Homemade Pizza Bagels Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade pizza bagels with this easy baking recipe! These customizable mini-pizzas transform store-bought bagels into a quick, family-friendly meal or after-school snack. Perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or when pizza cravings strike!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Serves:

4 bagels (8 pizza halves)

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 plain bagels, halved</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240g tomato pasta sauce (or pizza sauce)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried basil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g mozzarella cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g parmesan cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Optional toppings: pepperoni slices, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, diced onions, sliced olives</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking tray</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. If using a toaster oven, adjust the temperature according to your model's instructions for baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Slice your bagels horizontally and arrange them cut-side up on the prepared baking tray. Pre-toasting the bagels for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings will create a sturdier base that won't become soggy once sauce is added.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. The olive oil helps the sauce spread more easily and adds richness, while the herbs infuse flavor as the bagels bake.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of the seasoned sauce onto each bagel half, leaving a small border around the edge. Avoid over-saucing which can make the bagels soggy – a thin, even layer works best for optimal texture contrast.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the sauce, followed by a light dusting of parmesan. The combination of cheeses creates the perfect balance of meltability and flavor – mozzarella provides that classic stretchy pizza cheese pull, while parmesan adds savory depth.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Add your desired toppings, being careful not to overload the bagels. Too many toppings can prevent the cheese from melting properly and make the pizza bagels difficult to eat. For vegetables, a quick 30-second sauté beforehand removes excess moisture that could make your bagels soggy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil lightly over the topped bagels and sprinkle with a pinch more dried herbs if desired. This final touch of oil helps the toppings brown beautifully in the oven.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown at the edges. For extra crispy bagels, switch to the grill/broiler setting for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly, making the bagels easier to handle and preventing burnt mouths! Serve while still warm for the best melty cheese experience.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Homemade Pizza Bagels Recipe?

The main ingredients include plain bagels, tomato pasta sauce, olive oil, garlic, dried herbs (oregano and basil), mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Optional toppings include pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives for customisation.

How to cook Homemade Pizza Bagels Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Homemade Pizza Bagels by preheating your oven to 200°C, slicing bagels horizontally, spreading seasoned tomato sauce on each half, topping with cheese and your favourite toppings, and baking for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Pre-toasting the bagels creates a sturdier base for a perfect crispy-chewy texture.

Can I make pizza bagels in an air fryer instead of an oven?

Yes! Air fryers work brilliantly for pizza bagels. Preheat to 180°C, prepare bagels as normal, then air fry for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts. They'll be extra crispy with less time than conventional ovens. Work in batches for even cooking and monitor closely to prevent burning.

How do I prevent my bagel pizzas from becoming soggy?

Pre-toast the bagels for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings. Use a thin layer of sauce (1-2 tbsp per half), slightly sauté vegetables to remove excess moisture, and avoid overloading with toppings. The cheese layer also acts as a barrier between the sauce and bagel base.

What's the best cheese combination for perfectly melty bagel pizzas?

The ideal combination is mozzarella (for that classic stretchy pull) with parmesan (for savoury depth). For an elevated experience, try adding small amounts of provolone for richness or cheddar for sharpness. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly than pre-packaged shredded varieties.

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