Description
A quick and easy 15-minute weeknight dinner solution featuring crispy, cheesy mini pizza bagels with a side of warm marinara dipping sauce. Perfect for busy families needing a fast, customizable meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 everything bagels (or plain/whole wheat)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pack mini pepperoni slices (optional)
- 1/2 cup extra marinara sauce (for dipping)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice bagels in half horizontally. If bagels are thick, toast lightly in a toaster for 30 seconds to create a barrier against sogginess.
- Line a 13×9 inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place bagel halves cut-side up on the sheet and brush lightly with butter or olive oil.
- Spread about 1 teaspoon of marinara sauce onto each bagel half, leaving a small border.
- Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Add pepperoni slices if desired.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned and edges are crispy.
- While bagels bake, warm the extra marinara sauce in a small saucepan or microwave.
- Stir oregano, Parmesan, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes into the warm dipping sauce.
- Remove bagels from oven, let cool for 1-2 minutes, and serve immediately with the warm dip.
Notes
Toast bagels lightly before adding sauce to prevent sogginess. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure crispiness. Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispness; avoid microwaving as it makes them chewy. Can be frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bagels per serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: mini pizza bagels, 5pm dinner hack, easy weeknight dinner, back to school meals, kid-friendly recipes, quick pizza, family dinner ideas