Easy Homemade Cheese and Pepperoni Bagel Bites Recipe

Indulge in the nostalgia of your childhood with these mouthwatering homemade mini bagel bites. Perfect for any time of day, these chewy, cheesy, and crispy snacks will satisfy your cravings and transport you back to simpler times.

Remember those days when a box of frozen bagel bites was the ultimate treat? Now you can recreate that magic in your own kitchen, with a gourmet twist that’ll make your taste buds dance. These bite-sized delights are perfect for parties, game nights, or just when you need a comforting snack.

While some may argue that combining pizza and bagels is culinary sacrilege, we beg to differ. These mini morsels of joy take the best of both worlds and create something truly special. Plus, they’re way more fun than their full-sized counterparts!

The Secret to Soft and Chewy Mini Bagels

The key to perfect homemade bagel bites lies in the bagel itself. Our recipe ensures that your mini bagels stay fresh and tender for days, giving you plenty of time to transform them into delicious pizza bites at your leisure.

We’ve cracked the code to keeping these tiny bagels soft and chewy, even after baking. The trick? A clever baking setup that maintains moisture while creating that perfect crispy exterior. You’ll never go back to store-bought after tasting these!

Topping and Baking for Pizza Perfection

Once you’ve mastered the art of mini bagel making, it’s time to turn them into the pizza bites of your dreams. Here are some pro tips to ensure pizza perfection:

• Toast the split bagels briefly to create a barrier against sogginess
• Use a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce that can stand up to the hearty bagel base
• Opt for finely shredded mozzarella for that perfect melt and crispy cheese bits
• Dice your pepperoni for even distribution and faster cooking

After a quick trip to a hot oven, you’ll have a tray of crispy, cheesy, saucy bites that would make any ’80s kid proud. Who says you can’t relive your childhood – only this time, with better ingredients and culinary skills?

Homemade Mini Bagel Pizza Bites Recipe

Ingredients

• Homemade bagel dough
• 1 ounce barley malt syrup (4 teaspoons; 30g), optional
• Quick and easy Italian-American red sauce
• Salt, pepper, and fennel seeds to taste
• 12 ounces finely shredded mozzarella cheese (3 cups; 340g)
• 6 ounces pepperoni, such as Vermont Smoke & Cure (1 link; 170g)

Directions

1. For the Mini Bagels: Prepare dough as directed, then divide into 16 equal portions, about 1 1/2 ounces or 43g each. Shape each portion into a tight ball, then poke a hole in the center and stretch into a 1 1/2–inch ring. Arrange on a greased, parchment-lined half sheet pan, cover, and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours.
2. To Boil and Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a wire rack covered with parchment in a half sheet pan. Boil bagels in water with malt syrup (if using) for 15 seconds per side. Transfer to the prepared pan and bake for about 18 minutes until golden brown. Cool before proceeding or store in a paper bag for up to 36 hours.
3. To Finish: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Split and lightly toast bagel halves. Top each with sauce, seasonings, cheese, and diced pepperoni. Bake for about 16 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade pizza bagel bites!

Notes

This recipe is perfect for spreading out over a few days. Make the dough and sauce ahead of time, bake the bagels when convenient, and assemble your pizza bites whenever the craving strikes!