There’s something eerily heartwarming about the arrival of Halloween, isn’t there? I mean, who doesn’t love the thrill of dressing up, the sound of laughter as trick-or-treaters roam the streets, and, of course, all the spooky-themed food that adds an extra layer of fun to the festivities? One of my all-time favorite Halloween treats is Mummy Pizza Bagels! These little delights not only look adorably spooky, but they are oh-so-easy to whip up.
I remember the first time I made these with my nieces and nephews. We had a blast decorating our mummies and eating our creations. It felt like a mini Halloween party in the kitchen! This recipe taps into holiday nostalgia while being quick enough to fit into your busy schedule. Plus, you can get the kids involved, and who doesn’t enjoy getting their hands messy in the kitchen every now and then? Let’s dive into how to make these adorable Mummy Pizza Bagels!
What’s in Mummy Pizza Bagels?
Bagels: The base of our little mummies! You can use regular plain bagels or go for a whole-grain version for a healthier twist. I usually go with fresh bagels from the bakery – there’s just something about that fresh-baked taste!
Pizza Sauce: A rich and savory tomato sauce helps to keep our mummies deliciously moist. Feel free to use homemade sauce if you have some on hand, or your favorite store-bought option.
Cheese: We’re going for mozzarella here, because it melts beautifully. Plus, you can cut it into strips to create the mummy bandages. I prefer the whole milk mozzarella for that creamy flavor.
Olives: Tiny black olives make the ideal spooky eyes for our mummies! You can use sliced or whole, depending on your whimsy.
Seasoning: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or even garlic powder can add an extra kick to the sauce, making them even tastier!
Is Mummy Pizza Bagels Good for You?
Now, let’s chat health. These Mummy Pizza Bagels can be a fun treat without completely derailing your healthier eating habits.
Bagels: While traditional bagels can be a bit heavy on the carbs, they also provide some energy, especially when filled with nutritious toppings.
Pizza Sauce: If you’re using a low-sugar or homemade pizza sauce, you’re getting loads of vitamins from the tomatoes, plus antioxidants. Just watch out for sauces with unnecessary additives!
Cheese: Mozzarella can be a good source of calcium and protein, but moderation is key; you don’t want it to become an overly cheesy affair.
I wouldn’t say these are a health food by any means, but they can certainly be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Ingredients List
– 4 plain bagels (cut in half)
– 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 10 black olives (sliced or whole)
– Italian seasoning (optional)
– Garlic powder (optional)
*Serves: 8 (2 halves per person)*
How to Make Mummy Pizza Bagels?
1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the Bagels:** Place the bagel halves cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. **Spread the Sauce:** Spoon a dollop of pizza sauce onto each half, spreading it to the edges. Paint the canvas for your mummy masterpiece!
4. **Add the Bandages:** Now comes the fun part! Lay mozzarella strips over the sauce to resemble mummy bandages. You can get creative here, twisting and overlapping the cheese strips as you like.
5. **Mummy Eyes:** Place the olive slices on top to represent the mummy’s eyes. If you’re using whole olives, you could even poke them in for added creepiness!
6. **Season It Up:** Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder on top if you wish for a flavor boost.
7. **Bake:** Pop them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is gooey and starting to turn golden.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool slightly, then enjoy your spooky creation!
Spook-tacular Tips for Mummy Bagels!
– **Keep it healthy:** You can use whole grain or high-protein bagels for some extra nutrients.
– **Make it your own:** Don’t limit yourself to just mozzarella! You can mix in other cheeses or even add extra toppings like bell peppers or turkey pepperoni.
– **Mini mummies:** For smaller snacks, try using mini bagels or even English muffins for a quick appetizer-sized treat!
I just love how these Mummy Pizza Bagels bring a smile to every Halloween gathering. Not only are they fun to make, but they also make for a delicious snack that both kids and adults can enjoy. I truly encourage you to give them a try! Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just looking for a festive movie night treat, these bagels are sure to creep up on your list of favorites. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the Halloween spirit, and let me know how your own mummy creations turn out! Happy Haunting!