charcuterie Board Recipe
Learn how to make a spooky breakfast charcuterie board! This is a fun and festive Halloween recipe.
Timing
Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Pancake Ghosts
- 01 2 cups pancake batter (from your favorite mix or recipe)
- 02 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
For the Sausage Mummies
- 01 1 package (8 count) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 02 8-10 small, pre-cooked breakfast sausages (beef or turkey)
- 03 Yellow mustard or candy eyes, for decorating
For the Fruit & Extras
- 01 4-5 clementines or mandarins
- 02 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
- 03 2 bananas, sliced in half lengthwise
- 04 1 pint strawberries
- 05 1 cup dark grapes or blackberries
- 06 1 cup yogurt (vanilla or plain)
- 07 2 tbsp berry jam or puree
- 08 Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
Let's start by getting our mummies ready. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent dough and press the seams together to form a rectangle. Using a pizza cutter or a knife, slice the dough into very thin, spaghetti-like strips. Gently and randomly wrap a few strips around each little sausage, leaving a small space near one end for the face to peek out. They don’t have to be perfect; in fact, the messier, the more mummy-like they look. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the sausage mummies for about 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is a beautiful golden brown and puffed up. While they're in the oven, you can start on the pancake ghosts. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. You don't want it too hot. Pour your pancake batter into a squeeze bottle or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped. This little step makes creating the shapes so much easier and more graceful.
Now for the ghostly fun. Lightly grease your griddle. Squeeze the batter onto the warm surface, starting with a roundish shape for the head and then dragging the bottle down to create a wavy, flowy tail. Keep them small so they are easy to flip. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until you see little bubbles forming on the surface. Gently flip and cook for another minute on the other side. While they are still warm, press two mini chocolate chips into each one for eyes. This is a great moment to imagine other spooky dishes you could make, like stuffed peppers.
While everything is cooking, prepare your fruit. Peel the clementines and stick a tiny piece of celery into the top of each to create adorable little pumpkins. Slice the bananas in half and add chocolate chip eyes to make banana ghosts. Now it's time to assemble your board. Place your bowls of yogurt and syrup down first. Arrange the warm pancakes and mummies. Fill in all the empty spaces with your clementine pumpkins, banana ghosts, strawberries, and dark grapes. Once the mummies have cooled slightly, use a toothpick to dot on two little eyes with mustard. Serve immediately and watch everyone's faces light up.
Notes & Tips
- 1 To make the 'potion' yogurt, simply place your yogurt in a small bowl and add a spoonful of berry jam or puree. Use a toothpick or the tip of a knife to gently swirl it through, creating a beautiful, magical-looking pattern. Don't overmix; you want to see the distinct swirls.
- 2 For the best-looking ghosts, make sure your pancake batter isn't too runny. If it seems thin, let it sit for about 10 minutes, or whisk in another tablespoon of flour until it’s thick enough to hold a shape for a few seconds before settling. This small adjustment makes a world of difference.
- 3 This board is fantastic, but if you're feeding a larger or hungrier crowd, consider adding a heartier dish alongside it, like a simple breakfast casserole. It provides a savory anchor and ensures everyone leaves the table feeling perfectly full and happy. It's all about creating a balanced, joyful spread.
Tools You'll Need
-
Large Wooden Board or Platter: This is your canvas. A large board gives you plenty of space to be creative and build an abundant, inviting display. The natural wood grain adds a warm, rustic touch that makes the food look even more appealing.
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Squeeze Bottle or Piping Bag: This is the key to creating those charmingly spooky ghost shapes with your pancake batter. It gives you so much more control than a spoon, allowing you to draw your shapes directly onto the griddle with ease.
-
Non-stick Griddle or Skillet: A good non-stick surface is essential for making pancakes, especially shaped ones. It ensures they release easily without tearing, so your little ghosts stay perfectly intact and ready for their close-up.
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Pizza Cutter: I find a pizza cutter is the absolute best tool for slicing the crescent dough into thin, even strips for the mummies. It glides through the dough so smoothly and quickly, making the process feel effortless and fun.
Must-Know Tips
- **Don't Overcrowd the Griddle:** Cook the pancake ghosts in small batches. This gives you room to work and makes them much easier to flip without accidentally merging them into one giant super-ghost.
- **Let It Rest:** Allow your pancake batter to rest for at least 5-10 minutes after mixing. This gives the gluten time to relax and results in more tender, fluffy pancakes.
- **Embrace the Imperfect:** Some of your ghosts might look like blobs, and some mummies might unravel a bit. That’s okay! The charm of a board like this is its homemade, playful quality. Just call it rustic and enjoy the process.
Professional Secrets
- **A Touch of Vanilla:** Add a half teaspoon of vanilla extract to your pancake batter. It doesn't seem like much, but it adds a beautiful warmth and depth of flavor that complements the fruit and maple syrup perfectly.
- **Warm Your Syrup:** There’s nothing better than warm maple syrup. Gently heat it in a small saucepan or for a few seconds in the microwave before serving. It feels so much more luxurious and cozy.
- **Play with Color:** Think about the color palette. I use dark fruits like blackberries and purple grapes to contrast with the bright orange clementines and pale pancakes. This visual contrast is what makes the board so striking and beautiful.
Recipe by
Emma Fields“Mornings are my magic hour! I create easy, energizing breakfasts that turn sleepy starts into sunshine moments.” ☀️🥞
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