Pin These Alfredo Chicken Bacon Pizza Bagels bring all the comfort of pizza night but in a fun handheld form. Crispy bagel halves become the perfect base for creamy Alfredo sauce, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and plenty of bubbling cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave something a little indulgent, these bagels pull together with just a handful of quality ingredients and a hot oven.
I first threw these together on a game night when we ran out of pizza crust. Everyone went wild for them and now these bagel pizzas are a go-to when I want a fast and impressive meal.
Ingredients
- Plain bagels: look for ones that feel slightly firm to withstand toppings rather than soft supermarket types
- Alfredo sauce: creamy and rich use your favorite store-bought or try a homemade version for more flavor
- Cooked chicken breast: for a quick route use rotisserie chicken or leftovers and shred or dice into even pieces
- Cooked bacon: smoky flavor and crisp texture chop it finely for better coverage
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: brings the gooey melt and golden finish use whole milk mozzarella for best stretch
- Grated Parmesan cheese: adds savory depth only a tablespoon or two but it makes a difference in flavor
- Dried Italian herbs: if you have time to blend dried oregano basil and thyme together it brings pizza shop aroma
- Freshly ground black pepper: brightens everything without needing extra salt
- Chopped fresh parsley: for garnish bright green pop adds freshness just sprinkle right before serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius and let it fully heat up. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so cleaning up is a breeze
- Arrange Bagel Bases:
- Lay all eight bagel halves with cut sides facing up across the baking sheet with a little space between them for the toppings to spill and crisp at the edges
- Spread Alfredo Sauce:
- With a spoon or small spatula spread two generous tablespoons of Alfredo sauce on every bagel half right to the edges to ensure every bite stays creamy and moist
- Distribute Chicken and Bacon:
- Top each sauced bagel half evenly with diced or shredded cooked chicken then scatter chopped bacon across the chicken making sure the toppings are spread so every bite gets a little of both
- Add Cheeses:
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over each bagel half so it covers the meat and sauce then top with a light shower of grated Parmesan to deepen the cheesy flavor
- Season the Bagels:
- Over each prepared bagel half add a pinch of dried Italian herbs and a small grind of black pepper for a hint of warmth and aroma
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the pan on the center rack and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until cheese is melted and bubbles form and the bagel edges turn golden crisp
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Scatter chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness and serve hot straight from the pan
Pin My favorite part is watching the cheese bubble over the bagel’s edge and crisp on the pan. My kids love helping add the toppings and it has become our tradition to make these together before movie night.
Storage Tips
Once cooled store leftover pizza bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in your oven or toaster oven until cheese is bubbly and bagels regain a bit of crunch. Avoid microwaving if possible since the bagels can go soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon if you want a lighter version. Try naan or English muffins if you do not have bagels though the result will be softer. Add extra flavor with sliced red onions sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms tucked under the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Serve on a platter as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or as fun lunchbox fare for kids who love pizza in any form. Cut each bagel half into smaller wedges for party bites.
Cultural Touch
Bagel pizzas are an American shortcut classic first made popular in the seventies. Swapping tomato sauce for Alfredo and adding chicken and bacon gives this version a playful white pizza twist that feels both nostalgic and special.
Pin These bagel pizzas are delicious served fresh and just as good reheated for lunch. Everyone agrees they are easier to make than classic pizza and impossible to resist.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different sauces instead of Alfredo?
Yes, try pesto, marinara, or garlic cream sauce for a twist on the traditional flavor.
- → How can I make these vegetarian?
Swap the chicken and bacon for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite veggies.
- → What’s the best way to make bagels crispy?
Bake at a high temperature and use parchment paper to help edges turn golden without sticking.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for fresh, melty cheese.
- → What sides go well with pizza bagels?
Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for convenience?
Absolutely, rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor to the bagels.