Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular bagels and pretzels with gluten-free versions to accommodate gluten intolerance.

What cheeses work best for melting on top?

Mozzarella is ideal due to its creamy texture and excellent melting qualities, but you can experiment with mild provolone or fontina.

Cherry tomatoes or pepperoni rounds are common, but small slices of red bell pepper or a small olive piece can also be used creatively.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles, ensuring a warm, gooey finish.

To make it vegan, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and ensure the bagels and toppings align with vegan dietary preferences.

Press mini pretzel twists gently into the warm bagel tops after baking, so they stay in place but retain crunchiness.

A playful and festive twist on classic pizza bagels, these adorable reindeer faces are perfect for kids lunches or holiday gatherings.

This recipe brings joy to family gatherings and is always a hit with my kids during the holidays

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)

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.

This recipe always brings smiles when served at family holiday gatherings

Get creative with other veggies for decorations

Baking sheet Parchment paper Knife Spoon

Contains: Wheat (bagels, pretzels) Milk (cheese) May contain: Soy (pizza sauce) Gluten (pretzels, bagels) Check all packaging for potential allergens

Enjoy these festive pizza bagels fresh for the best taste and texture

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?: Yes, simply substitute regular bagels and pretzels with gluten-free versions to accommodate gluten intolerance.
→ What cheeses work best for melting on top?: Mozzarella is ideal due to its creamy texture and excellent melting qualities, but you can experiment with mild provolone or fontina.
→ Are there alternative toppings for the nose decoration?: Cherry tomatoes or pepperoni rounds are common, but small slices of red bell pepper or a small olive piece can also be used creatively.
→ How long should the bagels bake?: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles, ensuring a warm, gooey finish.
→ Can this be made vegan?: To make it vegan, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and ensure the bagels and toppings align with vegan dietary preferences.
→ What’s the best way to add the pretzel antlers?: Press mini pretzel twists gently into the warm bagel tops after baking, so they stay in place but retain crunchiness.