Pin it
This family-friendly pizza bagel bites recipe transforms humble mini bagels into crowd-pleasing snacks that remind me of childhood favorites but with homemade goodness. Making these takes me back to weekend movie nights with my kids where these always disappear within minutes of hitting the table.
I started making these when my kids were young and picky eaters. Now they're teenagers who still request these whenever friends come over for study sessions or game nights.
Ingredients
- Plain mini bagels: They provide the perfect sturdy base and their slight chewiness creates the ideal pizza crust texture
- Pizza sauce: Use a good quality jarred sauce or homemade for the best flavor
- Shredded mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella works but pre-shredded saves time and melts beautifully
- Pepperoni slices: Cut in half to perfectly fit the mini bagels without overwhelming them
- Optional fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness
- Optional grated Parmesan: Adds an extra layer of savory flavor that elevates the final taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit which ensures the bagels get crispy while the cheese melts perfectly without burning. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare The Bagels:
- Arrange your mini bagels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet giving them a little space between each one to allow even cooking. The cut side creates the perfect flat surface for your toppings.
- Add The Sauce:
- Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each bagel half spreading it evenly but leaving a small border around the edge. This prevents sauce from bubbling over during baking while ensuring every bite has flavor.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over each bagel covering the sauce completely. The cheese acts as a barrier to prevent the sauce from making the bagels soggy and creates that perfect stretchy pizza pull.
- Top With Pepperoni:
- Place 6 pepperoni halves on each bagel in a circular pattern or however you prefer. Cutting them in half allows them to lay flatter and cook more evenly with the rest of the toppings.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted with a few golden brown spots and the edges of the bagels turn slightly crispy. Watch carefully in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
- Garnish And Serve:
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with optional fresh parsley and a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Allow to cool for 1 to 2 minutes before serving as the cheese will be extremely hot.
Pin it
My family particularly loves when I use everything bagels as the base instead of plain ones. The extra seasoning adds an amazing flavor dimension that reminds me of the pizza parlors in Brooklyn where I grew up.
Storing Pizza Bagel Bites
These pizza bagel bites keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. To reheat simply place them on a microwave safe plate and heat for 30 seconds or until warm. For best results reheat in a toaster oven for 5 minutes at 350 degrees to maintain the crispy texture. You can also freeze fully baked and cooled pizza bagels wrapped individually in plastic wrap then placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
Creative Variations
Turn these simple pizza bagels into a gourmet experience by trying different flavor combinations. My Hawaiian version uses diced ham and pineapple tidbits which my youngest absolutely loves. For a vegetarian option try bell peppers mushrooms and black olives. Buffalo chicken bagel bites made with shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in buffalo sauce with blue cheese crumbles are perfect for game day gatherings. The possibilities are truly endless making this a versatile recipe you can adapt to any taste preference.
Pin it
Make It A Meal
Though perfect as an appetizer or snack these pizza bagel bites can easily become a complete meal with the right sides. Pair them with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon for a light lunch. For dinner serve alongside veggie sticks with ranch dressing or a cup of tomato soup for dipping. During summer months I often serve these with fresh fruit and corn on the cob for an easy outdoor meal that requires minimal cooking and cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use regular-sized bagels instead of mini bagels?
Yes, regular-sized bagels work perfectly! You'll need to increase the toppings proportionally and may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time to ensure the cheese melts completely.
- → What other toppings can I add to these bagel bites?
These are incredibly versatile! Try Italian sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or pineapple. For vegetarian options, spinach, diced tomatoes, and various cheeses work wonderfully.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the bagel bites up to the point of baking and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake them for a few extra minutes until the cheese is properly melted.
- → How do I store and reheat leftover bagel bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. While microwave reheating works, it may make the bagels slightly chewy rather than crisp.
- → Can I freeze these pizza bagel bites?
Absolutely! Freeze them either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, arrange them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time. For already baked bites, reheat from frozen at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
- → What's the best bagel type to use for this?
Plain mini bagels work best as they allow the pizza flavors to shine. However, everything bagels add interesting flavor, while whole wheat or multigrain bagels provide a nutritional boost without compromising the taste.