Instructions

• Move the oven rack to the upper 1/3 position and preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
• Slice the 3 bakery fresh plain bagels in half (6 halves) and arrange the halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up. Brush both sides of each bagel half with 2 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil.
• Sprinkle the non-cut (rounded) sides of the bagels evenly with 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning and 1/4 tsp (heaping) garlic powder.
• Bake the bagel halves 2 1/2 minutes. Turn each half over and bake 2 1/2 minutes more, until the bagels are lightly toasty.
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spread 2/3 cup pizza sauce evenly over the cut sides of the bagels, then sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and top with 1/3 cup mini pepperoni (or other toppings of choice).
• Preheat the broiler for 1–2 minutes, then return the baking sheet to the oven on the upper rack and broil 1–2 minutes, watching very closely, until the cheese is melted and bubbly (it may brown in less than 1 minute).
• Remove from oven and, if desired, finish with chopped fresh basil, grated parmesan, and/or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.