These cheesy little pizza bagels are the ultimate after-school snack that kids can help make themselves. ♡
Mini bagels make the perfect pizza base because they are already the right size for little hands. The edges get toasty and crisp while the cheese goes all bubbly and golden on top. It is basically a 15-minute pizza night without any dough drama.
Set up a topping station and let the kids build their own mini pizzas. Let’s make it together.
Ingredients
Pizza Bagel Bites
- 6 mini bagels, halved (12 pieces)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 mini pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Optional toppings:
- Diced bell peppers
- Sliced black olives
- Diced ham or cooked sausage
- Sliced mushrooms
- Fresh basil for garnish
How to Make Pizza Bagel Bites
- Prep. Preheat oven to 375F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice all mini bagels in half and arrange them cut-side up on the sheet.
- Sauce. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara onto each bagel half. Spread it out to the edges with the back of the spoon. (Kids love this part.)
- Top. Pile on the shredded mozzarella and add pepperoni or whatever toppings your kids pick. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.
- Bake. Pop them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden on the edges.
- Cool. Let them sit for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. That cheese is lava-hot straight from the oven.
Tips
- Brush the bagel edges with olive oil before adding sauce for extra crispy edges.
- Set up a topping bar and let each kid customize their own. It gets even picky eaters excited.
- Use a cookie scoop or small spoon to portion sauce so kids do not over-sauce (they will try).
- These freeze beautifully. Assemble, freeze on a sheet, then bag them. Bake from frozen at 400F for 15 minutes.
- For a crispier bottom, toast the bagel halves face-down for 2 minutes before adding toppings.
Variations
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara, top with shredded chicken and red onion.
- Margherita Style: Fresh mozzarella slices, tomato, and basil leaves after baking.
- Taco Pizza: Use salsa as the sauce, add taco-seasoned beef and cheddar cheese.
- Breakfast Pizza: Scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and cheddar for a morning version.
- Veggie Lovers: Load up with diced peppers, mushrooms, olives, and corn for hidden veggie wins.
FAQ
Can I use regular-sized bagels instead of mini?
Yes, just cut them in half and add more toppings. They will need an extra 2 to 3 minutes in the oven. One regular bagel half is about the same as two to three mini halves.
How do I store leftover pizza bagel bites?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350F for 5 minutes or pop them in the air fryer for 3 minutes. Microwave works but the bagel gets a bit soft.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Air fry at 360F for 5 to 6 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Work in batches so they are not overlapping.
What is the best cheese for pizza bagels?
Low-moisture mozzarella melts the best and gets that stretchy pull. You can also mix in some cheddar or use a pizza cheese blend from the store.
Are these good for school lunchboxes?
They are great cold or at room temperature. Pack them in a container with a small side of extra marinara for dipping.
Pizza Bagel Bites
Crispy mini bagels topped with marinara, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni baked until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
Method
- Prep. Preheat oven to 375F, line baking sheet, arrange bagel halves cut-side up.
- Sauce. Spoon marinara onto each bagel half and spread to edges.
- Top. Add mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning.
- Bake. Cook 10 to 12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Cool. Rest 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Brush bagel edges with olive oil before adding sauce for extra crispiness.
Freeze assembled bagels and bake from frozen at 400F for 15 minutes.
Freeze assembled bagels and bake from frozen at 400F for 15 minutes.
