Unleash your inner scientist in the kitchen by trying out these easy Petri Dish Jello that make the perfect Halloween treat or party favor.
Are you ready to take your dessert game to the next level? Look no further than these Petri Dish Jello! This unique and creative treat combines the nostalgia of childhood jello with a scientific twist.
With its vibrant colors, playful textures, and endless possibilities for customization, Petri Dish Jello treats are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
And we love sprinkles. So the fact that this exceptionally easy recipe is 50% sprinkles makes us giddy. We made these jello petri dishes for our Halloween Mad Scientist Party. And they were a huge dessert hit that took little time to make.
They also work for a science themed birthday party as a fun dessert or party favor. Or you could make an adult version and fill them up with boozy jello shots.
So get ready to explore the fascinating world of edible science!
Ingredients and Materials Needed
These are so easy to make and only calls for 3 items!
Jell-O instant gelatin mix — Or any other gelatin brand in the flavor of your choice
Sprinkles — To mimic microscopic bacteria. You could also use gummy worms, Nerds, candy eyeballs, etc.
How to Make Petri Dish Treats
1 — Prepare the jello mixture. Follow the instructions on the gelatin packet to dissolve it in hot water. Usually, one packet is mixed with about 1 cup of water. Allow to cool.
2 — Pour the mix into the petri dishes. Place the containers in the fridge, and let them chill for several hours or overnight, until the jello is completely set.
3 — Add your “microorganisms” garnishes just before serving them. Before the jello is fully set, you can sprinkle in some candy. Just be aware that the sprinkles may ooze out some coloring when wet.
Optional: We wrapped the Petri dishes with skull ribbon that we found at Paper Source so that the bottoms of the dishes wouldn’t fall off when someone picked them up. Science or Halloween themed washi tape is another option!
How to Make Petri Dish Jello Shots for Adults
For an adults-only boozy treat, simply fill the petri dishes with your favorite jello shot recipe. Vodka or clear alcohol of your choice typically works best. However, Fireball jello shots are a popular choice.
More Fun Party Ideas and Recipes
- 26 Simple Halloween Decor Ideas
- How to Make a Spook Stencil Drink
- DIY Pumpkin Halloween Candy Bucket
- Ghost Macarons
Petri Dish Jello Recipe
Equipment
- Petri dishes
Ingredients
- 3 oz gelatin mix in flavor of your choice
- Sprinkles to garnish
Nutrition
Instructions
- Prepare the jello mixture per the box instructions.
- Pour the mix into the petri dishes. Place the containers in the fridge, and let them chill for several hours or overnight, until the jello is completely set.
- Add your "microorganisms" garnishes just before serving them. Before the jello is fully set, you can sprinkle in some candy. Just be aware that the sprinkles may ooze out some coloring when wet.
What size Petri dish did you use?
Hi! We used a standard size one that is 9mm diameter x 15mm deep.
I used nerds, try it, makes it really look like bacteria.
oh great, idea!
I just made these for my son’s birthday party. I used a Turkey vaster to fill the Petri dishes-it worked great! Thanks so much for sharing your idea?
Whoops! Baster not vaster!
The science nerd is me in exploding! I must make these for the next party with my lab coworkers.
hun where did you find those lab things? they are awesome!
All on Amazon!
Petri dishes are not food grade.
why not? new ones are sterils… used ones no, ever! but new ones, totally safe
Yep! You are correct!
Hi Michelle! Most petri dishes are made from polystyrene which the FDA considered food safe.
If you put the sprinkles in right away before the jello sits they will melt to look like mold for Halloween! My 4th grade students loved it! Check out my website for a picture!
love this, what a cute project to make with children
For sure!
So so so so cute and SUPER awesome!!!
These are awesome! Where is the best place to buy petri dishes?
Amazon!
So clever!
Those are so cute! The skull ribbon is the best touch!
Thanks Yelle :)
Dang, I wondered what was edible in those petri dishes, I love jell-O