Ever have a hankering for pizza but don’t want a whole pizza, can’t figure out what toppings to pick or need individual choices for a crowd? OR need gluten-free options? Personal Bagel Pizzas are the solution! Just the right size for one, or for a party, and the sky is the limit on what you put on them.
We are big gluten-free pizza eaters in my household. Well, I should say, the rest of my family is. I like the taste of pizza but find my kids will each eat a whole gluten-free pizza themselves. So if I want one I need to make a third one (my husband eats gluten so has his own). I generally only want a few pieces and don’t want to eat it for leftovers.
On a ride to school a few weeks ago my daughter brought up the idea of making personal pizzas out of gluten-free bagels. I almost screeched the brakes right then. Such a simple idea but one that serves so many purposes.
First off, a personal bagel pizza is just that, ‘personal’. It’s enough for one person who doesn’t want a whole pizza. They can be made much more quickly and on the fly versus traditional frozen or from-scratch pizzas. There are no leftovers (some might find that a downside).
Personal Bagel Pizzas are perfect for parties. Loads of toppings can be set out and kids or adults can create their own masterpiece. For me the prospect of variety is on the top of the list. You can make two totally different bagel pizzas for the calorie cost of only one bagel.
We are shifting into the high food intake time of the year.
Loads of parties, outings and celebrations all laced with food and beverages, usually of the more decadent sort.
I don’t know about you but I start a mental food obstacle course about right now; navigating between the events with more wholesome choices so the end result is me not gaining a ton of weight or being totally out of shape by the time January 1 hits.
I started making Personal Bagel Pizzas right after the discussion with my daughter. They are a great option for a fun, fast dinner. For me a half bagel ‘pizza’ is perfectly filling and satisfying. Much better than the meaty, cheesy types I’d buy from a pizza place.
The sky is the limit with how to make a Personal Bagel Pizza.
I start with Plain Bagels (regular or gluten-free) which have a soft consistency and delicious flavor not too unlike a deep dish pizza crust.
I toast them and add a sauce of some sort; marinara, traditional pesto, red pepper pesto. I then add a meat (quartered pepperoni slices, chipotle turkey slices, deli ham, shredded chicken), some vegetables or fruit (sliced mini sweet peppers, mushrooms, corn, pineapple), herbs (shredded basil, thyme, chives, red pepper flakes) and some cheese (grated or sliced).
Once it’s all put together I stick it under the broiler for 15-20 seconds just for the cheese to melt. The bagel itself is a perfect consistency and the toppings are warmed with melted cheese.
Personal Bagel Pizzas
Satisfy that pizza craving with no leftovers! Personal Bagel Pizzas are simple to make and allow multiple options in one sitting!
Ingredients
- 1 Plain Bagel (regular or gluten-free)
- 3 tablespoons One or more Sauces (2-3 tablespoons per bagel half) (ideas: marinara, pesto, tomato, hummus)
- One or more Meat options (ideas: sausage slices, pepperoni, shredded chicken, sliced turkey, sliced ham)
- Vegetable or Fruit options (ideas: sliced mini sweet peppers, jalapeno peppers, corn, mushrooms, onions, pineapple, arugula, spinach)
- 2 tablespoons Cheese (2 tablespoons grated cheese per bagel half or one deli slice cheese per bagel half)
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler. Toast the bagel halves. Spread sauce evenly on the cut side of the bagel. Layer with meat, vegetables/fruit and cheese. Broil just until the cheese melts (15 seconds).
Kiwi says
Now this is a cute idea. I know this is probably really fun if kids got involved to make but I was thinking this could be a fun low-carb snack instead of a full pizza!
Seattle Travel Blogger says
These sure are cute and more of a portion control for pizza 🙂
Plus, this design affords itself some creativity.
Robin Rue says
Bagel pizzas are one of our favorite go to. Whether it be snacking or we make a whole meal out of them, I love the endless possibilities.
Kristin says
Bagels and pizza are the two main food groups in our house. We love to make our own pizza bagels at home. It’s a great way to get the kids involved and we don’t have to worry about making special requests when ordering since everyone likes something different.
Crystal says
Pizza is my weakness, so having a individual serving will help me stay on track. I don’t know how you always seem to make everything look so absolutely scrumptious in your photos.
Amanda West says
I love this idea! Never thought of using bagels for pizza. I’d love to make a big veggie one for myself!
Aimee Smith says
I love this! My kids would love this, they all always want their own toppings!
Colleen Cayes says
Wow. Portion control, personalized, no leftovers, fast and easy, fun, social, and delicious. Hmmmm… The Perfect Food?
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says
We used to do this with English Muffins when I was little. I like the bagel idea better!
Claudia Krusch says
I can’t wait to try it! It’s a great option for busy nights! It looks soooo good!
felicia says
All of these look delicious. I don’t have a favorite.
Tara says
These are a great idea. It’s fun to be able to personalize your pizza and would be a great addition to any party.
Lisa Favre says
Growing up, my mom used to always make pizza bagels! You’ve really spruced yours up – love them!
gingermommyrants says
This is a fantastic dinner idea. I will have to do this on the weekend. My kids will love it.
Ann Bacciaglia says
Bagel pizzas are so delicious and fun to make. I will have to get the ingredients I need to have a pizza bagel night with the kids.
Brianne says
Um, wow… these look incredible! We are definitely going to have to try this at home. Thumbs up!
Shadi HasanzadeNemati says
What a wonderful idea. I’m thinking that it’s great for us two because whenever we get a big pizza we eat it all, this is great for portion control!
Pam Wattenbarger says
We love personal bagel pizzas! They are such an easy and yummy snack or dinner.
Dawn McAlexander says
Yet another great recipe. I think these would be perfect around my house. We each love our pizzas, but we don’t all like the same toppings.
Catherine Sargent says
These bagel pizzas look so good. They will make the perfect snack for you family game night.
Jeanette says
We LOVE making these! We don’t do it a lot but when we do I love to explore new flavors since I don’y have to share my pizza!
Toni Dash says
Ok since you said it first, I love the ‘don’t have to share’ part too!
Jen Rattie says
Boom! You just gave me the perfect idea for our family. Pizza bagels are so good,but I’ve never made a station like this before. Now I don’t have to listen to the kids complain about not getting what they want!
Toni Dash says
Right?! I felt like this idea hit me like a bolt of lightning and then it seemed so obvious (why hadn’t I thought of this before?).
Colleen Lanin says
You win the internet! This is the type of thing that’s so good for a laid back night. I love the ease of making these.
Toni Dash says
I do too AND they are so flexible and filling. We’ve had them a few times since the idea sprang up and with very satisfying results.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Those look so great! We love pizza, so this would be a perfect family cooking project to do for movie nights. Easy peasy.
Myrah @ Coupon Mamacita says
Those look delicious! I love bagel pizzas. They’re tasty and easy to make, and if you use whole grain bagels, they’re pretty darn good for you!
Toni Dash says
Being gluten-free it’s a totally different ball game. BUT Udi’s fortunately makes whole grain and some other flavors too that give options. I agree with you; one reason I like these is I can control the toppings to make better choices!