How to Make Pizza Bagels in Oven?

Gathering Ingredients for Pizza Bagels

Making pizza bagels starts with gathering the right ingredients.

The quality of your ingredients will determine how delicious your finished pizza bagels turn out.

Choosing the Right Bagels

Plain bagels work best as they provide a neutral base for your pizza toppings.

Look for fresh bagels that are dense and chewy. Mini bagels make great appetizers, while full-sized bagels work well for a heartier meal.

Avoid bagels with strong flavors like cinnamon raisin or blueberry. Everything bagels can work if you enjoy the added garlic and seeds with your pizza toppings.

Pre-sliced bagels save time, but cutting them yourself ensures even halves.

Day-old bagels are actually perfect for pizza bagels as they're slightly drier and will crisp up nicely in the oven without getting soggy.

Selecting Quality Pizza Sauce

A good pizza sauce forms the foundation of your pizza bagels.

Marinara or tomato sauce works perfectly. Look for sauces with minimal added sugar and authentic Italian seasonings.

For a simple homemade alternative, mix tomato sauce with a little olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt.

This gives you control over the flavor and thickness.

Don't overload your bagels with sauce. About 1-2 tablespoons per bagel half is ideal to prevent sogginess while providing enough flavor.

Picking the Best Cheese and Toppings

Shredded mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza bagels. It melts beautifully and gives that stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.

For extra flavor, try mixing in a little parmesan or provolone.

Popular Topping Ideas:

• Pepperoni (regular or mini)
• Italian sausage (pre-cooked)
• Thinly sliced mushrooms
• Diced bell peppers
• Finely chopped onions
• Fresh basil (add after baking)

For gourmet pizza bagels, consider prosciutto with arugula (add the arugula after baking) or a drizzle of olive oil over your finished bagels.

Pre-cook veggies like mushrooms and onions slightly before adding them to remove excess moisture. This prevents soggy bagels and ensures everything cooks evenly in the oven.

Preparing Your Bagels for Assembly

Slicing Bagels Evenly

Start by slicing your plain bagels horizontally with a sharp serrated knife.

Hold the bagel firmly with your non-cutting hand, but keep your fingers away from the cutting path.

Aim for even halves so both pieces cook at the same rate. If you're making several pizza bagels, try to cut all bagels to the same thickness. This helps them bake evenly when they go in the oven together.

If your bagels are frozen, let them thaw for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This makes cutting easier and safer.

Toasting Bagels for Added Crunch

Pre-toasting your bagel halves gives your pizza bagels a crunchier base.

Place the bagel halves cut-side up on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. This creates a moisture barrier that helps prevent soggy pizza bagels.

For extra flavor, sprinkle a little garlic powder on the oiled surface before toasting. This adds a delicious pizza parlor taste to your creation.

Toast the bagels in a preheated 375°F oven for about 3-4 minutes. You're looking for a light golden color, not fully toasted. The bagels will continue cooking once you add toppings.

Let the pre-toasted bagels cool for 1-2 minutes before adding sauce and toppings. This quick cooling period helps the bagels firm up and creates the perfect base for your pizza toppings.

Assembling Pizza Bagels

Layering Sauce and Cheese

Start with bagel halves placed cut-side up on your baking sheet.

Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each bagel half. Be careful not to add too much sauce, as this can make your bagels soggy.

The sauce should cover the surface evenly but leave a small rim around the edge. This helps create a nice crust.

Next, add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. For each bagel half, use about 1-2 tablespoons of cheese. The cheese acts as a "glue" for your other toppings and creates that stretchy, gooey texture everyone loves.

For extra flavor, mix in some grated parmesan cheese with your mozzarella. This adds a sharp, salty kick that balances the sauce perfectly.

Adding Toppings Strategically

Classic choices include pepperoni (regular or mini), mushrooms, and onions. Slice or chop all toppings into small pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.

For meat toppings like pepperoni or Italian sausage, use about 6 slices per bagel half or 1 tablespoon of crumbled sausage. Pre-cook any raw meats before adding them to your bagels.

Try these popular topping combinations:

• Classic: Pepperoni and extra cheese
• Veggie: Mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers
• Gourmet: Italian sausage with arugula added after baking

For a finishing touch, sprinkle a pinch of Italian herbs or red pepper flakes before baking for an extra flavor boost.

Baking Your Pizza Bagels to Perfection

Setting the Right Oven Temperature

Preheating your oven is a must for pizza bagels.

Set your oven to 400-425°F and give it enough time to reach full temperature before baking. This high heat helps create that perfect balance of crispy outside and warm inside.

For frozen pizza bagels, you might need to adjust slightly.

Most frozen brands recommend temperatures around 425°F, but always check the package instructions.

Your baking time will typically be 10-12 minutes, but this can vary. Keep an eye on your bagels - they're done when the cheese is bubbly and the edges turn golden brown. If you like them extra crispy, add 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Using the Proper Baking Equipment

For crispier bottoms, try these options:

• Pizza stone: Preheat it with your oven for extra-crispy bagels
• Baking sheet lined with aluminum foil: Makes cleanup easier and adds crispness
• Perforated pizza pan: Allows air to circulate under the bagels

Don't overcrowd your baking sheet. Leave a little space between each bagel half to allow hot air to circulate properly. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy all around.

For easy cleanup, consider lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil before placing your pizza bagels on it.

Serving and Enjoying Your Pizza Bagels

Complementing With Side Dishes

Pizza bagels make a perfect snack on their own, but pairing them with the right sides takes the experience to another level.

Try serving them with a small bowl of extra marinara sauce for dipping - this works especially well with mini pizza bagels!

Ranch dressing is another popular dipping option that adds a creamy contrast to the savory bagels. Kids and adults alike love this combo!

For a more complete meal, add a simple green salad with light vinaigrette. The fresh, crisp vegetables balance the richness of the pizza bagels.

If you're serving pizza bagels as party appetizers, arrange them on a platter alongside other finger foods like mozzarella sticks, veggie sticks, or buffalo wings.

Presentation and Garnishing Tips

Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top right after they come out of the oven for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Fresh herbs like basil add a pop of color and freshness. Tear or chop a few leaves and scatter them over your pizza bagels just before serving.

For those who enjoy some heat, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds both color and a spicy kick.

Arrange your pizza bagels on a wooden cutting board for a rustic presentation, or use colorful plates that complement the red sauce and toppings.

Mini pizza bagels look adorable served in individual ramekins or small bowls, making them perfect for parties or family movie nights!

Storing and Reheating Pizza Bagels

Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.

Label your container with the date so you know when you stored them. Frozen pizza bagels can last up to 3 months in the freezer, making them a perfect make-ahead snack for busy days.

Reheating for Best Results

Preheat to 350°F and place your refrigerated pizza bagels directly on the rack or a baking sheet. Heat for 8-10 minutes until hot and bubbly.

For frozen pizza bagels, there's no need to thaw first! Just bake them at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until thoroughly heated.

Got an air fryer? It's perfect for crispy results! Heat refrigerated pizza bagels at 350°F for 6-8 minutes.

Avoid the microwave if possible, as it makes the bagels chewy instead of crispy. But if you're in a hurry, microwave for 30 seconds and then toast briefly for a better texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it recommended to toast bagels before turning them into pizza bagels?

Yes, lightly toasting the bagels before adding toppings is often recommended for the best texture.

Toasting for 3-5 minutes helps prevent the bagels from becoming soggy when you add sauce and toppings.

This extra step creates a barrier that keeps the sauce from soaking into the bagel too much, resulting in a better pizza bagel experience.

How long should I bake pizza bagels at 350 degrees Fahrenheit?

At 350°F, you should bake your pizza bagels for approximately 15-20 minutes.

This lower temperature requires a longer baking time to ensure the cheese melts properly and the bagels become crispy.

Keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark to make sure they don't overcook, as oven temperatures can vary.

What are some tips for successfully making homemade pizza bagels in the air fryer?

Air fryers make excellent pizza bagels in less time than a conventional oven.

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.

Prepare your bagels with sauce, cheese, and toppings, then place them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.

Cook for 5-6 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy.

For even better results, spray the air fryer basket with a little cooking oil before adding your bagels to prevent sticking.