Homemade Bagel Bites are a fun and tasty treat! These little bites are made with soft bread dough, topped with cheese and your favorite toppings. They’re perfect for snacks or parties!
It’s hard to resist these cheesy goodies, especially when they’re warm and fresh from the oven. I love to pull them apart and dip them in sauce—who can say no to a little fun? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Water: Proper water temperature (110°F/45°C) activates the yeast, which is crucial for dough rise. If you don’t have a thermometer, warm water should feel warm but not hot to the touch.
Bread Flour: This flour gives bagel bites their chewy texture. If unavailable, you can use all-purpose flour, but the bites may be a little less chewy.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for rising the dough. If you have instant yeast, you can use it directly without proofing it first, which saves a step.
Pizza Sauce: For a unique twist, try using pesto or garlic-infused olive oil. They add different flavors and make the bites even more delicious!
Mini Pepperoni: If vegetarian, feel free to swap in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. Just make sure to reduce moisture to avoid soggy bites.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This is optional but adds great flavor. If you don’t have it, a mix of sesame seeds and poppy seeds works well, too.
How Do You Get the Perfect Chewy Texture in Your Bagel Bites?
The secret to chewy bagel bites lies in a few preparation steps, especially the boiling stage. This process creates that signature bagel texture!
- Boil water and add baking soda just before you add the bagels. This can enhance color and flavor.
- Boil your bagel bites for about 30 seconds on each side. A shorter boil keeps them soft, while a longer boil increases chewyness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Boil only a few at a time to ensure even cooking.
Following these steps will elevate your homemade bagel bites to the next level. They should come out soft yet chewy—perfect for snacking!
Homemade Bagel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup baking soda (for boiling water bath)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Mini pepperoni slices (about 60 slices)
- Everything bagel seasoning (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 1 hour and 30 minutes to make these delicious Bagel Bites. This includes 1 hour for the dough to rise and about 30 minutes for preparation and baking. It’s a fun and easy process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir it gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is awake and ready to help your bagel bites rise!
2. Combine Ingredients:
Add the bread flour, salt, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough begins to form. It’s okay if it seems a little sticky; you can add extra flour during kneading if needed.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can sprinkle a bit more flour on the surface if it gets too sticky. This is a fun and satisfying part!
4. Let It Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. You can find a warm spot in your kitchen or preheat your oven for a minute and turn it off, then place the dough inside.
5. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Also, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Shape the Bagel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into about 30 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then use your thumb to poke a hole in the center, creating a small bagel shape.
7. Boil the Bagel Bites:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add baking soda. This will help the bagel bites get that classic chewy texture. Boil 2-3 bagel bites at a time for about 30 seconds on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Add the Toppings:
Brush each bagel bite with the beaten egg wash to give them a nice golden color. Then, spoon about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into the center hole of each bagel bite. Top them off with shredded mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni slices. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top if you like!
9. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bagel bites are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagel bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as extra pizza or marinara sauce. Enjoy!
With this simple recipe, you can wow your friends and family with delicious homemade bagel bites! Have fun making these tasty treats!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the bagel bites may turn out denser. For best results, consider mixing half whole wheat flour with half bread flour to maintain some chewiness while adding nutty flavor.
Can I Make These Bagel Bites Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just substitute the mini pepperoni with your favorite veggies like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. You can also use plant-based cheese if you want to keep them dairy-free.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through—this keeps them nice and chewy!
Can I Freeze These Bagel Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them! Allow the baked bagel bites to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
