Have you ever found yourself craving the flavors of pizza but wanting something quicker and more portable to eat on the go? Well, look no further, because we have the pizza bagel recipe right here – the perfect solution for your pizza cravings.
A classic mashup of two beloved carbs, pizza bagels take all the great toppings you love from pizza and stuff them deliciously inside a bagel for a handheld snack or meal.
In this post, we will share an easy and impressive recipe for making homemade pizza bagels that can be prepped ahead of time and baked fresh in just minutes.
About Pizza Bagel
Pizza bagels are a popular snack or meal that combines the best of both worlds: pizza and bagels.
They consist of a split bagel topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings before being baked in the oven until crispy and melty. While traditionally made with regular pizza ingredients like pepperoni or sausage, pizza bagels can be customized to fit any taste preferences.
This versatile snack is perfect for a quick lunch, an after-school snack, or game-day appetizer.
Preparations For This Pizza Bagel Recipe
Before we dive into the pizza bagel recipe, here are a few things you’ll need to make these delicious pizza bagels:
- 6 plain bagels
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, etc.)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife
Now that we know what we need to prepare to create the perfect pizza bagel, let’s start moving onto the next question:” How To Make Pizza Bagel?”
Step-By-Step Instructions: How To Make Pizza Bagel
Make sure you follow these specific guidelines so that you won’t mess up your own pizza bagel!
Step 1. Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensuring the oven is at the right temperature before you begin will help the bagels cook evenly and obtain that perfect golden-brown finish.
Step 2. Prepare Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
The parchment paper acts as a non-stick surface, allowing you to remove the pizza bagels easily after baking.
Step 3. Slice the Bagels
Take your plain bagels and, using a serrated knife, slice them in half horizontally.
Be careful to keep your fingers away from the blade as you slice. Place the separated halves with the cut side facing up onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4. Spread Tomato Sauce
Dollop about 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce on each bagel half, using the back of a spoon to spread it around, leaving a small border around the edges to mimic a pizza crust.
This helps to contain the sauce and toppings on the bagel.
Step 5. Add Cheese
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each bagel half.
The cheese acts as a delicious and gooey glue, keeping your toppings secured to the bagel.
Step 6. Add Toppings
Now it’s time for your choice of toppings.
If using veggies like bell peppers or onions, dice them finely so they cook through. For meats like pepperoni or sausage, ensure they are pre-cooked or safe to eat when baked briefly in the oven.
Distribute your toppings evenly over the cheese-covered bagel halves.
Step 7. Season
For an extra pop of flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning over the top of your pizza bagels—just a light sprinkle will do.
Step 8. Bake
Place the baking sheet with the prepared bagel halves into the preheated oven. Bake for about 8 – 10 minutes, or until the bagel edges are toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9. Broil (Optional)
If you like a slightly crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last minute or two of baking. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burned very quickly under the broiler.
Step 9. Serve
When finished, use oven gloves to carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the pizza bagels cool down for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a plate.
Step 10. Enjoy
Serve your delicious homemade pizza bagels while warm. Pair them with a side salad for a more complete meal, or enjoy them on their own as the perfect snack.
Now you have a quick and easy homemade pizza bagel ready to be enjoyed as a snack or a meal!
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Pizza Bagels
These are some interesting and useful tips that you can apply to your own pizza bagel recipe:
- For extra crunchy bagels, lightly toast them in the oven before adding the toppings.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat or multigrain bagels and opt for leaner protein options such as chicken or turkey instead of pepperoni or sausage.
- Get creative with toppings! Try using different types of cheese, vegetables, or even BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce for a unique twist on pizza bagels.
- To make a bigger batch of pizza bagels, simply double or triple the ingredients and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. Just reheat in the oven for a quick and easy snack at any time.
What To Serve Together With Pizza Bagels
To complement the flavors of pizza bagels and make your meal well-rounded, consider these delicious accompaniments:
Garden Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty pizza bagels.
Caesar Salad: For those who prefer a creamy dressing, a Caesar salad is a classic side that pairs well with any pizza variation.
Vegetable Sticks with Hummus or Dip: A selection of carrot, celery, and cucumber sticks served with hummus or ranch dressing can add a healthy and crunchy side.
Italian Antipasto: A platter of assorted olives, marinated artichokes, cured meats, and cheeses brings an authentic Italian touch to the table.
Soup: A bowl of tomato basil soup or minestrone complements the Italian flavors and adds warmth to the meal.
Garlic Knots or Breadsticks: Soft on the inside with a buttery garlic crust, these are perfect for dipping into any leftover tomato sauce.
Macaroni or Pasta Salad: Chilled pasta salad, with a vibrant mix of pasta, vegetables, and Italian dressing, offers a picnic-like side option.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance the savory notes of the pizza bagels with its sweet juiciness.
Remember to consider your own preferences and customize the sides based on the occasion. These options offer a range of flavors and textures that can enhance your pizza bagel experience.
How to Store & Reheat Pizza Bagel
Storing Pizza Bagels
To ensure your leftover pizza bagels retain their flavor and texture, proper storage is key. Once cooled, place the pizza bagels in an airtight container. If you’re stacking them, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Pizza Bagels
For the best taste and texture, reheating pizza bagels in an oven or toaster oven is recommended. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza bagels on a baking sheet and heat for a few minutes or until heated through and the cheese is bubbling. For a crunchier bottom, you can directly place them on the oven rack. If in a rush, you can microwave them for 30-60 seconds, but this may soften the bagel’s texture.
Conclusion
Pizza bagels are a delicious and easy meal or snack that can be customized to suit your preferences. They are perfect for a quick lunch, an after-school snack, or even as party appetizers.
With these step-by-step instructions, useful tips and a detailed Pizza Bagel Recipe, you can make perfect pizza bagels every time.
So next time you’re craving a slice of pizza, try making these tasty pizza bagels instead. They are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!Happy baking and enjoy your homemade pizza bagels.
Read more:
Pizza Bagel Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 plain bagels
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up, and place the plain bagels cut-side up on it.
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce on each bagel half, leaving some space around the edges for the toppings.
- Sprinkle about 1/3 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over top of the tomato sauce.
- Spread your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni or mushrooms, on top of the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8- 10minutes, or until the bagels are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.