Game Day

August 10, 2021

Adorable Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

Why order pizza when you can customize your own in minutes!? These are so easy and fun to make. They are ideal for a game day date in, kid friendly and family activity or to bring to any game day gathering with your loved ones.

I am counting down to the first football kickoff of this season because these mini pizza bagels are on the menu and I absolutely cannot wait! Football season is about to be in full swing which also means... finger foods! They are the perfect bite size item to have on game day while you are curled up on the couch. These mini, but mighty guys bring me back to my college life days and how these were a big college life staple: affordable and always tasty. They make me think of when I used to pop the frozen ones in the oven or microwave quickly after a full day of classes, then I would relax on the couch watching my favorite show before diving into homework or projects. They were the perfect snack and were so satisfying, but didn’t get me too full to where I couldn’t eat dinner later on.

I love these for a variety of reasons: their spectacular taste, they are visually appealing, you can have fun customizing them with various cheeses and toppings and you can snack on these during the game, yet have room to try a few other items that are apart of the game day spread.

These mini pizza bagels are a great change of pace from the normal thin crust pizza or deep dish we typically order. These are more of a happy medium which I love! There is just the right amount of dough: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, plus the these mini bagels have the perfect thickness.

For toppings I did: Italian sausage crumbles, mini pepperoni squares and diced baby green pepper. I did used my simple homemade pizza sauce as well which in my opinion, does make all the difference. It is definitely worth giving a try!

I would ask who you’re rooting for this game, but we all know what the most important question is: what are you serving!? I hope it’s these adorable mini pizza bagels courtesy of Pretty Plate!

Did you make this? If so, make sure to tag and follow @prettyplatebymichelle on instagram or leave a comment below and let me know what you thought! I would love to see your Pretty Plate and hear from you!

Adorable Mini Pizza Bagel Bites

Cheesy, crispy, mini and not to mention, totally adorable pizza bagels are the perfect addition to any game day. When making a list of game day favorites pizza is always at the top.

Prep:
25
min
cook:
30
min
total:
55
min
Author:

Michelle

Ingredients

For the Pizza Bagels:

  • 1 16 oz. bag plain mini bagels (Archer Farm brand from target located in their bakery section. I do have a hard time finding them anywhere else. I know this place has them for sure), split in half
  • 1/2 Cup butter, melted
  • 2 TBSP garlic powder
  • 2 Italian sausages, casting removed, cooked and chopped into smaller pieces
  • 1 - 1 and 1/2 Cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 Green bell pepper, sliced into tiny pieces
  • 1 Cup pizza sauce (recipe to follow or you can purchase already made sauce from the store) (NOTE: You probably only About 1/2 for putting on the pizzas itself. The rest can be used for dipping)
  • 1/4 Lb. pepperoni, sliced in tiny pieces
  • Fresh thinly sliced basil (optional for garnish)
  • Grated parmesan cheese (optional for garnish and to serve on the side)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for garnish and to serve on the side)

For the Pizza Sauce:

  • 1/2 TBSP olive oil
  • 1 TBSP minced garlic + 1/2 TSP
  • 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1 12 oz. can tomato paste OR 2 6 oz. cans
  • 1/2 - 1 TBSP dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 TBSP sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 TSP pepper
Instructions
  1. Remove casting from your Italian sausage. Spray a non-stick pan and place over medium heat. Add your sausage and cook until no longer pink. Try to break them up into the smallest pieces as possible.
  2. Once cooked, cut your small sausage pieces into even smaller pieces with a knife about dime size or smaller. You don’t want these sausage crumbles over powering the mini pizzas and being too big. Once finished, set aside.
  3. Next, cut your pepperoni pieces into tiny pieces as well, smaller than a dime size. I cut vertical then horizontal and I make the cuts close to get the tiny squares. When done, set aside.
  4. Dice you green bell pepper into tiny pieces and set aside.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and prepare a sheet pan with foil and non-stick spray.
  6. In a microwave safe bowl, melt your butter, once melted add your garlic powder and mix well.
  7. Using a basting brush, brush the tops of the each bagel with the butter and garlic mixture and place on your prepared baking sheet. When done, sprinkle each one with your dried Italian seasoning.
  8. To begin assembling the pizzas, place about 1/2 TBSP of pizza sauce on each one and using the bottom of the spoon, spread out evenly using a circular motion.
  9. Then, add your toppings. Add a few pinches of pepperoni, sausage and green bell pepper. Then, top with cheese.
  10. Repeat the process. (NOTE: when repeating the process just make sure each bagel is not over flowing. The reason you repeat is to create layers and even flavoring throughout)
  11. When your oven is done preheating, place your prepared mini pizzas in the oven. bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. After the 25 minutes, broil on LOW for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  12. When finished, remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese. Serves with extra pizza sauce and red pepper flakes on the side.
  13. ENJOY!
No items found.

Comment

Did you love this? Let us know!

Full Name
Email
ShARE WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND
Thanks for contributing to our community! Your comment will appear shortly.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Cynthia
October 9, 2023
The ingredient list is missing lemon slices, shallot and garlic.
Michael
July 5, 2023
Can I do this in a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Kevin
October 19, 2021
So delicious!