Bagel Pizzas

Ingredients

Tomato Sauce

  • 4-5 large tomatoes, cored & chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 tbsp each fresh oregano & basil, chopped

Pizzas

  • mini bagels split in half & lightly toasted
  • 1-2 tbsp Tomato Sauce per pizza
  • 1-2 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese per pizza

Topping Suggestions

  • pepperoni slices
  • sliced black olives
  • red & green bell pepper slices

Special Equipment

  • tomato corer
  • kid-safe knife
  • microplane grater
  • potato masher

How-to

Make Tomato Sauce (makes about 2 cups, enough to top 12 mini bagel halves)

  1. In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil over a medium flame
  2. Add the chopped onions, season with salt and pepper and sauté until onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes
  3. Add grated garlic and stir well. Once the aroma of the garlic becomes apparent, add the chopped tomatoes. Allow to cook over high heat 7-10 minutes
  4. Using the back of the spoon or a potato masher, smash some of the tomatoes in the pan for a less chunky sauce
  5. Add fresh basil and oregano.  (If using dried spices, add with the onions in step 2) and mash into the tomatoes
  6. Check seasonings and adjust if necessary.  Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before using, or chill in refrigerator in an air-tight container for use at a later time

Assemble & Bake Pizzas

  1. In a 350º toaster oven or conventional oven or in a toaster, lightly toast bagel halves
  2. Arrange bagel halves, split-side-up on baking tray. Spoon with sauce (1-2 tbsp per pizza)
  3. Top each with about 1-2 tbsp shredded cheese
  4. Arrange toppings of choice on cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 5-7 minutes
  5. Remove from oven to a plate, allow to cool slightly, then enjoy!