If you grew up loving classic bagel pizzas, these Giant Pizza Bagels are a nostalgic upgrade! Made with plain bagels brushed in garlic herb butter, layered with rich pizza sauce, and piled high with melty mozzarella and mini pepperoni, these are the ultimate weeknight dinner or game-day snack. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a sprinkle of grated parmesan and fresh basil, these pizza bagels are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fun, hands-on meal with kids. These pizza bagels are fresher and tastier than store-bought frozen versions, allowing you to control the flavors and toppings. They’re also great for feeding a crowd, whether it’s for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a game-day appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Plain bagels serve as the base, giving structure and a hearty bite to these pizza bagels. Brushing them with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and Italian herbs infuses them with rich flavor before adding the toppings.
Pizza sauce is the key to that classic pizza taste, and you can use store-bought or homemade for a fresher touch. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully over the bagels, creating that gooey, stretchy cheese layer that everyone loves.
Mini pepperoni is the perfect topping for pizza bagels, adding a meaty, salty bite in every bite. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt enhance the flavor, bringing out the best in every ingredient.
Once baked, these pizza bagels are finished with grated parmesan and fresh basil. The parmesan adds a bit of nutty umami flavor, while fresh basil provides a pop of color and freshness that makes the whole dish feel restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Giant Pizza Bagels
Preparing the Bagels
Preheat the oven to 350°F and slice the bagels in half. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian herbs, then brush the mixture over each bagel half. This not only adds flavor but also helps create a slightly crisp, golden base when baked.
Layering the Toppings
Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce over each bagel, making sure to cover the surface evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by mini pepperoni slices. A little Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt bring all the flavors together.
Baking to Perfection
Bake the bagels at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden around the edges.
Adding the Final Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle each pizza bagel with grated parmesan while still warm so that it slightly melts into the cheese. Top with fresh basil leaves for a bright, herby finish.
Storing & Reheating
Leftover pizza bagels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for five to seven minutes to keep the bagels crispy. The microwave works for a quick reheat, but the texture will be softer.
These Giant Pizza Bagels are an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that brings all the best parts of pizza and bagels together. Whether you’re making them for a quick lunch, a party snack, or a fun dinner idea, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them out and let me know in the comments what toppings you used!
Giant Pizza Bagels
Ingredients
For the garlic butter:
- 3 tbsp salted butter melted
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the pizza bagels:
- 3 plain bagels sliced in half
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup mini pepperoni you can use normal pepperoni as well!
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange bagel halves cut side up on a parchment lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture onto each bagel half.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce over each bagel and top with ¼ cup shredded mozzarella and about 2 tablespoons of mini pepperoni. Sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and lightly golden.Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with grated parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.