Save The first time I made these for a Super Bowl party, my friend Sarah stood by the oven literally counting down the seconds until they were done. Something about that combination of crispy bagel edges and bubbling cheese makes people completely forget their manners. I've since learned to make a double batch, because they disappear faster than you can say 'they're not quite ready yet.'
My youngest accidentally discovered that red pepper flakes make everything taste more 'grown-up' when she mistook them for Parmesan and sprinkled them on half the batch. Now that spicy version is the one everyone fights over at parties.
Ingredients
- 6 mini bagels, sliced in half: Look for bagels with a tight crumb structure so they dont get soggy under the sauce
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce: Spread it thin but go all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Part-skim melts beautifully without making the bagels too greasy
- 3648 mini pepperoni slices: Let them crisp up in the oven for that irresistible slightly curled texture
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty depth that makes these taste like they came from a pizzeria
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Rub it between your fingers before sprinkling to wake up the oils
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Start with less if youre serving spice-averse eaters
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped: Add this right before serving for a bright pop against all that rich cheese
Instructions
- Get everything ready:
- Preheat your oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later
- Prep your canvas:
- Arrange the mini bagel halves cut side up on your prepared baking sheet like little edible plates waiting to be topped
- Add the saucy foundation:
- Spread about 2 teaspoons of pizza sauce on each bagel half making sure to cover right to the edges
- Pile on the cheese:
- Divide the shredded mozzarella evenly among all the bagel halves so none are sadly undercheesed
- Layer the pepperoni:
- Top each bagel half with 3 or 4 mini pepperoni slices arranging them so no bite is without
- Sprinkle the seasonings:
- Add the Parmesan cheese dried oregano and red pepper flakes if using like confetti over a celebration
- Bake until bubbly:
- Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden in spots
- The hardest part:
- Let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes so you dont burn the roof of your mouth on that molten cheese
- Finish with freshness:
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil right before serving if you want them to look fancy
Save These became my go-to when my daughter started having friends over after school. Theres something about bite-sized food that makes middle schoolers actually sit at the table and talk instead of scattering to their rooms.
Freezing For Later
I always bake a double batch and freeze half for those nights when cooking feels impossible. Cool them completely on a wire rack first so they dont ice up in the freezer then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm before transferring to a freezer bag.
Toppings Beyond Pepperoni
My vegetarian version uses a mix of diced bell peppers and sliced olives with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for that savory punch. The pepperoni lovers in my family actually request this version sometimes now.
Serving Strategy
Set up a toppings bar and let everyone customize their own bagels. Put out small bowls with different cheeses vegetables and seasonings so guests feel like pizza artists.
- Keep the baked ones warm in a 200F oven while finishing subsequent batches
- Have extra napkins ready because the cheese stretch gets messy fast
- Cut them in half again for toddler-sized portions that are easier to manage
Save These little pizzas have saved me more times than I care to count when unexpected guests show up or the dinner plan falls through. Simple food made with love is always the right answer.
Recipe FAQs
- → What temperature should I bake the mini bagels?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal melting and crisping.
- → Can I substitute the pepperoni with other toppings?
Yes, try sliced olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, or pineapple for varied flavors.
- → How long do I bake the bagels?
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges crisp.
- → Is it possible to prepare these in advance?
Yes, bake, cool, and freeze them laid flat. Reheat in the oven or toaster when ready.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Omit pepperoni or use plant-based alternatives to suit vegetarian preferences.