Save A fun, family-friendly casserole that transforms classic pizza bagel bites into a cheesy, comforting bake, perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings.
Pizza Bagel Bites Casserole became an instant hit when I made it for a Saturday movie night, and now my family requests it whenever we want something both fun and filling.
Ingredients
- Bread Base: 6 plain mini bagels, split and cut into bite-sized pieces
- Sauce: 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Toppings: 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or chopped regular pepperoni), 1/2 cup sliced black olives, 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red or green), 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano)
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the pan:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer bagels:
- Spread the bagel pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add sauce and cheese:
- Drizzle half of the pizza sauce over the bagels. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Add toppings:
- Add half of the pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, and red onion. Sprinkle with half the Italian herbs.
- Repeat layers:
- Repeat with remaining sauce, cheeses, toppings, and herbs to create a layered effect.
- Bake covered:
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Finish baking:
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Save Everyone gets excited as the casserole bubbles in the oven, and my kids love customizing their slices with a little extra basil or veggies at the table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your pizza bagel bites casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete, family-approved meal.
Make It Vegetarian
For a vegetarian version, leave out the pepperoni and boost the flavor with extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 390 calories, 17 g fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 18 g protein, making this casserole hearty and satisfying.
Save This casserole is as easy as it is delicious, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite you'll want to enjoy again and again.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use regular bagels instead of mini bagels?
Yes, you can chop regular bagels into bite-sized pieces for this dish. Adjust amounts for similar coverage.
- → What other vegetables work well for topping?
Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes make tasty additions. Customize based on your preferences.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! Simply omit pepperoni and focus on extra vegetables for a meatless version with plenty of flavor.
- → How can I make it gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free bagels as the base. Double-check all other packaged ingredients for gluten content.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cool fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through for best texture.
- → Can I prepare this casserole ahead?
Assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. This is convenient for parties or busy schedules.