Can I use gluten-free bagels?

Yes, gluten-free bagels can be substituted to accommodate dietary needs without altering the overall flavor.

What is the best cheese for melting on bagels?

Mozzarella is ideal due to its smooth melt and mild flavor, complementing the sauce and toppings nicely.

Gently press the mini pretzel twists into the warm melted cheese immediately after baking to ensure they adhere well.

Yes, pepperoni rounds offer a savory alternative, or try other colorful vegetable slices for variety.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling for optimal texture.

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

My children absolutely loved helping me assemble these cute reindeer bagels, making snack time a delightful event.

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.

Gathering around the table with my family while we enjoyed these bagels created the perfect holiday memory.

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bagels. Feel free to 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.

This recipe adds a festive flair to simple bagels, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays.

→ Can I use gluten-free bagels?: Yes, gluten-free bagels can be substituted to accommodate dietary needs without altering the overall flavor.
→ What is the best cheese for melting on bagels?: Mozzarella is ideal due to its smooth melt and mild flavor, complementing the sauce and toppings nicely.
→ How do I make the pretzel antlers stick securely?: Gently press the mini pretzel twists into the warm melted cheese immediately after baking to ensure they adhere well.
→ Can I replace cherry tomatoes with another topping?: Yes, pepperoni rounds offer a savory alternative, or try other colorful vegetable slices for variety.
→ What temperature and time work best for baking?: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling for optimal texture.