Pizza Bagel Bites Casserole (Print)

Cheesy comfort bake with bagel bites, sauce, pepperoni, and veggies—great for family dinners or parties.

# Ingredients:

→ Bread Base

01 - 6 small plain bagels, split and cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Sauce

02 - 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce

→ Cheese

03 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Toppings

05 - 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
06 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives
07 - 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
08 - 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
09 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

→ Garnish

10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Evenly distribute the prepared bagel pieces across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
03 - Drizzle half of the pizza sauce over the bagel layer. Follow this with half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.
04 - Add half of the pepperoni, black olives, diced bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion over the cheese. Sprinkle with half of the dried Italian herbs.
05 - Repeat the layering process with the remaining pizza sauce, cheeses, toppings, and Italian herbs to create a balanced, layered effect.
06 - Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
07 - Remove the aluminum foil. Continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
08 - Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 45 minutes total
  • Uses simple ingredients most families already have
  • Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
  • Kid friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
  • Perfect for using up leftover bagels
02 -
  • Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully
  • Can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking
  • Excellent way to use stale bagels that are past their prime
  • Versatile base for using up leftover vegetables
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months
03 -
  • Toast the bagel pieces for 5 minutes before assembling for extra crunch and to prevent sogginess
  • Layer some cheese directly on the bagel base before adding sauce to create a moisture barrier
  • Use room temperature cheese for more even melting throughout the casserole
  • Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes between layers for adults who enjoy a spicy kick
  • Brush the edges of exposed bagel pieces with olive oil or garlic butter for extra flavor and beautiful browning

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