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Healthy Mini Pizza Bagel Bites Recipe with Hidden Veggie Sauce

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These mini pizza bagel bites are quick, easy, and packed with a hidden veggie sauce made from roasted red peppers, carrots, and spinach. They offer a healthy twist on a classic favorite, perfect for snacks or appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Mini bagels (plain or whole wheat)
  • 14 oz (400 g) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 medium roasted red bell pepper
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • About 20 mini pepperoni slices or turkey pepperoni (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Add chopped carrots and roasted red pepper pieces to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until veggies soften.
  3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, then add fresh spinach, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to reach desired consistency.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Slice mini bagels in half horizontally and place cut side up on the baking sheet.
  8. Spread about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the hidden veggie sauce evenly on each bagel half.
  9. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons (20 g) of shredded mozzarella on top of the sauce.
  10. Add optional toppings: a few mini pepperoni slices or turkey pepperoni.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden and bagels are crisp on the edges.
  12. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Let cool 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Keep an eye on the bagels during baking to avoid burning; start checking at 8 minutes if your oven runs hot. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months. For gluten-free option, use gluten-free bagel thins or bread rounds. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Reheat leftovers in toaster oven or air fryer for best crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini pizza bagel bites, healthy snack, hidden veggie sauce, quick snack, kid-friendly, easy appetizer, whole wheat bagels, veggie pizza

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/healthy-mini-pizza-bagel-bites-recipe-with-hidden-veggie-sauce-easy-and-delicious/