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Cozy 90s Lunchbox Pizza Bagels Recipe Easy Homemade from Scratch

90s lunchbox pizza bagels - featured image
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A nostalgic recipe for homemade pizza bagels from scratch, combining chewy bagel dough with fresh tomato sauce and melty cheese, perfect for lunchboxes and snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
  • 6 ounces (170 g) tomato paste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Pepperoni slices or favorite pizza toppings (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough by adding flour, salt, honey, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a stand mixer dough hook on low for 3 minutes, then medium for 5-7 minutes, or knead by hand for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces (about 4 ounces / 110 g each). Roll each into a ball and poke a hole through the center to form a ring about 2.5 inches (6 cm) wide. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and rest for 15 minutes.
  5. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, reduce to a gentle simmer, and boil bagels for 1 minute per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and return to baking sheet.
  6. Prepare the pizza sauce by whisking together tomato paste, minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), water, salt, and pepper until spreadable.
  7. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each bagel ring. Sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella and add pepperoni or desired toppings.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispier top, watching closely.
  9. Let pizza bagels cool slightly on a rack before serving or packing. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use warm water at about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Knead dough until smooth and elastic, passing the windowpane test. Boil bagels at a gentle simmer to avoid bursting. Add cheese and toppings after boiling, before baking. Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add extra moisture. Avoid microwaving reheated bagels to keep crust texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza bagels, homemade bagels, 90s lunchbox, pizza snack, easy pizza recipe, nostalgic food, lunchbox ideas

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/cozy-90s-lunchbox-pizza-bagels-recipe-easy-homemade-from-scratch/