Name: Pizza Bagel Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 plain mini bagels; 1 cup pizza sauce; 8 oz. shredded mozzarella; 24 pepperonis, cut in half

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one snack that takes me on a happy stroll down memory lane, it’s Pizza Bagel Bites. These little treasures combine everything beloved about pizza—gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and crispy pepperoni—all piled onto a tender mini bagel. They’re the perfect bite-sized comfort food: easy to prepare, pure nostalgia in every mouthful, and irresistible for kids and grown-ups alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

No complicated shopping list here! The beauty of Pizza Bagel Bites is in their straightforward, tried-and-true ingredients. Each element brings something special to the table, whether it’s the meltiness of the cheese or the classic tang of the pizza sauce.

Mini bagels: Go for the plain variety so the pizza flavors can really shine; they become the perfect chewy-crisp base after baking.
Pizza sauce: A good, thick sauce delivers that signature savory flavor—choose your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
Shredded mozzarella: Melts into irresistible stretchy pools and brings that creamy element every top-notch Pizza Bagel Bite needs.
Pepperoni: Sliced in half, these add spicy, salty bursts in each bite; turkey or classic pork both work beautifully.
Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan (optional): A sprinkle of each on top gives a fresh, herby finish and a hint of extra cheesy goodness.

How to Make Pizza Bagel Bites

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is crucial for that golden, bubbling cheese and lightly crisp bagel base that make Pizza Bagel Bites so mouthwateringly good.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Then arrange your mini bagels, cut side up, in neat rows so each will bake evenly.

Step 3: Sauce It Up

Spoon a generous dollop of pizza sauce onto each bagel half. Spread the sauce to the edges, making sure every bite gets that tangy, tomatoey punch we all love.

Step 4: Add Mozzarella

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over every bagel half. Use a light hand for a subtle cheese pull, or go heavy if you’re after an extra-luxe, cheesy finish!

Step 5: Top with Pepperoni

Take your halved pepperoni slices and dot them over the cheesy surface. Three slices per bagel half is the sweet spot, giving you spicy, savory bites in every mouthful.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 12 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling cheese, golden edges, and bagels that are just crisp around the rims.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy

As soon as the Pizza Bagel Bites come out of the oven, shower them with freshly chopped parsley and a little grated Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Let them cool for a minute or two, then dig in while the cheese is still stretch-worthy!

How to Serve Pizza Bagel Bites

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan are my favorite bright, flavorful garnishes for Pizza Bagel Bites. You might also love a dash of crushed red pepper, dried oregano, or even a few sliced olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Side Dishes

I always pair these little bites with something fresh and crunchy—a big green salad, crisp veggie sticks, or even a platter of fruit to balance out the cheesy richness. For a party platter, try offering a bowl of marinara for dipping!

Creative Ways to Present

Pizza Bagel Bites make a playful lunch, kid-friendly party snack, or game night crowd-pleaser. Stack them high on a festive platter, tuck them into lunchboxes, or even skewer them with toothpicks for easy grabbing at a buffet table. No matter how you serve them, expect them to vanish quickly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with extra Pizza Bagel Bites—a rare occurrence at my house!—let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing

To stock your freezer for hungry emergencies, arrange completely cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just label and date for easy snacking.

Reheating

To recapture that irresistible fresh-from-the-oven flavor, reheat Pizza Bagel Bites in a 375 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or pop them frozen straight into the oven for about 15 minutes until hot and bubbly. Avoid the microwave if you can, for maximum crispness!

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized bagels instead of mini bagels?

Absolutely! Just slice them into bite-sized wedges after topping and baking for a shareable twist—although the mini versions are especially fun and snackable.

What are the best alternative toppings to pepperoni?

Nearly anything you love on pizza works here. Try sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, olives, cooked sausage, or even pineapple for a sweet-salty variation.

Are Pizza Bagel Bites suitable for making with kids?

Yes! Kids love assembling their own mini pizzas and sprinkling on their favorite toppings. It’s a fantastic family cooking project that everyone can help with.

How do I keep the bagels from getting soggy?

Be careful not to overload with sauce—that’s the main culprit for soggy bagels. A thin, even layer is all you need for that classic taste and perfect texture.

Can I make these Pizza Bagel Bites gluten free?

Definitely—just swap in your favorite gluten-free mini bagels and double-check your other ingredients. The rest of the recipe remains exactly the same.

Final Thoughts

Give Pizza Bagel Bites a try and watch them disappear! Their combination of nostalgic flavors, speedy prep time, and irresistible melty cheese is simply unbeatable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a cozy treat, this is one recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Pizza Bagel Bites Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Pizza Bagel Bites are a fun and delicious snack or meal that’s quick and easy to make. Perfect for kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

8 plain mini bagels
1 cup pizza sauce
8 oz. shredded mozzarella
24 pepperonis, cut in half

Instructions

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Lay bagels cut side up on a parchment lined baking sheet. Arrange the mini bagels, cut side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Add a spoonful of pizza sauce to each bagel, spreading it in an even layer. Spoon pizza sauce onto each bagel half, spreading it evenly.
Divide the cheese evenly between the bagels. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each bagel half.
Add pepperoni as well. Place halved pepperonis on top of the cheese.
Bake for about 12 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Bake in the preheated oven for around 12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if desired and enjoy! Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American