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Easy Mini Bagel Pizzas with Hidden Veggie Sauce

mini bagel pizzas with hidden veggie sauce - featured image

Quick and kid-friendly mini bagel pizzas with a hidden veggie sauce made from zucchini and bell pepper. Perfect for picky eaters and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 mini bagels, split in half
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 small zucchini (about ½ cup chopped)
  • ½ medium red bell pepper (about ¼ cup chopped)
  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: mini pepperoni slices, cooked crumbled sausage, diced mushrooms, extra cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
  2. Make the hidden veggie sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped zucchini and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.
  3. Blend the sauce: Transfer the sautéed veggies to a blender. Add ½ cup of marinara sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend on high for 30-45 seconds until completely smooth.
  4. Prepare the bagels: Split the mini bagels in half and place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. If your bagels are a little stale, toast them in the oven for 2 minutes before adding the sauce.
  5. Assemble the pizzas: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the hidden veggie sauce onto each bagel half. Spread it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. If you’re adding pepperoni or other toppings, place them on top of the cheese.
  6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bagels are golden brown. If you like a little extra color on top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
  7. Cool and serve: Let the bagel pizzas cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a side of ranch dressing or extra marinara for dipping if you like.

Notes

Toast the bagels first to prevent sogginess. Use room temperature cheese for better melting. Double the sauce and freeze for later use. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free mini bagels.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini bagel pizzas, hidden veggie sauce, kid-friendly, quick dinner, picky eaters, easy recipe