Remember those mini pizza bagels from your childhood? Well, it’s time to supersize that nostalgia with these Giant Pizza Bagels that deliver all the comfort and flavor you love, but in a satisfying meal-sized portion. These oversized treats feature perfectly toasted bagels topped with zesty tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.
What makes these Giant Pizza Bagels special is how they combine the chewy texture of a fresh bagel with the savory satisfaction of a pizza. They’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner but fun enough to serve at your next casual gathering. The best part? Everyone can customize their own bagel with their favorite toppings!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights
- Customizable for picky eaters – everyone can add their favorite toppings
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
- Heartier and more satisfying than traditional mini pizza bagels
- Great for using up leftover bagels that might be getting slightly stale
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp salted butter, melted
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 plain bagels, sliced in half
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup mini pepperoni (can use normal pepperoni as well)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange bagel halves cut side up on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture onto each bagel half.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce over each bagel and top with ¼ cup shredded mozzarella and about 2 tablespoons of mini pepperoni. Sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with grated parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra-crispy bagels, toast them lightly before adding toppings.
- Try different bagel flavors like everything, onion, or asiago cheese for unique flavor combinations.
- Make it a breakfast pizza bagel by adding a fried egg on top after baking.
- For a vegetarian option, load up with bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and artichoke hearts.
- Drizzle with hot honey or ranch after baking for an extra flavor boost.
- Prep ahead by slicing bagels and storing toppings in containers for a DIY pizza bagel bar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Giant Pizza Bagels with a simple side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese and toppings. For a more substantial meal, pair with a cup of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combination.
These also make great game day snacks when cut into quarters after baking. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping and a variety of veggie sticks for a complete spread.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes for best results, or use an air fryer for 3-4 minutes.
- Look for bagels that aren’t too dense for the best texture – fresh bakery bagels work beautifully.
- The cheese should be fully melted and starting to brown in spots when done.
FAQs
Can I freeze these pizza bagels?
Yes! Prepare them up to the baking step, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best type of bagel to use?
Plain, everything, or asiago cheese bagels work best. Avoid sweet varieties like cinnamon raisin unless you’re going for a dessert pizza bagel.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 370°F for about 5-6 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bagel is crispy.
How can I prevent my bagels from getting soggy?
Lightly toasting the bagels before adding toppings helps create a barrier against the sauce. Also, avoid overloading with too many wet toppings.
[recipe_card]
