Pepperoni Pizza Bagels Under the Broiler

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the pizzeria flavors in a fast, kid-approved format.
• Pre-toasting keeps the bagels crisp instead of soggy.
• Broiler method delivers bubbly cheese and crispy pepperoni in minutes.
• Easy to scale up for parties or freeze for grab-and-bake snacks.

Grocery List

• Produce: Fresh basil (optional)
• Dairy: Low-moisture mozzarella (block or pre-shredded), Parmesan (optional)
• Pantry: Plain bagels, marinara sauce, mini pepperoni, dried oregano, olive oil (optional), crushed red pepper flakes (optional), garlic powder (optional)

Full Ingredients

Base

• 3 plain bagels, split horizontally (6 halves total)
• 3/4 cup marinara sauce (about 6 oz)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella (about 6 oz)
• 1 cup mini pepperoni (about 4 oz)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Optional Finishes

• 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (for brushing or drizzling)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (sprinkle on bagels before saucing)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the broiler and position the rack

Set your oven to broil on High and position a rack so the surface of the bagels will be about 6 inches from the heating element. Let the broiler preheat for 5 minutes. Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup. For the crispiest bottoms, place a wire rack on the sheet pan to allow air circulation.

Step 2: Split and pre-toast the bagels

Split the bagels and arrange the halves cut-side up on the prepared pan. Broil for 2–3 minutes, just until the cut sides are lightly golden at the edges. This quick pre-toast acts as a moisture barrier so the bagels stay crisp under the sauce.

Step 3: Sauce the halves

Spread exactly 2 tablespoons marinara on each bagel half, leaving a 1/4-inch border. If you like, sprinkle a tiny pinch of garlic powder over the sauce for extra pizzeria flavor.

Step 4: Add cheese, pepperoni, and oregano

Top each half with 1/4 cup (about 1 oz) shredded mozzarella, spreading it evenly. Scatter 10–12 mini pepperoni over each half so they have room to crisp. Sprinkle the entire tray with the dried oregano.

Step 5: Broil until bubbly and browned

Return the pan to the oven and broil for 2–4 minutes, watching closely. The cheese should melt and bubble with a few browned spots, and the pepperoni edges should curl and crisp. Rotate the pan halfway if your broiler heats unevenly.

Step 6: Rest, finish, and serve

Let the pizza bagels rest for 2 minutes so the cheese sets slightly. If desired, drizzle lightly with olive oil, dust with Parmesan and red pepper flakes, and scatter fresh basil. Serve hot.

Pro Tips

• Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt without excess water; if using fresh mozzarella, pat dry and use less.
• Keep the sauce to 2 tablespoons per half—too much sauce leads to soggy centers.
• For extra-crisp bottoms, toast on a wire rack and don’t overcrowd the pan.
• Blot pepperoni with a paper towel before topping to reduce excess oil and help it crisp.
• No broiler? Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 6–8 minutes, then switch to broil for 1–2 minutes to brown.

Variations

• Spicy: Add sliced pickled jalapeños and a dash of hot honey after broiling.
• Supreme: Add finely diced bell pepper and red onion under the cheese; finish with black olives.
• White Pie: Skip marinara. Brush with garlic oil, add mozzarella plus a few dollops of ricotta, then broil and finish with oregano.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or in a toaster oven until hot and crisp. To freeze unbaked, assemble on a sheet pan and freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, then broil 1–2 minutes to brown. For best texture, always pre-toast the bagels before assembling, even when freezing.

Nutrition (per serving)

Approximate for 2 bagel halves: 660 calories; 42g fat; 63g carbohydrates; 3g fiber; 9g sugar; 30g protein; ~1,400mg sodium. Values will vary based on brands and optional toppings.