Tasty Pizza Bagel Snacks

Featured in Homemade Pizza Creations.

Homemade Pizza Bagels are a quick answer to pizza cravings. Start with bagels, add sauce, gooey mozzarella, and toppings like pepperoni or veggies. They're super versatile, easy to prep ahead, and freezer-friendly. The bagel base is chewy yet crisp, making them more filling than pizza dough. Great for lunches, school snacks, or casual hangs, and they go from prep to table in 25 minutes flat.
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Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 01:53:16 GMT
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Cheesy Pizza Bagels | cuisinegenial.com

Whip up nostalgic vibes with these super simple DIY pizza bagels. Using quality ingredients and the right method, you'll get crunchy edges, gooey cheese, and authentic pizza taste in every mouthful. They're way tastier than the freezer kind and just as handy, making them great for speedy dinners or party snacks everyone will grab.

After making these tons of times, I've found that toasting them right and not going overboard with toppings gives you the best texture.

Key Ingredients

  • Bagels: Regular or everything flavor works great
  • Sauce: Rich and chunky pizza sauce (½ cup for all)
  • Mozzarella: Grated fresh (8 oz)
  • Mini Pepperoni: Just the right size for topping
  • Italian Herbs: Boosts the taste
  • Basil: Add after cooking for freshness

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Get Bagels Ready:
Cut bagels in half, then toast the cut parts under the broiler until slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. This stops them getting mushy later. Let them cool a bit before adding toppings. Move your oven rack to the middle and heat to 400°F regular setting.
2. Add Sauce:
Put 1 tablespoon sauce on each bagel half, leaving a small edge around the outside. Don't go crazy - too much makes them soggy. Sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning on each.
3. Stack Toppings:
Add 2 tablespoons cheese over the sauce. Don't pile on too many extras or they won't cook right. If you're using pancetta, cook it crispy first. For pepperoni, stick to 5-6 mini slices per half.
4. Bake Them:
Put your topped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese bubbles and gets some golden spots. Keep an eye on them after 8 minutes so they don't burn.
5. Finishing Up:
Let them sit for 2-3 minutes before eating. This helps the cheese firm up a bit so you don't burn yourself. Add fresh basil if you want.
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DIY Pizza Bagels From Scratch | cuisinegenial.com

Keeping and Serving Tips

Make sure bagels cool all the way before you pack them up. For lunch prep, keep them in a sealed container up to 3 days. To save for later, place the topped (uncooked) bagels on a tray and freeze them solid, about 2 hours. Then pop them in freezer bags for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, bake them frozen, just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Great Side Dishes

  • Simple green salad
  • Extra sauce for dipping
  • Buttery garlic bread
  • Caesar salad
  • Raw veggie sticks
  • Ranch dip

Fun Flavor Ideas

  • BBQ Chicken: Cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, red onions
  • Mediterranean: Olives, feta, spinach
  • Buffalo Style: Hot sauce, chicken, ranch topping
  • Margherita: Sliced mozzarella, tomatoes, basil
  • Supreme: Peppers, onions, olives, sausage
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Pizza Bagels | cuisinegenial.com

These homemade pizza bagels show that basic ingredients can make something truly yummy. They're perfect for hungry kids after school or casual get-togethers, bringing back good memories while making new ones too. Just remember, good prep and not overdoing the toppings means they'll turn out great every time.

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Quick Homemade Pizza Bagels | cuisinegenial.com

Closing Thoughts

The magic of pizza bagels comes from getting the balance just right. Toasting them first stops sogginess, while spreading toppings evenly makes sure everything cooks properly. Each time you make them is a chance to improve your approach and create your own special version of this classic snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which bagels should I pick?
Plain or everything bagels are solid, but grab whatever you enjoy most.
→ Is it okay to use different toppings?
Of course, go wild with veggies, meats, or just keep it cheesy!
→ How do I keep bagels from getting mushy?
Don't pile on too much sauce, and toast fresh bagels lightly before topping.
→ Can I prep these ahead?
Yep, freeze them for up to a month and bake straight out of the freezer.
→ What's the best way to warm them up later?
Reheat in a 350°F oven till the cheese melts. Avoid microwaving to keep that crunch.

Homemade Pizza Bagels

Easy pizza bagels with sauce, melty cheese, and whatever toppings you'd like. Perfect for snacks or fast meals.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Pizza

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 mini bagel pizzas)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Core Ingredients

01 4 bagels, split into halves
02 ½ cup of your favorite marinara or pizza sauce
03 8 oz of mozzarella cheese, shredded

→ Extras

04 12 pepperoni slices, diced
05 2 oz pancetta, already cooked
06 Seasoning: dried oregano
07 Seasoning: freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 400℉. Move the oven rack up to the top third. Lay parchment paper on a baking sheet and put it aside for now.

Step 02

Cut bagels into halves. Spread around 1 tablespoon of sauce on each cut side. Add about 1 ounce of cheese on top of the sauce. Toss on some diced pepperoni and pancetta over the cheese. Sprinkle a touch of oregano and black pepper—extra cheese if you like more topping! Place everything on your prepared baking sheet, and do this again for all bagels.

Step 03

Pop them into the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or till the cheese turns gooey and bubbly.

Notes

  1. To freeze, lay the prepped bagels on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until firm.
  2. Frozen bagels should go into a sealed freezer bag and can stay good for up to a month.
  3. To warm up frozen bagels, bake at 350°F until the cheese is melty again.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sheet pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife or cutter

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy products
  • Includes wheat/gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 14 g