Pizza Bagels
Who doesn’t love the magical combination of crispy bagels topped with melty cheese and savory pizza toppings? These homemade pizza bagels bring back the best childhood memories while seriously upgrading the flavor game.
Get ready for the perfect fusion of chewy bagel base, zesty sauce, and that irresistible stretch of real mozzarella cheese. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for after-school munchies, game day gatherings, or really any time you’re craving pizza flavors in a fun, handheld format.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 4 full-sized plain bagels, halved
- 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade pizza sauce
For the Toppings:
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces mini pepperoni
- Dried basil, for garnish
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle for even heating.
- Prepare the bagels:
- Slice each bagel horizontally to create 8 even halves
- Place cut-side up on an ungreased baking sheet
Assemble your pizza bagels:
- Spread exactly 1 tablespoon sauce on each bagel half (avoid oversaucing to prevent soggy results)
- Top each with 1 ounce mozzarella (about 2 tablespoons)
- Add 6-8 mini pepperonis per bagel half
- Finish with a light sprinkle of dried basil
Bake for 8-10 minutes until:
- Cheese is completely melted and bubbling
- Edges of bagels turn golden brown
- Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Storage and reheating:
- Cool completely before storing
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes
Smart Swaps
- Use whole grain bagels for extra fiber
- Try plant-based cheese for dairy-free version
- Swap pepperoni for vegetables to make vegetarian
Make It Diabetes-Friendly
- Choose high-fiber whole grain bagels (reduces net carbs by 4g per serving)
- Use thin bagels to cut carbs by 30%
- Add extra protein toppings to slow glucose absorption
- Keep portions to one bagel half per serving (approximately 25g carbs)
Pro Tips
- Pat bagels dry before adding sauce to prevent sogginess
- Shred your own cheese for better melting
- For extra crispy edges, brush bagel edges with olive oil
- Let bagels rest 2 minutes before serving to avoid mouth burns