This bagel pizzas recipe makes a quick, nostalgic snack that comes together in about 30 minutes. They’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings and can even be frozen for later, making them perfect for busy days or after-school cravings.
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Why You’ll Love Homemade Bagel Pizzas
If you grew up loving those classic freezer pizza snacks, this recipe will feel like a fun throwback. Making them at home is surprisingly simple, and it’s also a great way to use up bagels that are starting to get a little stale.
The best part is their flexibility. Once you’ve got the base down, you can add whatever toppings you like and have a batch ready in no time. They freeze beautifully, so you can always have a quick snack or lunch option ready. Here's why you’ll love homemade pizza bagels:
- Easy to customize
- Quick to make
- Freezer-friendly
- Great for leftover bagels
Ingredient Information And Substitutions
- Bagels- Plain, sesame, whole wheat, or everything bagels all work well. Slightly stale bagels are actually perfect here.
- Pizza sauce- Adds that classic pizza flavor. Marinara works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
- Mozzarella cheese- Melts nicely and gives that classic stretch. A pizza cheese blend or provolone can also be used.
- Toppings- Pepperoni is always a favorite, but you can also use mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, cooked sausage, or whatever you enjoy on a bagel pizza.
How To Make This Pizza Bagel Recipe
Step 1- Arrange the bagels on the pan.
Line a baking pan with parchment. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Place the bagel halves on the prepared baking pan, cut side up. Bake for 7-8 minutes uncovered.
Step 2- Add toppings.
Remove the bagels from the oven and spread a thin layer of sauce over each bagel half. Sprinkle cheese on top, then finish with your favorite toppings.
Step 3- Bake.
Return the bagels to the oven for 10 more minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Make Ahead Instructions
Add the sauce and toppings immediately, then place the pan in the freezer for a couple of hours until the bagels are completely frozen.
Once frozen solid, transfer the bagels to a freezer bag for easy storage. Add a square of parchment between each if stacking.
Bake frozen bagels at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave them on high for 2 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use mini bagels or cut regular ones into smaller pieces, then bake until the cheese is melted and the edges are lightly crisp.
Yes. If you’re making an air fryer pizza bagel, cook at around 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This is why I like to par-bake the bagels before adding the toppings. It keeps them from absorbing the sauce.
Tips For Making A Homemade Pizza Bagel
- Use slightly stale bagels. They hold up well under the sauce and toppings and get nicely crisp in the oven. This is also a great way to repurpose leftover bagels.
- Slice evenly. Keeping the bagel halves similar in size helps them cook at the same rate.
- Let them cool slightly before serving. The cheese sets slightly as it cools, making it easier to handle (especially for kids).
- If you’re making a big batch, set up an assembly line. Lay everything out and build them all at once to save time.
- Let the cheese get nice and bubbly before removing it. That’s when you know they’re ready.
- You can mix and match toppings on the same tray so everyone gets what they like.
- Ingredients to prep ahead- Slice the bagels and portion out your toppings so everything is ready.
- Leftovers and storage- Keep cooked bagels in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up. Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
What To Serve With Bagel Pizza Recipe
These mini pizzas are great on their own, but you can easily turn them into a full meal with a few simple sides. Try serving them with:
- Shrimp Macaroni Salad
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
- Artichoke and Olive Spread
- Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel
Other Snack Recipes To Try
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!
Bagel Pizzas Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Bagels sliced in half
- ½ cup pizza sauce or more to your taste
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ⅓ cup pepperoni or other toppings of your choice
Instructions
- Line a baking pan with parchment and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Lay bagels on the baking pan, flat side up. Bake uncovered for 7 minutes and remove from the oven.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bagels, top them with cheese and toppings.
- Bake for 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cool for 3 minutes and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Use slightly stale bagels. They hold up well under the sauce and toppings and get nicely crisp in the oven. This is also a great way to repurpose leftover bagels.
- Slice evenly. Keeping the bagel halves similar in size helps them cook at the same rate.
- Let them cool slightly before serving. The cheese sets slightly as it cools, making it easier to handle (especially for kids).
- If you’re making a big batch, set up an assembly line. Lay everything out and build them all at once to save time.
- Let the cheese get nice and bubbly before removing it. That’s when you know they’re ready.
- You can mix and match toppings on the same tray so everyone gets what they like.
- Ingredients to prep ahead- Slice the bagels and portion out your toppings so everything is ready.
- Leftovers and storage- Keep cooked bagels in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up. Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Megan @ A Dash of Megnut says
Jessy says
Sacha says
Jessy says