Side Dishes

Homemade Pizza Bagels with Pepperoni and Pancetta Recipe

ByNaya Baker January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

Introduction

Pizza bagels are a fun and easy twist on classic pizza, perfect for a quick snack or casual meal. With crispy bagels topped with savory sauce, melted cheese, and flavorful toppings, they satisfy pizza cravings in just minutes.

The image shows seven mini pizzas made on bagel halves, arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each bagel has three visible layers: the bottom toasted beige bagel, a layer of red tomato sauce on top, and a thick layer of melted, slightly browned white cheese covering the surface. On top of the cheese, there are scattered pieces of pepperoni and bits of crispy reddish-brown bacon, giving the pizzas a rich, textured look. The bagels are placed in a loose cluster, showing some of the edges and the hole in the center of each bagel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 bagels, sliced in half
½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
12 slices pepperoni, cut into small squares
2 oz pancetta, cooked
Dried oregano, for seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400℉ and adjust the oven rack to the top third. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Slice the bagels in half. Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on the cut side of each bagel half.
Step 3: Sprinkle roughly 1 ounce of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each bagel half.
Step 4: Arrange the pepperoni squares and cooked pancetta evenly over the cheese. Lightly sprinkle dried oregano and freshly ground black pepper on top. For extra cheesiness, add a little more mozzarella.
Step 5: Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and started to bubble.

Tips & Variations

Substitute pancetta with cooked bacon or sausage for different flavors.
Try adding sliced olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra toppings.
Use whole wheat or multigrain bagels for a healthier option.
For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra veggies or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.

Storage

Store leftover pizza bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350℉ for 5–7 minutes or in a toaster oven to keep the bagel crispy. Microwaving may make the bagel soft.

How to Serve

The image shows seven small bagel pizzas on a baking sheet, each with a base layer of a sliced bagel topped with a layer of red tomato sauce. Above the sauce, there is a layer of melted white cheese with an uneven texture, covering the bagel completely. On top of the cheese, slices of pepperoni and small bits of crispy brown bacon are scattered across each pizza. The cheese is slightly browned in spots, giving it a baked look, and the bagel edges are golden brown. The bagels are arranged close together, showing their round shape and hole in the middle. The photo is taken on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bagels for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bagels; just make sure they are fully thawed before assembling the pizza bagels to ensure even cooking.

What can I use if I don’t have pancetta?

Cooked bacon, cooked sausage, or salami are excellent substitutes and will provide a similar savory flavor.

Homemade Pizza Bagels with Pepperoni and Pancetta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 141 reviews

Delicious homemade pizza bagels made with bagel halves topped with pizza sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and pancetta. A quick and easy snack or appetizer baked to perfection with a sprinkle of oregano and black pepper for extra flavor.

Author: Naya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 pizza bagel halves 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Bagel Bites

4 bagels, sliced in half
½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce of choice
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
12 slices pepperoni, cut into small squares
2 oz pancetta, cooked
Dried oregano, to season
Freshly ground black pepper, to season

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (204℃). Adjust the oven rack to the top third position to ensure even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for easy cleanup.
Prepare Bagels: Slice the bagels in half horizontally. Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly on the cut side of each bagel half.
Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle approximately 1 ounce of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce on each bagel half. Then, arrange the pepperoni squares and cooked pancetta evenly over the cheese. Lightly sprinkle dried oregano and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning. If you prefer, add a little more cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
Bake: Place the prepared bagel halves on the lined baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the toppings are heated through.

Notes

For a crispier bagel bite, use a toaster oven or broiler for the last 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
Substitute pancetta with cooked bacon or omit for a vegetarian option (without pepperoni).
Use your favorite pizza toppings such as sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for variation.
Leftover pizza bagels can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: pizza bagels, homemade bagel bites, easy snack, quick appetizer, pizza snack

Naya Baker

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