Have you ever wished you could take all the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic pizza bagel bites and turn it into one big, comforting dish that feeds the whole family? A dish that’s even easier, even faster, and tastes even better than the freezer version? If that makes you curious, you’re in the right place—because this Pizza Bagel Bites Casserole is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner or party snack.
This recipe gives you everything you love about pizza bagel bites—crispy edges, warm bagels, melted cheese, and tasty toppings—but turns it into a cozy, bubbly casserole that takes only minutes to assemble. Whether you’re cooking for kids, teens, or hungry adults, this dish never disappoints.
Print
Pizza Bagel Bites Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Pizza Bagel Bites Casserole is a cheesy, saucy, pull-apart bake that turns everyone’s favorite snack into a full, family-sized meal. Mini bagels are layered with pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s quick to prep, easy enough for beginner cooks, and perfect for weeknights, parties, or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8–10 mini bagels, sliced in half
- 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce (or marinara)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1/3 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing bagels)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins
- Cooked sausage crumbles
- Diced bell peppers
- Sliced mushrooms
- Red pepper flakes
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
- Prepare the Bagels: Slice the mini bagels in half and arrange them cut-side up in the baking dish. Fit them snugly together to create a solid base. For extra crispiness, you can lightly toast the bagel halves beforehand.
- Brush and Sauce: If using, lightly brush the tops of the bagels with olive oil. Spoon pizza sauce over each bagel half, spreading it evenly so every piece is well coated.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauced bagels, letting some fall between the pieces so the cheese melts down into the gaps.
- Layer the Toppings: Scatter cherry tomato slices, black olives, mini pepperoni, and any optional toppings over the cheese. Keep pieces small so each bite has a little bit of everything.
- Season: Sprinkle Italian seasoning (and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat) over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and lightly golden around the edges.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set slightly. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Serve: Use a spatula to scoop portions onto plates or serve straight from the baking dish for a fun, family-style meal.
Notes
For crispier bagels, toast them briefly before assembling the casserole. Avoid adding too much sauce, which can make the base soggy—just enough to coat each bagel half is perfect. This recipe is very flexible: mix and match toppings to match your family’s favorite pizza flavors. You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
The Pizza Bagel Bites Casserole is a fun, quick, and highly customizable meal that tastes like a cross between pizza night and a cheesy baked appetizer. What makes it special?
- Fast prep: Only 10 minutes to assemble.
- Simple ingredients: Mostly pantry and fridge staples.
- Beginner-friendly: Anyone can make it—great for new cooks.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, game days, or busy evenings.
- Kid-approved: Mini bagels, melty cheese, and pizza flavors—what’s not to love?
Time Required:
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Bake: 20–25 minutes
- Total time: About 30–35 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
This casserole is designed so even a child could help assemble it.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Pizza Bagel Bites Casserole:
Base Ingredients
- Mini bagels, sliced
- Pizza sauce or marinara
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cherry tomatoes, sliced
- Sliced black olives
- Pepperoni slices (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Optional Add-Ins
- Cooked sausage crumbles
- Diced bell peppers
- Sliced mushrooms
- Red pepper flakes
- Extra parmesan cheese
Substitutions & Variations
- Bagels: Use regular bagels cut small, French bread slices, or gluten-free bagels.
- Cheese: Swap mozzarella for a mozzarella–cheddar mix or provolone.
- Sauce: Alfredo sauce makes a fun white pizza twist.
- Protein: Try turkey pepperoni, rotisserie chicken, or bacon bits.
- Veggies: Add spinach, onions, or roasted veggies for extra nutrition.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your perfect casserole:
1. Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the Bagels
Slice mini bagels in half and place them cut-side up in the baking dish.
They should fit snugly, forming the base of your casserole.
Tip: Toast the bagels lightly before assembling if you prefer a crispier base.
3. Add Sauce
Spoon pizza sauce over each bagel half. You can spread it evenly or leave some texture.
4. Load With Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the sauce.
More cheese = cheesier casserole.
5. Add Toppings
Place cherry tomato slices, olives, pepperoni, or your favorite toppings over the cheese.
Make sure each bagel gets a good mix so every bite tastes amazing.
6. Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
7. Garnish
Top with chopped parsley or basil for freshness.
Assembly Tips
- Layering: Keep toppings evenly spread so each bite is flavorful.
- Cheese placement: Add a little cheese before and after toppings for perfect melt.
- Presentation: Serve on a platter or leave in the warm baking dish—either way looks inviting.
- Drizzle options: A light drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze can elevate the look and taste.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Storing
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the edges crisp.
Freezing
- Freeze before baking: assemble, wrap tightly, freeze up to 2 months.
- Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding 10–12 minutes to the baking time.
Make-Ahead
- Assemble up to 24 hours early and refrigerate.
- Bake when ready—perfect for parties or busy nights.
Recipe Variations
Here are creative ways to switch things up:
1. Supreme Pizza Bagel Casserole
Add peppers, onions, mushrooms, and sausage.
2. BBQ Chicken Bagel Casserole
Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce. Add shredded chicken and red onions.
3. Veggie Lover’s Casserole
Use spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, and feta cheese.
4. Breakfast Pizza Bagel Bake
Add scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and cheddar cheese.
5. Hawaiian Style
Pineapple + ham + mozzarella = sweet & savory goodness.
Conclusion
This Pizza Bagel Bites Casserole is everything you love about pizza night—fun, tasty, customizable, and unbelievably easy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or whipping up a quick dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. Try different toppings, experiment with flavors, and make it your own. Once you try this casserole, you’ll want it on repeat!
FAQs
1. Can I use full-size bagels instead of mini bagels?
Yes! Simply cut them into smaller pieces so they fit your dish.
2. How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?
Toast the bagels first or bake uncovered so moisture evaporates.
3. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but a blend with provolone or cheddar also works.
4. Can I make this recipe healthier?
Use whole grain or gluten-free bagels, add veggies, and choose turkey pepperoni.
5. Can kids help make this?
Absolutely! It’s a great kid-friendly kitchen activity—topping bagels is fun and easy.
