Homemade bagel bites are mini pizza treats that are so fun to make! They use dough that’s soft and chewy, topped with yummy sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Making these little bites is a blast, especially when you get to get creative with toppings. They disappear quickly at parties, so prepare for a tasty fight over the last one! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for helping the dough rise. If you have instant yeast, you can substitute it directly without the proofing step (skip the warm water and sugar part).
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the bagel bites their chewy texture. For a gluten-free option, use a blend made for baking, but check that it includes xanthan gum for elasticity.
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought pizza sauce, but homemade marinara works great too! For a twist, try BBQ sauce for a different flavor.
Bacon: Bacon adds a nice salty flavor, but for a vegetarian option, try olives, mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers. Even pepperoni works well!
How Do I Shape the Perfect Bagel Bites?
Shaping the bagel bites is key for uniform cooking and texture. Here’s how to do it properly:
- After letting the dough rise, punch it down to remove air bubbles and divide it into equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball. This ensures a nice round shape for your bite-sized treats.
- Use your thumb to create a hole in the center. Don’t worry if it looks a bit rough; you can smooth it out as you shape them!
Remember, the hole should be wide enough to keep its shape when cooking. Happy baking!
Homemade Bagel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes for preparing and shaping the dough, plus an hour for letting it rise, and around 15 minutes for boiling and baking. So, total time is about 1 hour and 35 minutes. Just think about the deliciousness waiting for you at the end!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let this sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is alive and ready to help your bagels rise!
2. Make the Dough:
Add flour, salt, and vegetable oil to your yeast mixture. Stir until it forms a dough. Place the dough on a floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until it turns smooth and elastic. Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
3. Shape the Bagel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove air bubbles. Divide it into about 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball, and then use your thumb to poke a hole through the center. This will create mini bagels. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Boil the Bagel Bites:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add baking soda carefully. This will create a nice color and texture for the bagels. Boil each bagel bite in the water for about 30-40 seconds per side, then lift them out with a slotted spoon and set them back on the baking sheet.
5. Add Toppings:
Brush the tops of each bagel bite with the beaten egg. Spoon some pizza sauce onto each one, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Top with chopped bacon, and if you’d like, add everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor!
6. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bagel bites are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take the bagel bites out of the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve them warm for the best taste. Enjoy your delicious homemade mini pizza bagels!
These bagel bites are perfect for snacking, parties, or family gatherings. They’re chewy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that whole wheat flour will make the bagel bites denser than the traditional version. You might need to adjust the water slightly to achieve the right dough consistency, as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
What Toppings Can I Use Besides Bacon?
Feel free to get creative! You can use vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives, or try different meats like pepperoni or sausage. You can also top them with different cheeses for added flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven to restore some crispiness!
Can I Freeze These Bagel Bites?
Absolutely! After baking, allow the bagel bites to cool, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.