Name: Pizza Bagel Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 mini bagels, sliced in half; 1 cup pizza sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni chopped); 2 tablespoons black olives, sliced (optional); 2 tablespoons green bell pepper, diced (optional); Olive oil spray (optional, for extra crispiness)

Mini bagels loaded with gooey cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and savory toppings—these homemade Pizza Bagel Bites bring all the nostalgic joy of the frozen version but with the freshness and flavor of being made from scratch. Whether I serve them as an after-school snack, a quick lunch, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they never disappoint.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 mini bagels, sliced in half

1 cup pizza sauce

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

¼ cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni chopped)

2 tablespoons black olives, sliced (optional)

2 tablespoons green bell pepper, diced (optional)

Olive oil spray (optional, for extra crispiness)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

I arrange the mini bagel halves cut-side up on the baking sheet.

Then I spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce over each bagel half.

I sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across all the bagels.

I add the pepperoni slices and any other toppings I’m using, like olives or bell peppers.

Next I sprinkle everything with Italian seasoning.

I lightly spray the tops with olive oil if I want a crispier finish.

After that I bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden.

I let them cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings, with each serving typically including 2 bagel halves.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories per serving: Approximately 220 kcal

Variations

I switch things up depending on what I have in the fridge. Sometimes I use whole wheat or gluten-free mini bagels. For toppings, chopped mushrooms, pineapple, or crumbled sausage are great additions. I’ve even made vegetarian versions using only veggies and vegan cheese for dairy-free friends.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through. For freezer storage, I freeze the unbaked assembled bagel bites on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once frozen. When I want to bake them, I just add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time—no need to thaw.

FAQs

How can I make these ahead of time?

I assemble the bagel bites completely, then freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, I transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready, I bake straight from frozen—just adding 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use regular bagels instead of mini ones?

Yes, I’ve used regular-sized bagels and just sliced them into thinner rounds or halves. They’re more filling this way, so I usually serve them as a meal rather than a snack.

What other cheeses work well?

Besides mozzarella, I’ve used cheddar, provolone, or a mix of Italian cheeses. Any cheese that melts well should work fine.

Can I air fry Pizza Bagel Bites?

Yes! I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook them for about 5–6 minutes. They get extra crispy and cook faster this way.

Are they good for kids’ lunchboxes?

Absolutely. I make a batch in the morning and let them cool, then pack them in a thermos or insulated container. They stay warm and tasty until lunchtime.

Conclusion

These Pizza Bagel Bites are the perfect combination of easy, customizable, and delicious. I love having them as a quick snack, a fun dinner, or a freezer-friendly go-to when I need something satisfying fast. With endless topping options and a crispy, cheesy finish, they’ve earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation.

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