Pizza Bagels with Plain Cream Cheese

Ingredients

• 4 plain bagels, split in half
• 4 ounces plain cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons sliced pepperoni
• 1 fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Method

1. 1

   Preheat the broiler to high and position a rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Line a baking sheet with foil.

2. 2

   Arrange the bagel halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 2 minutes, until lightly golden.

   2:00 · Toast bagel halves
3. 3

   Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened plain cream cheese evenly over each toasted bagel half.

4. 4

   Spoon 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over the cream cheese layer on each half, spreading to the edges.

5. 5

   Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the sauced bagels, then top with oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and pepperoni slices.

6. 6

   Broil the pizza bagels for 3 to 4 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and bubbling with light golden spots.

   3:00 · Broil pizza bagels
7. 7

   Let the pizza bagels cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet, then garnish with torn basil leaves and serve.

   2:00 · Cool before serving