How do I achieve the best melted cheese texture?

Baking the bagels at 400°F for 8-10 minutes ensures the mozzarella melts evenly and becomes bubbly without burning.

Can I substitute the toppings for dietary needs?

Yes, cherry tomatoes can replace pepperoni for a vegetarian option, and gluten-free bagels work for gluten sensitivities.

Press the mini pretzel twists gently into the warm melted cheese right after baking to secure them firmly.

Feel free to experiment with other veggies like sliced bell peppers or olives to personalize the facial features.

Allow them to cool slightly for about 5 minutes so the cheese sets and toppings stay in place without being too hot.

A playful and festive twist on classic pizza bagels, these adorable reindeer faces are perfect for kids lunches or holiday gatherings.

Making these reindeer face pizza bagels has become a holiday tradition in my family, bringing lots of smiles to the table.

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)

Preheat Oven:: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange Bagels:: Place bagel halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
Add Sauce:: Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce over each bagel half.
Add Cheese:: Sprinkle each with mozzarella cheese.
Create Faces:: Add two olive slices as eyes and a cherry tomato or pepperoni round as the nose on each bagel half.
Bake:: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add Antlers:: Remove from oven. While warm, gently press two mini pretzel twists into the top of each bagel for antlers.
Add Mouths:: Add a small slice of red bell pepper for a mouth, if desired.
Cool:: Let cool slightly before serving.

This recipe brings so much joy when the kids recognize their festive reindeer faces, making holiday lunches extra special.

Each serving contains 260 calories, 7 grams of total fat, 38 grams of carbohydrates, and 11 grams of protein.

Contains wheat (bagels pretzels) and milk (cheese). May contain soy (pizza sauce) and gluten (pretzels bagels). Check packaging for allergens.

Baking sheet, parchment paper, knife, and spoon are needed to prepare this recipe.

These reindeer pizza bagels combine festive fun with simple cooking, perfect for holiday celebrations.

→ How do I achieve the best melted cheese texture?: Baking the bagels at 400°F for 8-10 minutes ensures the mozzarella melts evenly and becomes bubbly without burning.
→ Can I substitute the toppings for dietary needs?: Yes, cherry tomatoes can replace pepperoni for a vegetarian option, and gluten-free bagels work for gluten sensitivities.
→ What’s the best way to attach the pretzel antlers?: Press the mini pretzel twists gently into the warm melted cheese right after baking to secure them firmly.
→ Are there suggested alternatives for decorating the faces?: Feel free to experiment with other veggies like sliced bell peppers or olives to personalize the facial features.
→ How long should these bagels be cooled before serving?: Allow them to cool slightly for about 5 minutes so the cheese sets and toppings stay in place without being too hot.