Cheesy Garlicky Pepperoni Bagels

This giant pizza bagel recipe transforms an old childhood favorite into a satisfying meal that adults will crave just as much as kids. The combination of garlicky butter, savory sauce, and melty cheese on a chewy bagel creates an irresistible quick meal that's infinitely customizable.

I first made these pizza bagels when my nephew came to visit and was skeptical about "grown-up food." These disappeared in minutes and he now requests them every time he visits. They've become my go to solution for impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients

• Bagels choose plain bagels for a neutral base but everything bagels add extra flavor
• Butter creates a rich garlic spread that prevents sogginess
• Fresh garlic provides much more flavor than garlic powder
• Italian seasoning adds classic pizza flavor in one convenient blend
• Pizza sauce use store bought for convenience or homemade for extra flavor
• Mozzarella cheese low moisture works best for that perfect melt
• Mini pepperoni covers more surface area than regular slices
• Parmesan cheese adds a salty umami finish that elevates the whole dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice bagels in half horizontally and arrange them cut side up on the sheet. Make sure to use fresh bagels for the best texture they should be chewy but not stale.

Create Garlic Butter

Melt butter completely and stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning until well combined. This aromatic mixture will seep into the bagel creating a flavorful base that prevents sogginess. Take time to brush it generously over the entire cut surface.

Add Sauce and Toppings

Spread pizza sauce evenly across each bagel half leaving a small border around the edge. Distribute mozzarella cheese evenly among the bagels then arrange pepperoni pieces so they cover most of the surface. The mini pepperoni works exceptionally well because it provides more pepperoni flavor in every bite.

Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch carefully during the final minutes. The cheese should be completely melted with light golden spots but not browned or burned. The bagels should be toasted around the edges.

Finish with Flair

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese which will melt slightly from the residual heat. Add fresh basil if desired for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Let cool for just a minute before serving to avoid mouth burns.

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My absolute favorite version includes caramelized onions and crumbled goat cheese instead of pepperoni. I discovered this combination accidentally when trying to use up ingredients before a vacation and now it's requested at every family gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

These pizza bagels store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore the crispy texture. For longer storage freeze the assembled but unbaked bagels on a baking sheet until solid then transfer to freezer bags. They can be baked directly from frozen adding about 5 minutes to the cooking time. The texture remains remarkably good unlike many frozen pizza products.

Clever Variations

Transform these pizza bagels into different flavor profiles with minimal effort. Try a Mediterranean version with olive tapenade feta and sun dried tomatoes or go for a breakfast pizza with scrambled eggs bacon bits and cheddar cheese. For a plant based option use vegan cheese and top with roasted vegetables. The bagel base holds up to heavier toppings better than traditional pizza dough making these variations possible.

Serving Suggestions

While these pizza bagels are perfect on their own pair them with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to create a complete meal. For parties arrange them on a large platter surrounded by marinara dipping sauce and ranch dressing. I often serve them alongside a vegetable crudité platter for balance. For kids cut each bagel half into quarters to create bite sized pieces perfect for little hands.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these pizza bagels ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pizza bagels up to the baking step, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake for 12-15 minutes (adding a few extra minutes since they'll be cold). You can also freeze the assembled unbaked bagels for up to 3 months - just bake from frozen, adding about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

→ What other toppings work well on these bagels?

These bagels are incredibly versatile! Try classic combinations like mushroom and olive, or get creative with buffalo chicken and blue cheese. Vegetarian options like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and spinach work beautifully. For a breakfast version, try scrambled egg, bacon bits, and cheddar cheese. The key is not to overload them with too many wet ingredients that might make the bagels soggy.

→ What type of bagels work best for this dish?

Plain bagels provide the best neutral canvas, but you can experiment with flavored varieties too. Everything bagels add extra seasoning, while onion bagels complement the savory toppings. Whole wheat bagels offer a nuttier flavor and additional fiber. For best results, choose bagels that are fresh but not too soft - day-old bagels with a slightly firmer texture hold up better under the toppings.

→ How can I make these pizza bagels gluten-free?

You can easily adapt this dish using gluten-free bagels, which are widely available in most grocery stores. Just ensure your other ingredients like the pizza sauce and seasonings are also gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will be just as delicious. If you can't find gluten-free bagels, English muffins or thick gluten-free bread slices can work as alternatives.

→ Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?

Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella will give you a more authentic Italian flavor and that classic stretchy cheese pull. If using fresh mozzarella, slice it thinly rather than shredding, and consider patting the slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the bagels from becoming soggy. Keep in mind that fresh mozzarella melts differently than pre-shredded, creating pockets of creamy cheese rather than an even coverage.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover pizza bagels?

For the best texture, reheat leftover pizza bagels in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bagel is crisp. While microwaving is faster (30-45 seconds), it can make the bagels soggy. For a quick crisp-up method, try a few minutes in an air fryer at 325°F. Avoid reheating multiple times as this can dry out the bagels and affect their flavor.