Save to Pinterest A playful and festive twist on classic pizza bagels, these adorable reindeer faces are perfect for kids lunches or holiday gatherings.
This recipe always brings smiles to family gatherings and makes lunchtime exciting for the little ones.
Ingredients
- Bagels: 2 whole wheat bagels, halved
- Sauce & Cheese: 1/2 cup pizza sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Decorations: 8 round black olive slices (for eyes), 4 cherry tomatoes or pepperoni rounds (for noses), 8 mini pretzel twists (for antlers), 4 small slices red bell pepper (for mouths, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Place bagel halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3:
- Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce over each bagel half.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle each with mozzarella cheese.
- Step 5:
- To create reindeer faces, add two olive slices as eyes and a cherry tomato or pepperoni round as the nose on each bagel half.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7:
- Remove from oven. While warm, gently press two mini pretzel twists into the top of each bagel for antlers.
- Step 8:
- Add a small slice of red bell pepper for a mouth, if desired.
- Step 9:
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Save to Pinterest Making these pizza bagels has become a cherished tradition that brings the family together and sparks joyful creativity.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, knife, spoon
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bagels, pretzels), Milk (cheese). May contain Soy (pizza sauce), Gluten (pretzels, bagels). Check all packaging for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 260, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 11 g
Save to Pinterest This recipe is a quick and delightful way to bring smiles to your table every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the bagels from becoming soggy?
Toast the bagel halves slightly before adding toppings and use a moderate amount of sauce to maintain a crisp base.
- → Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, mozzarella works best for melting, but cheddar or provolone can add different flavors and textures.
- → Are there vegetarian options for the noses?
Cherry tomatoes make a fresh vegetarian alternative to pepperoni for the nose decoration.
- → What is the best way to attach pretzel antlers?
Gently press mini pretzel twists into the warm melted cheese after baking so they stick firmly without breaking.
- → Can these be made gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bagels and pretzels to accommodate gluten sensitivities without compromising the presentation.