Homemade bagel bites are super fun and tasty little snacks! They’re made with soft bagel dough and topped with your favorite cheese and toppings. Perfect for any occasion!
Making these bites is a blast—just roll, shape, and bake! I love serving them with dipping sauces. Trust me, they disappear fast at parties. Who can resist a cheesy bite? 🥯🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for creating the fluffy texture of bagel bites. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead; just mix it directly with the flour.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat flour can work, but it may alter the texture slightly. You could also try bread flour for extra chewiness!
Baking Soda: This is used for boiling the bagels, giving them that signature chewy crust. Make sure not to skip this step; it makes a big difference!
Pizza Sauce: You can swap marinara sauce with your favorite dipping sauce or even pesto for a twist. Homemade sauce works great too!
Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to use cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor. Just choose what you love!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Bagel Bites?
The secret lies in how you boil the dough! This is a crucial step that sets bagel bites apart. Here’s how to do it:
- First, bring your pot of water to a rolling boil. Adding baking soda helps with the chewy texture.
- Boil each dough ball for about 30 seconds per side. This quick boil helps form that iconic bagel crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; boil in batches if needed to keep the temperature steady.
These steps help ensure your bagel bites come out chewy on the outside and soft on the inside. The extra care taken in boiling is well worth the effort!
Homemade Bagel Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup baking soda (for boiling water)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 small pepperoni slices (about 1 per bagel bite)
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including 1 hour for the dough to rise. The actual hands-on time is roughly 30 minutes. Once baked, these delicious bagel bites can be enjoyed warm and gooey!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this shows that the yeast is active!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add in the yeast mixture along with the vegetable oil. Stir everything together until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
Flour your surface lightly and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This step is important for developing the right texture.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Set it in a warm spot and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Get Ready to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your bagel bites don’t stick!
6. Shape the Bagel Bites:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Then, press your thumb or a small spoon into the center of each ball to form a little cup.
7. Boil the Dough:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Boil each dough ball in batches for about 30 seconds on each side. After boiling, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Add Egg Wash:
Brush the top of each dough ball with the beaten egg. This gives them a nice golden color when baked.
9. Fill and Top:
Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce or marinara into the cup of each bagel bite, add a pepperoni slice on top, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Finish by sprinkling dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
10. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the bagel bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping!
Enjoy your homemade bagel bites—crispy outside, chewy inside, and loaded with melty cheese and pepperoni!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber but may make the bagel bites denser. You might want to adjust with a little extra water to help with the dough consistency.
What If I Don’t Have Baking Soda?
No worries! You can skip the boiling process; however, this will affect the texture. Instead, just bake the bagel bites directly for a softer crust. They won’t have the same chewiness, but they’ll still taste great!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bagel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture!
Can I Freeze Bagel Bites?
Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from the freezer in the oven until heated through.