Introduction

Homemade Pizza Bagels are a quick and delicious fusion of two favorite comfort foods—crispy bagels topped with gooey cheese and flavorful pizza toppings. Perfect for a snack, lunch, or casual dinner, they’re easy to customize and sure to please the whole family.

The image shows a mini pizza bagel held by a woman's hand, resting on crumpled brown paper over a dark surface changed to white marbled texture. The bagel base is golden brown and crispy, with a thick layer of melted cheese that is bubbling and slightly browned around the edges. On top, there are several small, round slices of dark red pepperoni and some scattered bits of crispy bacon. The pizza is sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and fresh green herb leaves, adding contrast and texture. In the background, there are more mini pizza bagels slightly out of focus on the same white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 plain bagels (day-old preferred for crispness)
1 cup pizza sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim recommended)
1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (optional; regular pepperoni quartered if needed)
Optional toppings: sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, finely diced red onion, cooked sausage crumbles, black olives, pineapple chunks
Fresh basil, for garnish after baking
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing bagels)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling before or after baking)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
Step 2: Slice each bagel horizontally into two halves. Lay them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, brush the cut surfaces lightly with olive oil for extra crispness and flavor.
Step 3: Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each bagel half, spreading it close to the edges but leaving a small border. Sprinkle garlic powder and dried oregano over the sauce.
Step 4: Generously cover the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese. Add any other cheeses you like, such as provolone or Monterey Jack, for extra flavor.
Step 5: Arrange your chosen toppings evenly over the cheese layer. If using mini pepperoni, scatter them evenly. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat, then add a light dusting of dried oregano and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and begins to brown, and the bagels are toasted on the bottom.
Step 8 (Optional): For a crispier cheese crust, switch the oven to broil and place the baking sheet on the top rack. Broil for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 9: Remove from oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

Day-old bagels work best for crispness, but fresh are fine with gentle handling.
Experiment with bagel flavors like onion, garlic, or everything for added depth.
Customize toppings for all diets—omit meats for vegetarians, or use dairy-free cheese for vegan options.
Create a pizza bagel bar for parties so everyone can build their own perfect combination.
Serve warm with extra marinara sauce or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover pizza bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness; avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess. You can freeze baked pizza bagels after cooling—they keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through and crispy.

How to Serve

A small round pizza bagel is shown being held by a woman's hand on the left side. The bagel has a crispy, golden-brown crust with melted cheesy layers covering the top. On the cheese, there are several pepperoni slices scattered around with some crispy bits mixed in. Fresh green herbs and thin shavings of white cheese are sprinkled on top, adding texture and color contrast. The bagel rests on a piece of brown parchment paper against a dark surface blurred with hints of green herbs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bagels instead of day-old?

Yes, fresh bagels can be used, but they are softer and may not get as crispy. Handle them gently when slicing and consider brushing with olive oil to help crisp the surface.

How do I prevent soggy pizza bagels?

Avoid overloading with watery toppings and leave a small border around the sauce to prevent spilling. Using low-moisture mozzarella cheese and baking at the proper temperature helps keep the bagels crisp.