Save to Pinterest Mummy Pizza Bagel Bites make any Halloween gathering a blast and solve snack cravings in a spooky way. They are simple enough for little hands to help assemble and irresistibly cheesy with fun olive eyes peeking out guaranteed to delight kids and grown ups at parties or for a quick kitchen project.
I love how these bagel bites turn up the excitement for my annual pumpkin carving night. My family always asks for seconds and has just as much fun making them as eating them.
Ingredients
- Mini bagels: fresh bagels give a soft chewy bite the base of each mummy choose whole wheat for more fiber
- Pizza sauce: a classic choice for tangy flavor look for low sugar if you want a healthier option
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts perfectly giving stretch and flavor buy pre shredded for speed but deli mozzarella for richness
- Sliced mozzarella cheese: creates the signature mummy bandages use firm slices for neat strips
- Sliced black olives: brings the silly but classic mummy eyes pitted olives work best for easy slicing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. This temperature ensures the bagels toast just right and the cheese bubbles perfectly.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Place parchment paper on a baking sheet for easy cleanup and to keep bagels from sticking.
- Arrange Bagel Halves:
- Lay out your mini bagel halves cut side up on the baking sheet so there is room between each for even heat.
- Add Pizza Sauce:
- Spoon about two teaspoons of pizza sauce onto each bagel half. Use the back of your spoon to spread it evenly to the edges so every bite is saucy.
- Top with Shredded Cheese:
- Sprinkle a thin layer of shredded mozzarella over the sauce. A light hand lets the bandage stripes show later and keeps the bites from getting soggy.
- Cut and Place Cheese Bandages:
- Stack mozzarella slices and use a sharp knife to carefully cut into thin strips. Lay strips in a slightly messy crisscross over each bagel half to mimic mummy wrapping. Keep the top area uncovered for olive eyes.
- Add Olive Eyes:
- Place two sliced black olives near the top of each bagel to look like eyes staring out. Press gently so they set into the cheese.
- Bake:
- Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for ten to twelve minutes. Watch for the cheese to get melty and slightly golden at the edges.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the bagel bites rest for a minute so the cheese settles. Serve warm for maximum gooey deliciousness.
Save to Pinterest There is something magical about those little olive eyes peeking out. I remember my youngest giggling every year when choosing which mummy to eat first and we always make these while telling spooky stories around the kitchen table.
Storage Tips
Once cooled these bites keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them on a baking sheet at 350 degrees until warm. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bagels tough. If prepping for a party keep covered until ready to serve.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in gluten free mini bagels if anyone is sensitive to wheat. Use vegan cheese for dairy free guests it melts nicely and holds strip shapes. Try pesto or tomato puree if out of pizza sauce. For eyes sliced peppers or small cherry tomato halves get the spooky look.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with extra pizza or marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Cut up vegetables fresh fruit or a simple salad go well for a balanced platter. I sometimes pair these with apple cider for that extra autumn feeling.
Cultural Historical Context
Bagel pizzas originated as a quick snack in American homes and have been popular since the convenience food boom of the 1980s. Transforming them into mummies makes the dish playful and festive a modern creative twist perfect for Halloween traditions with family.
Seasonal Adaptations
Make them with pumpkin spice bagels for a touch of fall flavor Decorate with green olive eyes or bell pepper mouths for more monster faces Switch out mozzarella with smoked cheese for a grown up savory treat
Success Stories
Kids love assembling their own mummies and the kitchen stays neat. At my last party these went faster than cupcakes and every guest asked for the recipe. Teachers often use them for class Halloween snacks since the steps are simple and safe.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Assemble the bagel bites up to the bandage step and freeze flat on parchment. Once frozen transfer to a freezer bag. Bake right from frozen at 425 degrees for about fifteen minutes watching for melted cheese and warm centers. Perfect for last minute get togethers.
Save to Pinterest These Mummy Pizza Bagel Bites are the perfect centerpiece for your haunted kitchen fun. Make a batch and watch them disappear before the party ends.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do you create the mummy look on bagel bites?
Use mozzarella slices cut into thin strips, arranged as overlapping bandages across the bagel, then place olive slices at the top for eyes.
- → Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other melty cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack, depending on taste preference.
- → Are there gluten-free options for these treats?
Whole wheat or gluten-free mini bagels can be used to suit dietary needs, just ensure they're sturdy enough for toppings.
- → What are good dip pairings for this snack?
Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic dip for extra flavor and fun dipping options.
- → Can kids help in making these?
Kids can assist with spreading sauce, sprinkling cheese, and arranging olive eyes—it's a creative and engaging activity for them.
- → Is it possible to add extra toppings?
Yes, add vegetables or pepperoni slices under the cheese strips for additional flavor and variety.