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Combining crunchy bagels with yummy pizza fixings makes these homemade Pizza Bagels totally mouthwatering. They're done in about 15 minutes and give you all that pizza goodness while using bagels instead of dough.
After trying dozens of versions, I found that balancing sauce and cheese while managing heat is key to amazing pizza bagels. When my children started asking for these instead of calling for delivery, I knew we'd hit the jackpot.
Key Components
- Bagels: Go with plain ones for the best foundation
- Passata: Makes the ideal base sauce
- Mozzarella Cheese: Pre-shredded works better than the fresh kind
Step-By-Step Guide
- Making Your Sauce (3 minutes):
- Combine passata in container. Throw in some garlic granules. Mix dried oregano. Add salt and pepper as needed. Set aside for later.
- Putting It All Together (5 minutes):
- Cut bagels in half. Add sauce in thin layer. Don't make them soggy. Sprinkle cheese liberally. Add favorite toppings.
- Cooking Options (time depends on method):
- Oven: 8-10 minutes at 400°F. Air Fryer: 5-7 minutes at 375°F. Grill: 3-5 minutes with high heat.
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Cooking Techniques
Different cooking ways need different attention. Ovens give slow, even heat that melts cheese nicely while making edges crispy. Air fryers make them extra crunchy but you'll need to check often so they don't burn. Using a grill gives beautiful brown spots but you can't walk away or they'll char.
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Winning Topping Ideas
- Simple pepperoni with loads of cheese
- Sweet pineapple with ham pieces
- Sliced mushrooms and black olives
- Tangy BBQ chicken with diced onion
Prep Ahead Ideas
They taste best fresh, but you can get stuff ready beforehand:
- Get sauce ready and keep it in the fridge
- Shred cheese earlier in the day
- Cut bagels ahead of time
- Chop toppings in advance
Keeping Leftovers
If you've got some left over:
- Let them cool down totally
- Put them in sealed containers
- Heat them up using same method as before
- Try not to use the microwave
These Pizza Bagels mix the easy grab-and-go nature of bagels with everybody's favorite pizza flavors. They're perfect when kids are starving or when you need something quick but tasty. The mix of that crunchy bagel, gooey melted cheese, and whatever toppings you like makes for something that's fun to put together and even better to eat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the fastest way to cook them?
- The air fryer is lightning quick, the grill gives a nice crispy top, and the oven works best for bigger batches.
- → Can I prep them in advance?
- Definitely! You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days, and they still taste great cold.
- → What type of bagels work best?
- Plain bagels are ideal, but whole wheat is a great alternative if you'd prefer.
- → Is freezing a good idea?
- Freezing is an option, but keep in mind that reheated bagels might be a bit chewy.
- → Do they work with any toppings?
- Absolutely! Pick anything you like—pepperoni, veggies, chicken, ham, or just stick to cheese!