Description
These Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites are a quick and delicious appetizer or snack featuring toasted mini bagels topped with garlic butter, marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, then baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for parties, game days, or an easy homemade treat that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Bagels and Butter Mixture
- 8 mini bagels, split in half
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Toppings
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced (about 16 slices)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Toast Bagels: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Combine the melted butter, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Dip the cut sides of the mini bagels into this butter mixture, then place them cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast the bagels in the oven for 5 minutes until slightly golden and infused with garlic flavor.
- Prepare Tomatoes: While the bagels are toasting, place the halved cherry tomatoes in a bowl. Toss them with the extra virgin olive oil and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to lightly season the tomatoes.
- Assemble Pizzas: Take half of the toasted bagel halves and spread each with marinara sauce. Place a slice or two of mozzarella cheese on all the bagel halves. On the bagels without marinara sauce, arrange half of the fresh basil leaves and the seasoned cherry tomatoes. Finally, sprinkle all pizza bagels with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Return the assembled mini pizzas to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the mini pizza bagels from the oven. Top the ones with basil and tomato with the remaining basil leaves. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for extra color and a hint of spice. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle on top before baking.
- Use fresh mozzarella for best melting quality, but shredded mozzarella works as an alternative.
- Mini bagels can be substituted with regular bagels cut into smaller pieces if desired.
- These make great party appetizers and can be prepared ahead by assembling and baking just before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.
