Giant Pizza Bagels: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Snack

Giant Pizza Bagels are a delightful twist on two beloved comfort foods that bring joy to both kids and adults alike. Imagine biting into a warm, chewy bagel topped with gooey cheese, savory tomato sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings—it’s a match made in culinary heaven! This recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also offers a fun and interactive cooking experience that can be enjoyed with family and friends.

The origins of pizza bagels can be traced back to the fusion of Italian and Jewish cuisines, particularly in New York City, where bagels and pizza are both iconic staples. Over the years, Giant Pizza Bagels have gained popularity for their convenience and versatility, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. People love this dish for its incredible taste and texture; the crispy exterior of the bagel combined with the melty cheese and flavorful toppings creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe and bring a slice of joy to your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 4 large bagels (plain or your favorite flavor)
• 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni (or your choice of toppings)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Bagels

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your pizza bagels cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown crust.
2. While the oven is heating, take your bagels and slice them in half horizontally. If you prefer a thicker base, you can leave them whole, but I find that halving them allows for more toppings and a better overall pizza experience.
3. Place the bagel halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. If you want to add a little extra flavor, brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven.

Preparing the Toppings

1. In a small bowl, mix together the dried oregano and garlic powder. This will be your seasoning mix that adds a burst of flavor to your pizza bagels.
2. Now, let’s get our cheese ready! In a large bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. This combination gives a great texture and flavor to the pizza bagels.
3. If you’re using additional toppings like vegetables or different meats, chop them up now. I love adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or even olives for a little extra zing!

Assembling the Pizza Bagels

1. Start by spreading a generous amount of pizza sauce on each bagel half. I usually go for about 2 tablespoons per half, but you can adjust this based on your preference for sauciness.
2. Next, sprinkle a layer of the cheese mixture over the sauce. Make sure to cover the sauce completely, as this will help keep the bagels from getting soggy.
3. Now it’s time to add your toppings! Place the sliced pepperoni (or your chosen toppings) evenly over the cheese. Don’t be shy; the more toppings, the better!
4. Finally, sprinkle a little more of the cheese mixture on top of the toppings. This will create a delicious cheesy crust when baked.
5. Sprinkle the oregano and garlic powder mix over the top of each assembled bagel half for that extra flavor kick.

Cooking Process

1. Once all your bagels are assembled, it’s time to pop them in the oven. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the cheese to be bubbly and slightly golden.
2. If you like your cheese extra crispy, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning!
3. Once they’re done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the bagels cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This will help the cheese set a bit and make them easier to handle.

Serving Suggestions

1. Transfer the giant pizza bagels to a serving platter. If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish them with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Serve them with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. This is a fun way to enjoy every bite and adds an extra layer of flavor.
3. These pizza bagels are perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun family dinner. You can even let everyone customize their own bagel with their favorite toppings!

Storage and Reheating

1. If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), let the bagels cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


Conclusion:

In summary, these Giant Pizza Bagels are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their snack game or impress friends and family at gatherings. The combination of a chewy bagel base topped with gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings creates a delightful experience that’s both satisfying and fun to eat. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! You can customize them with different sauces, cheeses, and toppings to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni, a veggie-loaded version, or even a sweet dessert bagel with Nutella and strawberries, the possibilities are endless. I encourage you to give this recipe a shot and unleash your creativity in the kitchen. Once you’ve made your Giant Pizza Bagels, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your creations on social media and tag your friends to join in on the fun. Trust me, once you try these delicious bagels, you’ll be hooked and want to make them again and again. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking! You won’t regret it! Print

Giant Pizza Bagels: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Snack
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• Author: Dottie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 pizza bagel halves 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Description
These pizza bagels are a fun and easy twist on traditional pizza, featuring gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a sprinkle of herbs. Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick family dinner, they are sure to be a hit with everyone!
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 4 large bagels (plain or your favorite flavor)
• 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni (or your choice of toppings)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
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Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the bagels in half horizontally.
3. Place the bagel halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, and brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the dried oregano and garlic powder.
5. In a large bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Chop any additional toppings like vegetables or different meats.
7. Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each bagel half.
8. Sprinkle a layer of the cheese mixture over the sauce.
9. Add your sliced pepperoni or chosen toppings evenly over the cheese.
10. Sprinkle a little more cheese mixture on top of the toppings.
11. Sprinkle the oregano and garlic powder mix over each assembled bagel half.
12. Bake the assembled bagels in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
13. For extra crispy cheese, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
14. Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
15. Transfer the pizza bagels to a serving platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
16. Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
17. Let everyone customize their own bagel with their favorite toppings!
18. If you have leftovers, let the bagels cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
• Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. Vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives can add extra flavor and nutrition.
• These pizza bagels are great for meal prep; just assemble and store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes