Mini Bagel Pizzas – Egg, Cheese & Turkey Pepperoni
These mini bagel pizzas are the kind of quick win you’ll want on repeat. They’re satisfying, protein-packed, and incredibly easy to assemble. Think crispy bagel edges, melty cheese, savory turkey pepperoni, and a soft, saucy egg on each bite.
They work for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack. Best of all, they’re customizable and great for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil it.
- Prep the bagels: Split the mini bagels and place them cut side up on the baking sheet. If you like extra crunch, toast them in the oven for 3–4 minutes before adding toppings.
- Add sauce: Spread about 1 tablespoon of sauce on each bagel half. Don’t overdo it or they’ll get soggy.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of shredded mozzarella on each half.
- Create an egg “well”: Use the back of a spoon to press the cheese toward the edges, forming a shallow well in the center. This helps hold the egg.
- Add the egg: Crack a small egg into a small bowl first to avoid shell. Carefully pour about half an egg into each bagel half, or use a spoon to transfer just the yolk and a little white. Tip: If your eggs are large, lightly beat them and spoon 1–2 tablespoons onto each bagel instead.
- Season: Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- Add turkey pepperoni: Arrange slices around the egg so they crisp without covering the yolk completely.
- Bake: Place the sheet on the middle rack and bake for 10–14 minutes, depending on how set you want the egg. For runny yolks: Check at 10 minutes. For set yolks: 12–14 minutes.
- Finish: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs if using, and let sit 2 minutes to set. Serve warm.
What Makes This Special
These aren’t your average bagel bites. Each mini bagel gets a rich layer of tomato sauce, a sprinkle of cheese, and an egg that bakes right into the center for extra protein and texture.
Turkey pepperoni adds a familiar pizza flavor without the heaviness of traditional pepperoni. The result is a handheld, high-protein snack or meal that’s quick to prep and easy to scale. They’re also perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
What You’ll Need
- Mini bagels: Plain, whole wheat, or everything-style all work.
- Pizza sauce or marinara: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade.
- Shredded mozzarella: For that classic stretch and melt.
- Turkey pepperoni: Slices or mini rounds.
- Eggs: One small egg per bagel half, or use beaten eggs for easier portioning.
- Olive oil or cooking spray: To prevent sticking and help crisp the edges.
- Italian seasoning: Optional, for extra flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a little heat.
- Grated Parmesan: Optional, for a salty finish.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Optional, for garnish.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil it.
- Prep the bagels: Split the mini bagels and place them cut side up on the baking sheet. If you like extra crunch, toast them in the oven for 3–4 minutes before adding toppings.
- Add sauce: Spread about 1 tablespoon of sauce on each bagel half. Don’t overdo it or they’ll get soggy.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of shredded mozzarella on each half.
- Create an egg “well”: Use the back of a spoon to press the cheese toward the edges, forming a shallow well in the center.
This helps hold the egg.
- Add the egg: Crack a small egg into a small bowl first to avoid shell. Carefully pour about half an egg into each bagel half, or use a spoon to transfer just the yolk and a little white. Tip: If your eggs are large, lightly beat them and spoon 1–2 tablespoons onto each bagel instead.
- Season: Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- Add turkey pepperoni: Arrange slices around the egg so they crisp without covering the yolk completely.
- Bake: Place the sheet on the middle rack and bake for 10–14 minutes, depending on how set you want the egg. For runny yolks: Check at 10 minutes. For set yolks: 12–14 minutes.
- Finish: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh herbs if using, and let sit 2 minutes to set.
Serve warm.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Toast oven or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want the bagel to stay crisp.
- Freezer: Freeze on a sheet tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Make-ahead: Assemble without the egg, freeze, and add the egg right before baking for the best texture.
Benefits of This Recipe
- High-protein: Eggs, cheese, and turkey pepperoni keep you full and energized.
- Kid-friendly: Familiar flavors and mini size make it easy for picky eaters.
- Flexible: Works for breakfast, brunch, lunchboxes, or snacks.
- Customizable: Swap sauce, cheeses, and toppings to suit preferences or dietary needs.
- Quick and easy: Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and fast bake time.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Overflowing egg whites: If the bagel hole is too big, the egg can spill.
Use less egg or beat the egg and spoon it in. Press cheese into a ring to create a barrier.
- Soggy bottoms: Don’t overdo the sauce; pre-toast bagels for extra crispness. Use a preheated sheet tray for even better results.
- Rubbery eggs: Overbaking leads to a tough texture.
Start checking early and pull when the whites are set but the yolk still has a little wobble if you like it soft.
- Burning cheese edges: Keep cheese slightly away from the outside edge and bake on the middle rack.
- Bland flavor: Season each layer lightly—sauce, egg, and toppings—to keep flavors bright.
Alternatives
- Cheese swaps: Try provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend. A little ricotta dolloped under the mozzarella adds creaminess.
- Different sauces: Pesto, spicy arrabbiata, garlic oil, or a smear of cream cheese for a “breakfast pizza” vibe.
- Veggie boosts: Add thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, red onion, spinach, or olives. Pat watery veggies dry first.
- Protein options: Cooked chicken sausage, crumbled turkey bacon, or black beans if you want to go meatless.
- Bagel base: Whole wheat for extra fiber, everything bagels for more flavor, or gluten-free bagels if needed.
- No-egg version: Skip the egg and add extra cheese and pepperoni; reduce baking time by a couple of minutes.
FAQ
Can I use regular-size bagels instead of mini?
Yes.
Regular bagels work well, but you’ll need more sauce and toppings. Add 2–3 tablespoons of beaten egg per half and bake a few minutes longer, watching for set whites.
How do I keep the egg from leaking through the hole?
Press the cheese into a thick ring to build a wall around the center, then spoon in beaten egg rather than cracking a whole egg. You can also place a small piece of turkey pepperoni directly over the hole before adding the egg.
What if I don’t like runny yolks?
Bake until the whites and yolks are fully set, about 12–14 minutes.
Alternatively, use scrambled eggs: lightly scramble them in a pan until just set, then pile onto the bagels before baking for a shorter time.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6–9 minutes, depending on how set you want the egg. Check early because air fryers vary and can brown quickly.
What cheese melts best for this?
Low-moisture mozzarella gives the classic stretch and browning.
Mixing in a little provolone or cheddar adds flavor. Add Parmesan after baking for a salty finish.
Are turkey pepperoni and regular pepperoni interchangeable?
Mostly, yes. Turkey pepperoni is leaner and a bit less greasy, which helps keep the bagels from getting soggy.
If using regular pepperoni, blot the slices with a paper towel before adding.
How can I make these more breakfast-forward?
Swap marinara for a thin layer of cream cheese or garlic herb spread, use cheddar, and add cooked crumbled turkey sausage or bacon. Finish with chives or hot sauce.
Can I meal prep these for the week?
Absolutely. Bake, cool, and refrigerate.
Reheat in a toaster oven for best texture. If you’re picky about egg texture, prep without eggs and add them fresh before baking.
Wrapping Up
Mini Bagel Pizzas with egg, cheese, and turkey pepperoni are simple, quick, and surprisingly satisfying. They’re easy to customize, great for busy mornings, and fun to make with kids.
Keep a pack of mini bagels and some sauce on hand, and you’re never far from a hot, melty meal. Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to for breakfast, snacks, and everything in between.
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