These delicious bagel pizzas bring back all the nostalgia of school breakfasts while being easy to make at home. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect outcome every time.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 6 plain bagels, halved (12 bagel halves total)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (room temperature for easy spreading)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup sausage country gravy (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups Jimmy Dean sausage and bacon crumbles (or cooked, crumbled sausage and bacon of your choice)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Halve and Arrange the Bagels:
- Slice each plain bagel in half and arrange the pieces cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Spread the Cream Cheese Base:
- Use a butter knife or spatula to spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese over each bagel half.
- Make sure the cream cheese covers the entire surface to create a creamy base that holds the toppings.
- Layer on the Sausage Gravy:
- Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of sausage country gravy onto each bagel half, spreading it gently. Leave a small border to prevent the gravy from spilling over while baking.
- If you prefer homemade sausage gravy, cook sausage crumbles in a skillet, add a little flour, and gradually stir in milk until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Sausage and Bacon Crumbles:
- Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of sausage and bacon crumbles on top of the gravy.
- Make sure the crumbles are evenly distributed for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Top with Mozzarella Cheese:
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each bagel half, covering the sausage and gravy layer completely. Use more cheese if you prefer an extra cheesy breakfast pizza.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Keep an eye on them after 10 minutes to prevent overbrowning.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bagel pizzas from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to set.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and delicious.
Optional Additions and Customizations
- Veggie Twist:
- Add diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach on top of the sausage and gravy layer before adding cheese.
- Herb Garnish:
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or a dash of Italian seasoning over the cheese before baking for an herby touch.
- Spicy Version:
- Add a few slices of jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce for a kick.
- Bagel Variety:
- Try using everything bagels, cheese bagels, or whole wheat bagels for different flavors.
- Make Ahead:
- Assemble the bagel pizzas and refrigerate them overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning for an easy breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these bagel pizzas with:
- Fresh fruit like orange slices, grapes, or a fruit salad.
- A side of hash browns or crispy tater tots.
- A hot cup of coffee or fresh orange juice.
These Breakfast Bagel Pizzas are a perfect crowd-pleaser for weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or even a quick snack. Their creamy, cheesy, savory goodness will transport you straight back to the comforting breakfasts of school days. 🍽️✨