Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites Recipe

Ever get those pizza cravings but don’t want to wait forever for delivery? I get it. That’s why I love making homemade mini pizza bagel bites—quick, easy, and so, so good!

These little bites are everything you love about pizza, but bite-sized and made fresh. No weird frozen stuff here—just soft bagels, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings. Plus, they’re fun to make, especially if you’ve got little helpers in the kitchen!

The best part? You can make them exactly how you like. Want extra cheese? Go for it. Love pepperoni? Pile it on. You’re in control, and they turn out delicious every time.

So, let’s skip the freezer aisle and whip up some homemade pizza bagel bites instead. They’re fast, fun, and totally satisfying. Ready to make some? Let’s do it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Better Than Store-Bought: Skip the frozen aisle—these homemade bites are fresher, tastier, and free from preservatives.
• Easy and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, freeze them, and reheat anytime for an instant snack.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings:

This recipe makes 12 mini pizza bagel bites, enough for 2-4 people, depending on how hungry they are.

Difficulty Level:

Super easy—perfect for beginners, fun for experienced cooks who want a quick treat.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make the best mini pizza bagel bites, you’ll need:

• Baking Sheet: Essential for baking the bagel bites to crispy perfection.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For mixing the garlic butter topping.
• Pastry Brush: To spread the butter mixture evenly.
• Grater: For freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
• Knife: To slice cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
• Oven or Air Fryer: Either works great, but an air fryer will give extra crispiness.

Ingredients for Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious bites (exact measurements will be in the recipe card below):

• Mini Bagels: The base of our pizza bites—classic, whole wheat, or gluten-free all work.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the base.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for a punch of garlicky goodness.
• Italian Seasoning: A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary for classic pizza flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: A little sprinkle for a nutty, salty taste.
• Marinara Sauce: The heart of any good pizza—use homemade or store-bought.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sliced thin for a burst of fresh tomato flavor.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Enhances the flavor and gives a slight crisp to the toppings.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: A must-have for that fresh, herby touch.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic stretchy cheese pull.
• Optional Garnishes: Parsley, red pepper flakes, or extra parmesan for extra flavor.

Variations for Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

• Pepperoni Lovers: Add mini pepperoni slices for a classic touch.
• Veggie Delight: Top with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot honey before serving.
• BBQ Style: Swap marinara for BBQ sauce and add shredded chicken.
• Air Fryer Method: Use an air fryer for an extra crispy base.

How to Make Mini Pizza Bagel Bites – Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Bagels

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Slice the mini bagels in half to create two open-faced pizza bases. Arrange them cut-side up on the baking sheet.
3. Toast the bagels slightly (optional but recommended): Place them in the oven for 3-5 minutes until lightly crisp. This helps prevent them from getting soggy when the sauce is added.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

1. In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
2. Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese to the butter. Stir well.
3. Using a pastry brush, spread a thin layer of the garlic butter mixture onto each bagel half. This adds a rich, garlicky flavor and helps create a crispy base.

Step 3: Add the Sauce & Toppings

1. Spread marinara sauce onto each bagel half. Use about 1 tablespoon per piece, adjusting to taste. Don’t overload, or the bagels may turn soggy.
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over each bagel. Aim for a good balance—enough to melt beautifully but not overflow.
3. Add sliced cherry tomatoes (or other toppings of your choice). Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top for extra flavor.
4. If you like a little spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a kick.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. If you like crispy, golden-brown cheese, switch to broil mode for the last 1-2 minutes (watch closely to prevent burning).

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes (the cheese will be very hot).
2. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of fresh flavor.
3. Add optional garnishes like parsley, extra parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

Alternative Cooking Method: Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Arrange the prepared bagel bites in a single layer in the basket.
• Air fry for 5-6 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are crisp.

How to Serve Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

These mini pizzas are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• As a Snack or Appetizer: Serve with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• For Lunch or Dinner: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Game Day Favorite: A fun and easy finger food for parties, game nights, or family gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly Meal: Perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks—just pack them in an airtight container.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover pizza bagel bites (which is rare because they’re so good!), follow these storage tips:

Refrigeration:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Keep them in a single layer or place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing:

• Let the bagel bites cool completely.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours (this prevents them from sticking together).
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

For the best texture and taste, avoid microwaving (it makes them soggy). Instead, try one of these methods:

Oven (Best Method for Crispy Bites)

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Arrange the bagel bites on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes (if refrigerated) or 15 minutes (if frozen), until heated through.

Air Fryer (Quickest & Crispiest Option)

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Air fry for 4-5 minutes (if refrigerated) or 8 minutes (if frozen), until crispy and hot.

Toaster Oven (Great for Small Batches)

• Place the bagel bites on a toaster oven tray.
• Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

✔️ Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Grating your own mozzarella will give you the best cheesy stretch.

✔️ Toast the Bagels First – A quick pre-toast prevents the bagels from getting soggy once you add the sauce.

✔️ Don’t Overload with Sauce – Too much sauce can make the bagels mushy. A light layer is enough to bring out the flavor.

✔️ Customize with Your Favorite Toppings – Try cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple for variety.

✔️ Make a Large Batch & Freeze – These bagel bites freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead snack.

✔️ Use an Air Fryer for Crispier Bites – The air fryer creates a crispy bottom while keeping the toppings perfectly melted.

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Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (2 Bagel Bites)
Calories	~180
Carbohydrates	22g
Protein	8g
Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	12mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g
Sodium	280mg

(Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on the brand of ingredients used.)

FAQs About Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bagel bites and freeze them before baking. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

What’s the best cheese for pizza bagel bites?

Mozzarella is the best for a gooey melt, but you can mix it with cheddar, parmesan, or provolone for extra flavor.

Can I use full-size bagels?

Absolutely! Just increase the baking time by a few minutes to ensure they heat through properly.

What’s the best way to prevent soggy bagels?

Pre-toast the bagels for 3-5 minutes before adding the sauce. This helps create a sturdier base.

Conclusion

Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites are a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a snackable form. Whether you’re making them for a party, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a quick lunch, these little bites will satisfy every craving. Try them with different toppings, freeze a batch for later, and enjoy homemade pizza goodness anytime!