Delicious Giant Pizza Bagels – Easy Recipe

Looking for a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza? Look no further than these mouthwatering Giant Pizza Bagels! Let me share with you a little secret: these cheesy, crispy creations are a game-changer and might just become your new favorite go-to meal. Picture this – toasted bagels slathered in garlic butter, topped with savory pizza sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, all baked to perfection. These Giant Pizza Bagels are not only incredibly easy to make but also unbelievably satisfying.

The inspiration for these Giant Pizza Bagels came to me on a busy Friday night when I found myself without pizza dough but with a stash of bagels in the pantry. A stroke of genius led me to create this recipe that has since become a staple in our household. The magic truly happens when the flavors of garlic butter, sauce, and cheese meld together on a toasted bagel, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more. From casual dinners to weekend brunches, these pizza bagels are versatile and loved by both kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re serving them up for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, these Giant Pizza Bagels are sure to be a hit. Get ready to indulge in a delightful combination of crispy edges, chewy centers, and melty cheese that will leave you wondering why you ever ordered pizza delivery. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will elevate your pizza game to a whole new level with these irresistible Giant Pizza Bagels.

Quick Benefits

• Versatile: Easily customizable with various toppings to suit different tastes and occasions.
• Kid-friendly: Perfect portion sizes for kids and adults alike, making them a hit with the whole family.
• Convenient: Can be prepped ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake, making them a great option for busy weeknights or entertaining.
• Satisfying: Offers a perfect balance of crispy edges, chewy centers, and gooey cheese that appeals to pizza lovers of all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Giant Pizza Bagels – Easy Recipe Recipe

• Why You’ll Love Giant Pizza Bagels:
• Creative Twist on Pizza: A fun and unique take on traditional pizza using bagels as a base, adding a delightful twist to a classic dish.
• Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings, this recipe comes together in no time without the need for pizza dough.
• Kid-Friendly & Adult-Approved: Loved by both kids and adults, these giant pizza bagels are a crowd-pleaser that works well for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
• Versatile & Customizable: Easily adaptable to different tastes and preferences, allowing you to experiment with various toppings and bagel flavors to create your own signature pizza bagel.
• Perfect Textures: Achieves the ideal balance of crispy edges, chewy centers, and gooey cheese, providing a satisfying eating experience that will keep you coming back for more.
• Make-Ahead Option: Offers the convenience of prepping ahead of time, making them a great option for meal prepping or entertaining, ensuring you can enjoy freshly baked pizza bagels whenever you desire.
• Wide Range of Serving Ideas: Versatile enough to be served as a snack, meal, party appetizer, or even brunch, offering endless possibilities for different occasions and settings.
• Family Favorite Comfort Food: Evolved from a kitchen emergency to a beloved comfort food staple, these giant pizza bagels are sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Ingredients for Delicious Giant Pizza Bagels – Easy Recipe

For the garlic butter

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 tbsp salted butter, melted
• 2 cloves minced garlic

For the pizza bagels

• 3 plain bagels, sliced in half
• ¾ cup pizza sauce
• ½ cup mini pepperoni (can use normal pepperoni as well)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

How to Make Delicious Giant Pizza Bagels – Easy Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place bagel halves cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make garlic butter

Combine melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Use this mixture to brush onto each bagel half.

Step 3: Add toppings

Evenly spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each bagel. Top with ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella, 2 tablespoons of mini pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Step 5: Finish and serve

Take out of the oven, sprinkle with grated parmesan, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.

Storage Tips

To store the finished giant pizza bagels, it is best to eat them fresh from the oven for the optimal texture and flavor. However, if you need to make them ahead of time, you can prepare the bagels but refrain from baking them until you are ready to serve. This method allows you to assemble the ingredients in advance and then bake them when needed. If you assemble the bagels in advance and refrigerate them, add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold to ensure they are heated through.

Leftover giant pizza bagels can be wrapped in foil and reheated in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. While reheating in the oven helps maintain the texture better than the microwave, the bagels may not be as perfect as when freshly baked. Microwaving is a convenient option for reheating but may result in a chewier rather than crisp texture. Whether enjoyed as weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or snacks, these bagels offer a delightful combination of crispy, chewy, and gooey textures that make them a versatile and satisfying comfort food for the whole family.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of these giant pizza bagels, consider swapping out the mini pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, black olives, or bell peppers. These toppings can add a burst of flavor and texture to the dish. Additionally, you can experiment with different cheeses like feta or blue cheese for a unique twist on the classic mozzarella topping.

For a healthier spin on these pizza bagels, you can use whole wheat or multigrain bagels instead of plain ones. This substitution will add more fiber and nutrients to the dish while still maintaining the delicious flavors. You can also try using turkey pepperoni or vegetarian pepperoni slices as a leaner protein option if you’re looking to reduce the fat content. Feel free to get creative with your favorite pizza toppings to customize these giant pizza bagels to your liking!

Serving Suggestions

For a creative twist on serving these giant pizza bagels, try setting up a DIY pizza bagel bar for a fun and interactive meal. Provide a variety of toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, and different cheeses for everyone to customize their own bagel creation. This is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings where guests can get creative with their flavor combinations.

Another serving suggestion is to turn these giant pizza bagels into a delicious brunch dish by pairing them with a refreshing mimosa bar. Offer different fruit juices and fresh fruits for guests to create their own mimosa cocktails to sip alongside their savory pizza bagels with scrambled eggs. This brunch setup is perfect for a relaxed weekend get-together with friends or a special occasion celebration.

FAQs for Delicious Giant Pizza Bagels – Easy Recipe

Can I use whole grain or flavored bagels instead of plain ones?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of bagels to add extra flavor and texture to your giant pizza bagels. Everything bagels, asiago cheese bagels, or even cinnamon raisin bagels can create unique and delicious variations.

Can I make vegetarian or other customized versions of these giant pizza bagels?

Yes, you can customize these pizza bagels to suit your preferences. For a vegetarian version, consider toppings like sautéed mushrooms, black olives, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts. You can also try different sauces like pesto and toppings like feta cheese, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.

How can I store and reheat leftover giant pizza bagels?

To store leftovers, wrap the giant pizza bagels in foil and refrigerate. When ready to reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. While microwaving is convenient, it may result in a chewier texture compared to oven reheating. For best results, enjoy the giant pizza bagels fresh from the oven.

Can I prepare these giant pizza bagels in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the giant pizza bagels in advance, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if cooking them from cold. This make-ahead option is perfect for busy weeknights or when hosting guests.

Conclusion

I hope you give these Giant Pizza Bagels a try and discover the joy they bring to your table, just as they have to mine. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner, a fun party appetizer, or a cozy movie night snack, these bagels never fail to hit the spot. The sheer versatility of toppings means you can get creative and tailor them to suit any taste preference – from classic pepperoni to gourmet Mediterranean flavors.

So, the next time you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal, remember the humble bagel that stepped up to become a star in the world of pizza. Giant Pizza Bagels may have started as a kitchen emergency solution, but they have earned their place as a beloved family favorite in my home. Why settle for delivery when you can whip up a batch of these delicious bagels in no time? Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of Giant Pizza Bagels and let them become a regular feature in your meal rotation too. Enjoy!

Delicious Giant Pizza Bagels – Easy Recipe

Irresistible giant pizza bagels baked to crispy perfection on a garlic butter-soaked bagel base, featuring gooey cheese and toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time12 Minutes

Total Time17 Minutes

CuisineItalian-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (6 pizza bagels)

Ingredients

For the garlic butter

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 tbsp salted butter, melted
• 2 cloves minced garlic

For the pizza bagels

• 3 plain bagels, sliced in half
• ¾ cup pizza sauce
• ½ cup mini pepperoni (can use normal pepperoni as well)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place bagel halves cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Make garlic butter: Combine melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Use this mixture to brush onto each bagel half.
3. Add toppings: Evenly spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each bagel. Top with ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella, 2 tablespoons of mini pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
4. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
5. Finish and serve: Take out of the oven, sprinkle with grated parmesan, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.