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