Giant pizza bagels are like the love child of a classic New York bagel and a cheesy, delicious pizza. Picture this: a warm, chewy bagel crowned with zesty tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite toppings—what’s not to love? The aroma wafts through your kitchen, drawing everyone in like moths to a flame. creamy Cajun shrimp pasta delicious white pizza with prosciutto Just the thought of it makes your mouth water in anticipation. For more inspiration, check out this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup recipe.
I remember the first time I made giant pizza bagels for my friends during our weekly game night. As soon as they took their first bite, their eyes widened, and I knew I had struck gold in the culinary world. savory mini quiches These delightful creations are perfect for any occasion: movie nights, casual get-togethers, or even a midweek dinner when you’re craving something fun and comforting.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This giant pizza bagels recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for those busy weeknights
- The flavor combinations are endless; you can customize them with all your favorite toppings
- The vibrant colors and textures make them an instant hit at any gathering
- They’re versatile enough to be served as appetizers or main dishes!
I served these at a party once, and everyone kept asking me for the recipe. It was a proud moment indeed!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Bagels: Choose fresh bagels for maximum chewiness; you can also use frozen ones if that’s all you have.
-
Pizza sauce: Use store-bought or homemade sauce for that rich tomato flavor everyone loves.
-
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Opt for whole milk mozzarella for creaminess; it melts beautifully.
-
Your favorite toppings: Think pepperoni, bell peppers, or olives—let your creativity shine!
-
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle adds that authentic pizzeria flavor; don’t skip this step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat the oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, you’ll have a hot oven waiting when it’s time to bake those beauties.
Prepare the bagels: Slice each bagel in half horizontally. If you want extra crunchiness, lightly toast them before adding toppings.
Add pizza sauce: Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce on each bagel half. Don’t be shy; we want every bite packed with flavor!
Sprinkle cheese generously: Top each sauced bagel half with shredded mozzarella cheese until it’s practically spilling off the sides—no one likes skimpy cheese!
Add toppings and seasonings: Pile on your favorite toppings and finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. The aroma will already make you smile!
Bake until golden brown: Place the topped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15 minutes. Look for that glorious golden brown color on the cheese—this is key!
Once you’ve followed these steps and pulled out your giant pizza bagels from the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. They’ll be bubbling and cheesy—just wait until you take that first bite!
You Must Know
- Giant Pizza Bagels are not just a tasty treat; they can also be a fun family activity
- Customize them with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen
- These bagels are perfect for game day or a cozy movie night
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, slice bagels in half and arrange them on a baking sheet. Spread sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add toppings before baking for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional tomato sauce for pesto or BBQ sauce. Experiment with different cheeses like feta or gouda, and don’t hesitate to toss in veggies or leftover meats for added flavor and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Giant Pizza Bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly toasted bagels, broil them for the last minute of baking
- Don’t overload on toppings; less is more for even cooking
- Always use fresh ingredients to elevate flavors in this simple recipe
Making Giant Pizza Bagels became a family tradition after my kids declared them “the best pizza ever.” They loved creating their own combinations, which sparked creativity and laughter every time we made them together.
FAQ
What type of bagels work best for Giant Pizza Bagels?
Any bagel variety works well, but plain or sesame bagels are classic favorites.
Can I freeze Giant Pizza Bagels?
Yes! Freeze assembled bagels before baking for easy future meals.
How do I prevent soggy toppings on my pizza bagels?
Avoid excess sauce and pre-cook toppings like mushrooms or spinach to reduce moisture. fresh strawberry spinach salad.

Giant Pizza Bagels
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Giant Pizza Bagels combine the chewy delight of New York bagels with the cheesy goodness of pizza, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for game nights or casual get-togethers, these customizable bagels are topped with zesty tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and your choice of toppings. Easy to make and fun to share, they are sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 large bagels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup assorted toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, olives)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice each bagel in half horizontally and place them on a baking sheet.
- Spread pizza sauce generously on each half.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add your preferred toppings and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Giant Pizza Bagel (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For extra crunch, lightly toast the bagels before adding toppings. Experiment with sauces like pesto or BBQ for a unique twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.