Save It A playful and festive twist on classic pizza bagels, these adorable reindeer faces are perfect for kids lunches or holiday gatherings.
This fun recipe has become a holiday favorite for my family, especially the kids who love decorating their own reindeer faces.
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 It These pizza bagels have brought our family together with laughs and creativity each holiday season.
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
Calories: 260, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 11 g (per serving)
Save It Serve these adorable pizza bagels warm for the best taste and fun presentation.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of bagels work best?
Whole wheat bagels provide a sturdy base and hearty flavor, but gluten-free options can be used as alternatives.
- → Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella?
Yes, shredded provolone or cheddar can work well if you prefer different flavors or textures.
- → How do I make the pretzel antlers stay on?
Press the mini pretzel twists gently into the warm cheese right after baking to secure them firmly.
- → Are there vegetarian topping alternatives?
Cherry tomatoes and sliced red peppers add color and flavor, making it easy to keep the dish vegetarian.
- → How long should I bake these bagels?
Bake at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.