Pizza Bagels | Crispy, Cheesy, Homemade Treats

The Comeback Snack You Didn’t Know You Needed

Let’s be honest—pizza bagels were the real MVP of after-school snacks back in the day. Crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable, they were the kind of thing you could throw together in five minutes flat, no instructions needed. And now? They’re making a comeback—and I am absolutely here for it.

Whether you’re feeding kids, meal-prepping snacks, or just embracing the nostalgic joy of eating mini pizzas on plain bagels (as one should), this post will show you exactly how to make homemade pizza bagels that are fast, easy, and actually kinda impressive. Yes, even the grown-ups will be fighting over the last one. Speaking from experience.

Why Pizza Bagels Totally Slap

They’re Ridiculously Easy

You don’t need pizza dough, a pizza stone, or 17 ingredients. Just grab a bagel, add tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings, and boom—you’ve got a legit pizza. It’s like pizza’s low-maintenance cousin who still shows up looking good.

They’re Customizable AF

Making them for picky eaters? No problem. Need a veggie-loaded version for yourself? Easy. Hosting a party? Create a mini bagel pizza bar and let people build their own.

You can’t mess this up. Okay… maybe you could if you burned the cheese beyond recognition, but we believe in you.

They’re Perfect Any Time of Day

Breakfast? Toss an egg on it.
Lunch? Grab a couple from the fridge.
Dinner? Add more toppings and call it a personal pizza.
Midnight snack? Obviously.

Craving inspiration? Check out the Breakfast Pizza guide on That Pizza Kitchen for more morning hero ideas

ingredients neatly arranged on a white marble or rustic wooden surface for making homemade pizza bagels

What You’ll Need (Spoiler: Not Much)

Here’s the basic easy pizza bagels formula:

Ingredients:

Plain or everything bagels (full-sized or mini bagel—dealer’s choice)
Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings of choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell pepper, onions, etc.)
Olive oil (optional, for brushing)
Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning

Optional extras:

Cream cheese layer under the sauce for a rich twist
Garlic butter brushed on the bagels pre-bake
Crushed red pepper if you’re feeling bold

FYI: You can absolutely use gluten-free bagels or those fancy sourdough ones if you’re feeling bougie.

bagel half, perfectly sliced and topped with marinara, mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni.

How to Make Pizza Bagels Like a Pro

Step 1: Prep the Bagels

Split your bagels in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. If you want extra flavor, brush the cut side lightly with olive oil or melted garlic butter. (Highly recommend.)

Step 2: Add the Sauce

Spread about a tablespoon of pizza sauce on each half. Go to the edge, but not overboard—you want flavor, not a soggy mess.

Pro tip: A little smear of cream cheese under the sauce? Game. Changer.

Step 3: Cheese It Up

Pile on the mozzarella. Be generous, but not mountainous—we want melty, not lava.

Step 4: Top It Off

Add your favorite toppings. Keep them bite-sized so they cook evenly. And if you’re doing a build-your-own situation, set out bowls of:

Pepperoni slices
Diced bell peppers
Chopped spinach
Pineapple (no judgment)
Cooked sausage
Sliced mushrooms

Step 5: Bake or Broil

Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Want crispy, golden cheese? Hit it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end—but watch it like a hawk.

Pizza Bagel Topping Combos You’ll Actually Want to Eat

If you’re feeling a little “meh” about the usual pepperoni-cheese situation, try these combos:

Spicy Italian

Marinara
Mozzarella + provolone
Crumbled hot Italian sausage
Sliced banana peppers
Sprinkle of Italian seasoning

Garden Fresh

Marinara
Mozzarella + feta
Diced red onion, spinach, black olives, and cherry tomatoes
Fresh basil after baking

Breakfast Pizza Bagels

Scrambled egg base
Shredded cheddar + mozzarella
Crumbled bacon
Chopped green onion
Hot sauce drizzle (because, yes)

Garlic Lover’s Dream

Olive oil + garlic paste as the base
Mozzarella + parmesan
Roasted garlic cloves
Spinach + caramelized onion

Ever tried a white pizza bagel with ricotta and spinach? No? That’s your next move.

Mini vs Full-Sized: Which Bagel Wins?

Let’s settle this real quick.

Full-sized pizza bagels:

Great for meals
More surface area for toppings
Feels like a “real” pizza (sorta)

Mini bagel pizzas:

Adorable
Perfect for parties or kids
Way easier to batch bake

IMO, mini pizza bagels are the MVP for gatherings, while full-sized ones are best when you’re home alone, in sweats, binge-watching Netflix, and pretending you’re only going to eat two.

selection of pizza bagels with different toppings

Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips (Because We’re Busy People)

Want to prep these in advance?

Do it. Make a big batch, flash-freeze them on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag.

When you’re ready to eat:

Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 15 minutes
Or microwave for 1–2 minutes (but expect softer results)

Perfect for lazy days, lunchboxes, or that one friend who always shows up hungry.

Are Pizza Bagels Healthier Than Pizza?

Let’s be honest: we’re not making kale smoothies here.

But if you’re looking for lighter options, you can:

Use thin bagels or bagel thins
Load up on veggies
Use part-skim mozzarella
Go easy on the cheese
Try turkey pepperoni or tofu crumbles

Still tastes amazing. Still feels like a treat. Win-win.

Where to Buy Pizza Bagels (If You’re Not Feeling the DIY Vibe)

Feeling lazy? We’ve all been there. You can grab frozen pizza bagels from places like:

Bagel Bites – The OG, still going strong
Trader Joe’s – Occasionally sells a gourmet version
Target or Walmart – Their store brands are surprisingly solid
Costco – Bulk pizza bagel heaven

Just be warned: they’re never quite as good as homemade pizza bagels. But when hunger strikes at midnight, you do what you gotta do.

Why Everyone Secretly Loves Pizza Bagels

There’s something delightfully chaotic about putting pizza on a bagel. It’s not fancy. It doesn’t require a sourdough starter. It’s not trying to be “elevated.” And that’s exactly why it works.

It’s comfort food with a nostalgic twist. It’s customizable. It’s fast. And honestly? It’s just plain fun to eat.

Ever had a bad time eating a pizza bagel? Didn’t think so.

Quick Recap Before You Toast One Up:

Pizza bagels = fast, easy, and delicious
Use whatever bagel you like (even gluten-free or sourdough)
Don’t skip the garlic butter or cream cheese layer
Toppings = infinite possibilities
Bake at 400°F for 10–12 mins, then broil if you’re feeling fancy
Mini versions = party gold
Make ahead, freeze, and reheat for snack emergencies

Final Thoughts: The Joy of Pizza… on a Bagel

At the end of the day, pizza bagels are one of those rare things that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re throwing them together for your kids or channeling your inner 12-year-old for dinner, they hit the spot in a way only nostalgic food can.

So, next time you’re staring blankly into your fridge wondering what to eat, remember: if you have a bagel, some cheese, and marinara sauce—you’re only minutes away from happiness. And maybe a little mozzarella stuck to your chin. But hey, worth it.

Author
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Zach Miller

Zach Miller is a homemade cook, certified pizza obsessive, and the kind of guy who thinks a good cup of coffee counts as a personality trait. When he's not perfecting his sourdough crust or experimenting with outrageous toppings (pineapple and hot honey—don’t knock it), he’s sharing fun, no-fuss recipes that actually make you want to cook. Expect plenty of melted cheese, caffeine-fueled kitchen adventures, and the occasional dad joke thrown in for free.

Pizza Bagels Are Back—and They’re Better Than You Remember

The Comeback Snack You Didn’t Know You Needed