Print

Savory Mini Pizza Bagel Bites with Hidden Veggie Sauce

mini pizza bagel bites - featured image
Print Recipe

Quick and easy mini pizza bagel bites featuring a hidden veggie sauce made from carrots, bell peppers, and spinach. Perfect for snacks, lunches, or casual dinners with a nutritious twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Mini bagels (plain or whole wheat)
  • 1 cup chopped carrots (about 130 g)
  • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper (about 120 g)
  • 1 packed cup fresh spinach leaves (about 30 g)
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce (240 ml)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 150 g)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, about 25 g)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine chopped carrots, red bell pepper, and fresh spinach. Blend until smooth but still slightly textured.
  3. Transfer the blended veggies to a small saucepan. Add crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium-low for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Slice mini bagels in half horizontally and place cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the hidden veggie sauce evenly on each bagel half.
  7. Top each with about 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan if using.
  8. Optionally, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or other toppings like sliced olives or mushrooms.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for a couple of minutes before serving warm.

Notes

If bagels are too hard, toast lightly before adding toppings. Watch the oven closely near the end to avoid burning cheese. Sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. For dairy-free or vegan options, use vegan cheese and olive oil instead of butter. Gluten-free mini bagels or bread rounds can be used for gluten-free diets. Air fryer can be used at 350°F for 8-10 minutes for smaller batches.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini pizza bagel bites, hidden veggie sauce, quick snack, easy dinner, kid-friendly, healthy pizza, vegetarian, vegan option

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/savory-mini-pizza-bagel-bites-with-hidden-veggie-sauce-easy-recipe/