Homemade Pizza Bagels Recipe
Homemade Pizza Bagels are a quick and easy snack or meal that combines the crispy texture of day-old bagels with rich pizza sauce, gooey melted mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings. Perfectly baked in the oven for a warm, cheesy, flavorful treat, these pizza bagels offer endless customization options from classic pepperoni to fresh vegetables, making them an irresistible comfort food for any occasion.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pizza bagel halves 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Main Ingredients
- 6 plain bagels (day-old preferred for crispiness)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade marinara)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim recommended)
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Sliced mushrooms
- Diced bell peppers (any color)
- Finely diced red onion
- Cooked sausage crumbles
- Black olives, sliced
- Pineapple chunks
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Seasonings & Finishing Touches
- 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)
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Bagels: Slice each bagel horizontally into two halves, laying them cut-side up on the baking sheet. Optionally, brush the cut side lightly with olive oil to enhance crispiness and flavor.
- Prepare Toppings: Have mini pepperoni ready or quarter regular pepperoni. Finely dice or slice any vegetable toppings to ensure even cooking and avoid sogginess.
- Spread Sauce: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each bagel half, spreading it evenly but leaving a small border to prevent spilling during baking. Sprinkle garlic powder and dried oregano over the sauce for added flavor.
- Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer, covering the entire surface. Mix in other cheeses like provolone or Parmesan if desired.
- Add Toppings: Arrange your chosen toppings evenly over the cheese—mini pepperoni, vegetables, or any preferred additions. Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
- Final Seasoning: Lightly sprinkle dried oregano and grated Parmesan cheese on top for an authentic pizza flavor and appealing look.
- Bake: Place baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown, and bagels are toasted and crispy on the bottom.
- Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil the bagels on high for 1-2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning—to brown the cheese spots and caramelize toppings.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the pizza bagels rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to set cheese before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping, enjoying as a snack, lunch, or appetizer.
Notes
- Day-old bagels are preferred for better texture and crispiness but fresh bagels can be used if handled gently.
- Customize toppings liberally, but avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
- Pizza bagels can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if baked chilled.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated for up to 3-4 days and reheat in oven or toaster oven for best texture.
- Freeze baked pizza bagels after cooling, storing up to 2 months; reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy-free cheese and omit meat toppings, using vegetable toppings instead.
- Use oven mitts when handling hot trays to prevent burns and allow bagels to cool slightly before eating.
Keywords: pizza bagels, homemade pizza bagels, easy pizza snack, quick pizza recipe, bagel recipes, cheesy pizza bagels, customizable pizza snack