Mini Pizza Bagels are the perfect bite-sized snack that combines the joy of pizza with the convenience of a bagel. They're great for parties, family gatherings, or even as a fun meal for kids. Ready in just minutes, these tasty morsels will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Starting with mini bagels, they serve as the perfect base, providing a chewy yet crispy texture. Tomato sauce brings the essential pizza flavor, melding with gooey mozzarella cheese for that classic stretchy bite. Pepperoni adds a savory, spicy hit, while black olives offer a briny contrast. The green bell pepper gives a fresh crunch, balancing the richness. A sprinkle of dried oregano and garlic powder enhances the overall flavor, and a touch of olive oil helps everything crisp up beautifully in the oven.
These mini pizza bagels pair wonderfully with a fresh, crisp salad, like a Caesar or garden salad. They're also great alongside a bowl of minestrone soup for a heartier meal. For a party, serve them with a selection of dips like ranch or marinara for extra flavor options.
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that once your mini pizza bagels are assembled, they’ll bake evenly and the cheese will melt just right. Take your mini bagels and split them in half, laying them cut side up on a baking sheet. This is crucial for getting that perfect crispy base.
Next, brush each bagel half lightly with olive oil. This step helps in crisping up the bagel base and adds a subtle, rich flavor. Now, spread about 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce onto each half. You can adjust the amount based on how saucy you like your pizzas.
Sprinkle on some garlic powder and dried oregano over the sauce. These herbs and spices are your secret weapon for adding depth and aroma. Then, generously top each bagel with shredded mozzarella cheese—you want enough to cover but not so much that it spills over the sides.
Now comes the fun part—toppings! Add your pepperoni, black olives, and green bell pepper. Feel free to get creative here, or let the kids join in to make their personal favorites.
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for bubbly, golden brown cheese. Once done, let them cool slightly—they’ll be hot!—before serving.