If you are craving a fun, flavorful snack that comes together in no time, this Homemade Mini Bagel Pizzas Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine warm, golden bagels slathered with garlicky butter, topped with tangy pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and mini pepperoni bites delivering that perfect blend of crunch, creaminess, and zest in every single bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike, effortlessly turning simple pantry staples into a gourmet mini pizza experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Homemade Mini Bagel Pizzas lies in their simplicity and the way every ingredient plays an important role. From the toasted bagel base adding the perfect crunch to the melted cheese creating that gooey, irresistible topping, each component brings both flavor and texture to this delicious dish.
- Mini bagels, halved: The foundation for your pizzas—mini size makes them perfect for individual servings and quick cooking.
- Garlic clove, pressed: Adds a subtle, aromatic punch to the butter spread for that extra savory edge.
- Butter, softened: Brings richness and helps the garlic and parsley adhere perfectly to the bagel.
- Dried parsley: Gives a pop of herby freshness while enhancing the color of the butter spread.
- Pizza sauce: Use your favorite classic brand or homemade variety to add that familiar tangy goodness.
- Mini pepperoni, chopped: Tiny bursts of spicy, smoky flavor that balance the creamy cheese beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The star topping that melts gooey and bubbly, delivering that iconic pizza feel.
How to Make Homemade Mini Bagel Pizzas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bagels
Begin by placing the mini bagels cut side up on a baking sheet. This ensures even toasting and a sturdy base ready to hold all your delicious toppings without getting soggy.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Spread
In a small bowl, mix pressed garlic, softened butter, and dried parsley together. This flavorful mixture will take your bagels from plain to unbelievably tasty with just a simple spread.
Step 3: Toast the Bagels
Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over each bagel half. Then, place them under the broiler until golden and fragrant. This step crisps the bagel edges while infusing the butter with garlic and herb aromas.
Step 4: Add Pizza Sauce
Once toasted, remove the bagels from the oven and spoon about one tablespoon of pizza sauce over each half. The sauce adds moistness and the classic pizza flavor kick.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Pepperoni
In a bowl, combine shredded mozzarella cheese with chopped mini pepperoni. Sprinkle this flavorful mixture evenly on top of each sauced bagel half, building that irresistible pizza topping layer.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Return the bagels to the oven’s broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma as the cheese bubbles to perfection.
How to Serve Homemade Mini Bagel Pizzas Recipe
Garnishes
To add visual appeal and a flavor boost, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top right after broiling. This brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note or a subtle heat that complements the savory toppings.
Side Dishes
Pair these mini bagel pizzas with a crisp side salad loaded with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The freshness balances the richness perfectly. Alternatively, crunchy carrot sticks or a cool cucumber salad work wonderfully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these beauties on a wooden pizza board or a colorful platter for an inviting presentation. Arrange them in a circular pattern for sharing at parties, or place them individually on mini plates with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), place them in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, maintaining a decent balance of crispiness and melty cheese goodness.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the mini bagel pizzas after baking and cooling fully. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When you want a quick snack, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or pop straight into the oven from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, place your mini bagel pizzas on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese starts to bubble again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bagel crispy.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized bagels instead of mini bagels?
Absolutely! Regular bagels work just fine, but mini bagels give you perfect bite-sized pizzas that cook quickly and are great for parties or kids’ snacks.
What if I don’t have mini pepperoni?
No worries! You can use sliced pepperoni cut into smaller pieces or swap in cooked sausage bits or even veggies like diced bell peppers for a different twist.
Can I make these bagel pizzas dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the butter and mozzarella cheese with plant-based alternatives. Use olive oil instead of butter and your favorite dairy-free cheese that melts well.
Is it okay to use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic gives the best flavor and aroma, a pinch of garlic powder mixed into the butter can work in a pinch if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand.
How long can these bagel pizzas be left out at room temperature?
It’s best to eat or refrigerate them within two hours to ensure food safety, especially because of the cheese and meat toppings.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Homemade Mini Bagel Pizzas Recipe as much as I do. It’s quick, fun, and absolutely scrumptious—perfect for those moments when you want to turn simple ingredients into a delicious treat that brings everyone together. Grab your mini bagels and get ready to create a new favorite snack that will keep everyone coming back for more!
PrintHomemade Mini Bagel Pizzas Recipe
These Homemade Mini Bagel Pizzas are a quick and delicious snack or appetizer, featuring toasted mini bagels topped with garlic butter, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in just 14 minutes, they’re perfect for a crowd or a fun family treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini bagel pizzas
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bagel Base
- 6 mini bagels, halved
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 clove garlic, pressed through a garlic press
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Toppings
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (Classico Traditional Pizza Sauce recommended)
- 1/4 cup mini pepperoni, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (Tillamook Farmstyle Cut recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare Bagels: Place mini bagels cut side up on a baking sheet to prepare for topping.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with pressed garlic and dried parsley until well combined.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the mini bagels.
- Broil Bagels: Place the buttered bagels in the oven under the broiler until the edges turn golden brown, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Add Pizza Sauce: Remove bagels from oven and spread approximately one tablespoon of pizza sauce onto each bagel half.
- Top with Cheese and Pepperoni: In a bowl, combine chopped mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sauced bagels.
- Broil to Melt: Return the bagels to the oven and broil for 1-2 minutes more, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Notes
- Watch the bagels carefully while broiling to prevent burning.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the garlic butter.
- Mini pepperoni can be substituted with other toppings like sliced olives or mushrooms.
- Serve immediately while hot and bubbly for the best taste.
- These mini bagel pizzas make great party appetizers or quick snacks.
