Pizza Bagel Bites Marinara

Pizza Bagel Bites make after school snacking or casual get togethers feel special with minimal effort Just a handful of ingredients transforms mini bagels into crisp little pizzas with bubbly cheese and savory toppings They always disappear fast at my house whether I set them out for a movie night or slip a few into lunchboxes

Every time I bake these the kitchen smells amazing and the excitement from my kids is pure joy They are a guaranteed crowd pleaser whether you meal prep for busy days or make a double batch for friends

Ingredients

• Mini bagels: These create the chewy crisp base Use fresh or day old for best texture
• Marinara sauce: Gives the tangy savory flavor Pick a thicker sauce for less soggy bites
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey melt and classic pizza taste Freshly shredded melts better than prebagged
• Pepperoni slices: The classic topping Adds salty savory notes Try turkey or mini versions if preferred
• Olive oil: Optional for brushing Makes the bagel edges extra golden and crisp
• Italian seasoning: Sprinkle on top for extra flavor Choose a blend with oregano basil and garlic for best taste

Instructions

Prep the Bagels:

Slice the mini bagels in half horizontally and lay them cut side up on a parchment lined baking sheet Arrange them close together but not overlapping for even toasting

Sauce Each Bagel:

Spoon about a tablespoon of marinara sauce onto each bagel half Use the back of the spoon to spread the sauce to the edges Avoid adding too much to prevent sogginess

Scatter the Cheese:

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over each sauced bagel half Press gently so the cheese adheres and allows for even melting

Add Toppings:

Lay a few pepperoni slices on top of the cheese on each bagel half Add any extra toppings like chopped bell pepper olives or mushrooms if you like

Season and Oil:

Lightly brush the bagel edges with olive oil for a crisp finish Sprinkle the tops with a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra flavor and aroma

Bake to Perfection:

Place the baking sheet in a 400 degree oven and bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bagel edges are golden brown Watch closely the last two minutes to avoid burning

Cool and Serve:

Let the pizza bagel bites cool for a couple minutes before serving This keeps the cheese from sliding off and makes them easy to pick up

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One of my fondest memories with these was a kid birthday party We set up a bagel bar and everyone made their own combinations Even grandparents joined in and ended up requesting the recipe to take home

Storage Tips

Let leftover pizza bagel bites cool fully then stash in an airtight container in the fridge They keep for up to four days When ready to eat reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crisp edges and melty cheese

Ingredient Substitutions

No mini bagels Use thick slices of French bread or even English muffins for a similar effect Swap in dairy free cheese or plant based pepperoni for an allergy friendly batch If you run out of marinara sauce try pesto or barbecue sauce for a fun twist

Serving Suggestions

Pile them on a platter for a party snack serve with a side salad for lunch or pack them in lunchboxes with carrot sticks For gatherings I like to offer a few dipping sauces like ranch or garlic butter for extra fun

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I discovered that letting the kids help with the assembly sparks creativity and helps picky eaters warm up to new veggies giving them more ownership at mealtime

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use other cheeses?

Yes, try cheddar, provolone, or a blend for unique taste.

→ What toppings work well besides pepperoni?

Add mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or cooked sausage for variety.

→ How long should I bake bagel bites?

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for freshest texture.

→ Are these suitable for freezing?

Yes, freeze assembled bites on a tray, then store in a bag; bake from frozen as needed.

→ What sauce alternatives can I use?

Pesto, Alfredo, or barbecue sauce add new flavor profiles to the bagel bites.