Mini Bagel Pizzas

These mini bagel pizzas are one of those back-pocket recipes you'll reach for again and again. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for using up what you have on hand, they're a lifesaver on busy school morings! Make a big batch, pop them in the freezer, and you've got a homemade lunch ready to go whenever you need it!

Recipe Note: This recipe uses my favourite fluffy bagel dough, just portioned into smaller size to make the perfect mini bagels for your pizzas.

To make bagels, you will need:

Yeast Mixture:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 1/2 tbsp dry active yeast
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 4 cups flour
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt

Directions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, yeast and brown sugar. Whisk, cover and let sit for 10 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and foamy. 
2. Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add the flour, brown sugar and salt and mix on low speed. Once the mixture is combined, allow the stand mixer to knead the dough for 10-15 minutes. * Do not lock the tilt head of your stand mixer to allow it to lift up and down as needed. (If you prefer, the kneading can be done by hand)
3. Separate the dough into 16 even pieces and form into smooth balls. Roll as if you were turning the dough inside out and pinch the bottoms shut. Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet, cover with a damp towel and rest for 15 minutes. 
4. While you wait, preheat your oven to 350°F. Fill a large pot about half way with water, and bring to a boil. 
5. Poke a hole through the centre of your dough balls and stretch slightly. Place back on the parchment paper lined baking sheet and rest covered for another 15 minutes. 
6. Once your pot of water is boiling, add 1/4 cup brown sugar and stir. 
7. Drop 4-6 bagels into the boiling water at a time. Cook for 1 minute on each side. (If the bagels sink, cook until they are floating)
8. Remove from water and place back on the lined baking sheet. Continue until all of the bagels have cooked in the boiling water.
9. Bake for 30 minutes or until the bagels turn golden brown.
10. Let cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 

After your bagels have cooled completely, slice them in half with a bread knife. Place the halves onto a lined baking sheet and top with pizza sauce, cheese and toppings of choice. If freezing, bake in a 375°F preheated oven until the cheese is melted, remove from oven and let cool, then place into the freezer to freeze on the baking sheet first. Once they are frozen, you can transfer them into a ziplock bag to be stored for 4-6 months in the freezer. If you want to enjoy straight from the oven, bake a little bit longer, until the cheese starts to get bubbly! 

Reheating Notes: Mini bagel pizzas can be reheated straight from the freezer - no thawing needed. Bake in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly. For a quicker option, microwave for 45-60 seconds, though the oven will give you the best texture.