Skip the store-bought variety and make delicious Bagel Bites at home using your favorite pizza toppings!
I confess! When Bagel Bites were first introduced to the market in 1985, I was hooked. There was something about those little round bagels, topped with mini pieces of chopped pepperoni and cheese, that drew me in. They were the perfect quick and easy dinner when I came home from a long day of work. It wasn’t long before I realized I could add more cheese or other toppings to these little beauties—making the perfect homemade bagel bites recipe.
I’ve totally lost track of how many times I made this for my children when they were young. It was the perfect after-school snack, quick lunch, or easy dinner. The great thing about skipping store-bought bagel bites and making them yourself is that everyone can choose their favorite toppings.
This is also a fun activity for at-home birthday parties. Set out bowls of different sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Give each child a piece of parchment paper with their name written on it and a few mini bagels. That way, the individual parchment paper-topped bagels can go on a baking sheet, and you will know who gets what. Each child can create their masterpieces using whatever toppings they like, then enjoy them as a quick, easy, and inexpensive lunch.
Of course, for heartier appetites, you can use full-size bagels, including flavored varieties. Asiago, sesame seed, sea salt, poppy seed, onion, and everything bagels add more flavor to the pizza bagels. One word of caution: don’t overdo the toppings—the bagels will get soggy and not cook properly.
Delicious bagel bites topping ideas
It’s no surprise that this bagel bites recipe includes pepperoni, one of the most popular toppings. Of course, you can use any pizza toppings you like on mini bagels. Thinly sliced or chopped cooked sausage, ham, meatballs, or bacon are common ingredients. Canadian bacon, chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat substitutes are also excellent choices. Mushrooms, bell peppers, onions (raw or cooked), and spinach are other good options. Remember to cut any toppings into small pieces before putting them on mini bagels.
You can also go with different themes, such as:
- Breakfast bagel bites: Top toasted bagels with butter, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese. You can also add chopped cooked sausage, ham, or bacon to the eggs. Another option is to make scrambled eggs with spinach, onions, mushrooms, and chopped bell peppers for veggie egg bagel bites. Place the cheese-topped bagels under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Mexican bagel bites: Top toasted bagels with salsa or enchilada sauce, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese, and add toppings like sliced black olives, jalapeños, taco meat, and refried beans. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Spinach bagel bites: This is one of my favorite versions, as you top the toasted bagels with Alfredo sauce, thawed and drained frozen spinach (chopped fresh spinach will also work), and mozzarella cheese. Sliced mushrooms and ricotta cheese are also great with the white sauce and spinach.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow leftovers from this bagel bites recipe to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also place the chilled bagels in a freezer-safe container or zippered bag and freeze them for up to 5 months. They can be reheated from frozen in a 425°F oven until hot.
To make and freeze bagel bites ahead of time, assemble the bagels through step 4, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until frozen. Transfer them to a freezer bag or container, freeze, and defrost or cook from frozen in a 425°F oven until hot.
Serving suggestions
This bagel bites recipe can be part of a fun meal that includes other delicious finger foods, like Keto Deviled Eggs, Steamed Shrimp, and Hot Wings. Or, add some veggie-packed side dishes like this Antipasto Salad Recipe, Roasted Asparagus And Carrots, or Garlic Green Beans. Add some Cookie Brownies or Salted Caramel Ice Cream for a tasty and fun dessert.
Bagel Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 mini bagels halved
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 ounces mini pepperoni slices
- Sliced black olives to taste, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano optional
- Fresh basil thinly sliced, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your broiler to high and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the mini bagel halves on the baking sheet with the cut side up.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each bagel half and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place mini pepperoni slices and olives (if using) over the cheese. Add a dash of dried oregano if desired.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm. Garnish with thinly sliced basil if desired.
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