Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagels Recipe

Easy Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagels Recipe: Savory Bite-Sized Joy

Crafting a mouthwatering spinach artichoke pizza bagel demands creativity and bold flavor combinations.

Cheese lovers will appreciate this quick, playful twist on classic comfort food.

Mediterranean ingredients dance across crispy bagel surfaces, creating unexpected culinary magic.

Bold herbs and tangy artichokes provide surprising depth to each bite.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket that hugs tender spinach leaves.

Quick assembly means you can enjoy this delightful meal in minutes.

Prepare to wow your taste buds with this simple yet impressive dish.

What Makes Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagels a Hit

  • Customize with Ease: Transform plain bagels into gourmet pizzas with minimal ingredients and steps, perfect for quick meal solutions.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines beloved flavors of spinach artichoke dip with classic pizza bagel format, appealing to both kids and adults.
  • Flexible Ingredient Swap: Adaptable recipe allows for alternative cheeses, different bagel types, or vegetable modifications based on personal preferences or pantry availability.
  • No-Fuss Preparation: Requires simple food processor blending and basic baking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.

What Goes Into Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagels

Pizza Base:
  • Bagels: Serving as the crispy foundation for the pizza-inspired dish.
Spinach Artichoke Spread:
  • Spinach: Provides a vibrant green color and nutritious base.
  • Artichokes: Adds a tangy and earthy flavor to the spread.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp and salty taste.
  • Mayonnaise: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy consistency.
  • Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Lemon Zest: Brings a bright and fresh citrus note.
Cheese Topping:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Provides a soft and creamy element.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers classic stretchy and melty cheese experience.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds depth and a slight kick to the dish.

How to Make Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagels at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to a blazing 500°F. This high heat will give your bagel pizzas that perfect crispy edge and melty cheese top.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Spinach Artichoke Filling

Grab your food processor and toss in these delightful ingredients:
  • Fresh spinach
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Cream cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour cream
  • Minced garlic
  • Lemon zest
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Pulse and blend until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy dreamscape.

Step 3: Toast Bagel Bases

Split your bagels and arrange them cut-side up on a rimmed baking sheet.

Pop them in the oven for 5 minutes until they develop a light, golden crispness.

Step 4: Layer on the Spinach Magic

Generously spoon the spinach artichoke mixture onto each bagel half, creating a luscious blanket of flavor.

Step 5: Add Cheese Decadence

Dot each bagel with small spoonfuls of ricotta and sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to become gloriously melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Final Flavor Flourish

Finish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a playful pinch of red pepper flakes.

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Handy Tips for Perfect Pizza Bagels Every Time

  • Toast bagels carefully to prevent burning and ensure a crispy base for your pizza bagels.
  • Adjust spinach artichoke spread consistency by adding more cream cheese if too thin or a splash of milk if too thick.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding goat cheese or swapping mozzarella for provolone for unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep the spread ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight cooking faster and easier.
  • For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise while maintaining delicious taste.

Flavor Combos to Try with Pizza Bagels

  • Mediterranean Marvel: Replace artichokes with roasted red peppers, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Protein Power: Mix in cooked and crumbled bacon or diced chicken breast to the spinach artichoke spread for extra protein and a savory boost.
  • Spicy Southwest: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and top with fresh cilantro after baking for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Truffle Elegance: Drizzle white truffle oil over the finished bagels and add sautéed wild mushrooms to the spinach artichoke mixture for a luxurious gourmet version.

Great Matches for Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagels

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the creamy, tangy spinach artichoke topping and cut through the rich cheese flavors.
  • Serve with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the indulgent pizza bagels and add refreshing contrast to the hearty appetizer.
  • Match with Sparkling Water with Citrus: Enhance the bright lemon zest notes in the recipe by adding a slice of lemon or lime to sparkling water, providing a clean, palate-cleansing beverage.
  • Complement with Charcuterie Board: Add a small selection of cured meats like prosciutto or salami to provide a salty, savory counterpoint to the creamy spinach artichoke topping.

Keeping Pizza Bagels Fresh and Tasty

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover pizza bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
  • Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, place bagels on a baking sheet, and warm for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and bagels are crispy.
  • Toaster Oven Option: Arrange bagels on toaster oven tray, heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and cheese bubbles.
  • Microwave Quick Fix: Heat pizza bagels on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, but be cautious as texture might become slightly soggy compared to oven reheating.

Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagel FAQs Answered

  • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess water from frozen spinach before blending into the mixture to prevent a watery spread.

  • What if I don't have cream cheese?

You can substitute with Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture in the spinach artichoke spread.

  • Are bagel types important for this recipe?

Choose firm, plain bagels that can hold the creamy topping without getting soggy. Everything bagels or whole wheat work great.

  • How can I make this healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat mozzarella, and add extra vegetables like roasted red peppers to boost nutrition.

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Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagels Recipe

Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagels Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 30–32 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Crispy bagel halves become irresistible with spinach artichoke pizza, blending creamy cheese and zesty flavors into a quick, delightful meal. Melted mozzarella and tangy artichokes create a perfect comfort bite you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Cheeses:

  • 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, at room temperature

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 (10 ounces) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 (10 ounces) box frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Base and Additional Ingredients:

  • 6 plain or sesame bagels, split
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to searing 500°F, preparing for ultimate pizza bagel transformation.
  2. Pulse spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, parmesan, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, and lemon zest in food processor until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Season with salt and black pepper.
  3. Slice bagels horizontally, positioning cut-sides upward on rimmed baking sheet. Crisp in oven for 5 minutes until edges turn golden and surfaces feel slightly crunchy.
  4. Generously spread spinach-artichoke mixture across each bagel half, ensuring even coverage.
  5. Strategically place small dollops of ricotta across the surface, creating creamy pockets of flavor.
  6. Liberally sprinkle mozzarella cheese over each bagel, allowing for complete cheese coverage.
  7. Roast in oven for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts into bubbling, enticing golden pools.
  8. Garnish with additional parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a zesty finishing touch.

Notes

  • Prep spinach artichoke mixture ahead of time and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify for richer taste profile.
  • For gluten-free version, swap traditional bagels with gluten-free bagel alternatives or use portobello mushroom caps as low-carb pizza base.
  • Customize heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes – use sparingly for mild flavor or generously for spicy kick that complements creamy cheese blend.
  • Consider roasting garlic before adding to mixture to create deeper, sweeter, more caramelized undertone that elevates overall complexity of spinach artichoke topping.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15–17 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 366
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 602 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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