Pin to Board A playful and festive twist on classic pizza bagels, these adorable reindeer faces are perfect for kids lunches or holiday gatherings.
I love making these with my family during the holidays because everyone enjoys the creative decorating process.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
Pin to Board My kids always get excited when they help make these bagels—it’s a great way to involve them in cooking.
Required Tools
Baking sheet parchment paper knife spoon
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (bagels, pretzels) Milk (cheese) May contain: Soy (pizza sauce) Gluten (pretzels, bagels) Check all packaging for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 260 Total Fat: 7 g Carbohydrates: 38 g Protein: 11 g (per serving)
Pin to Board 
Enjoy these festive pizza bagels fresh out of the oven for best flavor and fun!
Common Questions
- → What type of bagels work best?
Whole wheat bagels provide a wholesome base, but gluten-free bagels can be used to suit dietary needs.
- → Can I use different toppings for the decorations?
Yes, cherry tomatoes or pepperoni can serve as noses, while mini pretzels create antlers; feel free to get creative with veggies.
- → How long should the bagels bake?
Bake the bagels for about 8–10 minutes until the mozzarella melts and bubbles.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, when using only cheese and vegetables, this dish is vegetarian-friendly.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
They are best enjoyed fresh but can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving.