Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bagels for School Lunch Recipe
These Pepperoni Pizza Bagels are a quick and delicious lunch option perfect for school days. Mini bagels are topped with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, and pepperoni slices, then baked until golden and bubbly. Optional Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes add an extra kick, making these bagels a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pizza that’s easy to prepare and pack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini pizza bagels (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 mini bagels, halved
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pack pepperoni slices (about 30 slices)
- Optional: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pizza bagels.
- Prepare the bagels: Slice the mini bagels in half and place them cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Spread marinara sauce: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce onto each bagel half and spread it evenly, covering the surface but not letting it overflow the edges.
- Add mozzarella cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce on each bagel half to create a melty, cheesy layer.
- Top with pepperoni: Arrange pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese on each bagel, adding as many or as few as you like for your preferred pepperoni coverage.
- Optional seasoning: Sprinkle Italian seasoning and/or red pepper flakes over the top for extra flavor and a little heat, if desired.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the pizza bagels to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns and make them easier to handle.
Notes
- You can substitute mini bagels with English muffins or sliced sandwich rolls if preferred.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and variety.
- To make these vegetarian, omit the pepperoni and add sliced tomatoes or spinach instead.
- Keep leftover pizza bagels refrigerated and reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
- Use low-fat mozzarella for a lighter option, or a dairy-free cheese to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Keywords: pepperoni pizza bagels, school lunch, quick pizza recipe, mini pizza bagels, kid-friendly lunch