Save A playful and festive twist on classic pizza bagels, these adorable reindeer faces are perfect for kids lunches or holiday gatherings.
I first served these to my family during the holidays and they were an instant hit, bringing smiles to everyone at the table.
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.
Save This recipe always brings joy to our family gatherings, especially when kids get to decorate their own bagels.
Notes
Get creative with other veggies for decorations
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
Save Enjoy making and sharing these festive reindeer face pizza bagels with your loved ones.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make these with gluten-free bagels?
Yes, gluten-free bagels can be used as a substitute to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
- → What can I use instead of cherry tomatoes for the nose?
Pepperoni rounds or small slices of red bell pepper make great alternatives for the nose decoration.
- → How do I create the reindeer antlers?
Mini pretzel twists are gently pressed onto warm bagels after baking to resemble antlers, adding a fun texture and look.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Bagels can be assembled before baking and refrigerated briefly, but for best texture, bake just before serving.
- → What is the recommended oven temperature and baking time?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.