Table of Contents
Introduction
Pizza Bagels are a fast, fun, and satisfying twist on traditional pizza—perfect for weeknight dinners, after-school snacks, or even casual get-togethers. Samuel, my ever-hungry neighbor, always jokes that these are his “lazy night lifesavers” because they’re ready in minutes and still deliver that cheesy, saucy goodness we all crave. Whether you’re feeding kids or just looking for a quick fix, pizza bagels are endlessly customizable and crowd-pleasing. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 4 plain or whole wheat bagels, halved
- 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Topping Ideas:
- Pepperoni slices
- Sliced black olives
- Cooked sausage crumbles
- Diced bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Pineapple chunks
- Fresh basil or spinach
- Red pepper flakes or garlic powder (for extra kick)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Bagels
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place bagel halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Lightly toast them in the oven for 3–4 minutes to prevent sogginess.
Step 2: Assemble the Pizza Bagels
- Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on each bagel half.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Add your favorite toppings—go classic with pepperoni or creative with veggies and herbs.
Step 3: Bake
- Return the assembled bagels to the oven.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes if you like extra golden cheese (watch closely!).
Step 4: Serve
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with a side salad, fruit, or dipping sauces like ranch or marinara.
Tips & Tricks
- Make it mini: Use mini bagels for party snacks or lunchbox-friendly portions.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute gluten-free bagels for a dietary-friendly version.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in a toaster oven for best results.
- Freezer friendly: Assemble and freeze before baking—just add 2–3 extra minutes to bake time when cooking from frozen.
For more similar recipes check the following 10 Dinners to Make for Your Picky Eater
How long do you heat pizza bagels?
Pizza bagels typically bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crisper top, you can broil them for an additional 1–2 minutes—just keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Should you toast bagels before making pizza bagels?
Yes, lightly toasting the bagels before adding sauce and toppings helps prevent them from becoming soggy. A quick 3–4 minute toast in the oven creates a sturdier base and improves texture.
Can you cook pizza bagels in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Pizza bagels cook well in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and cook them for about 5–7 minutes, checking for melted cheese and crisp edges. They come out nicely golden and ready to eat faster than using a conventional oven.
Are pizza bagels American?
Yes, pizza bagels are a distinctly American invention, combining two iconic foods: bagels and pizza. They gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s, especially as a fun, kid-friendly snack or quick meal option, and they’ve been a nostalgic favorite ever since.