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Pizza Bites with Marinara Dipping Sauce

Print Recipe
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 mini whole-wheat bagels , split or 6 regular-sized bagels, cut into quarters
  • 1 1/4 cups thick marinara store-bought or homemade; see tips below
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Fresh basil , chopped, for garnish optional but highly recommended
  • Kosher salt and black pepper , to taste
  • For the dipping sauce 1 cup warmed marinara + 1 tablespoon olive oil + pinch of red pepper flakes + extra Parmesan

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two sheet pans with parchment for easy cleanup.
  2. Brush cut sides of bagels lightly with olive oil. Arrange cut-side up and bake 5–7 minutes until lightly crisp. This step keeps them from turning into sauce sponges.
  3. Stir oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt/pepper into the marinara. If your sauce is thin, simmer 5 minutes to tighten it up.
  4. Spread 1–1.5 tablespoons sauce on each bagel half. Sprinkle mozzarella generously, then dust with Parmesan. Add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes if you like drama.
  5. Return pans to the oven for 8–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling. Rotate pans halfway for even browning.
  6. Optional but clutch—broil 1–2 minutes to get those golden spots. Watch closely. This is not a time for texting.
  7. Shower with chopped basil and a crack of black pepper. Stir olive oil and red pepper into warmed marinara for dipping. Serve hot.