The savory richness of spinach and artichoke dip meets the chewy goodness of toasted bagels in this irresistible recipe. Topped with a trio of creamy cheeses — ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan — these pizza bagels deliver that perfect golden melt and flavor-packed bite.
Whether you’re prepping for a party or just craving something ultra-satisfying and easy to make, these Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagels are the answer. With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is your go-to for crowd-pleasing comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Full Recipe:
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1 (10 oz) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
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1 (10 oz) box frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and squeezed dry
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1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, at room temperature
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1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
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1/3 cup mayonnaise
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1/3 cup sour cream
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2 garlic cloves, grated
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1 tsp grated lemon zest
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
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6 plain or sesame bagels, split
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1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 8 oz)
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Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
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In a food processor, combine spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, parmesan, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Blend until smooth.
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Arrange the split bagels cut-side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 5 minutes until lightly crisped.
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Spoon about 1/4 cup of the spinach mixture onto each bagel half.
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Dot each with 3 small spoonfuls of ricotta and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
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Finish with more parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 12 bagel halves
The Rise of Pizza Bagels in Home Cooking
Pizza bagels have long been a nostalgic comfort food for many, often remembered from childhood lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or quick family dinners. Their simplicity, versatility, and speed of preparation make them an ideal candidate for reinvention. In recent years, they’ve been elevated far beyond the frozen-food aisle with gourmet toppings, better cheeses, and creative flavor combinations. One such innovation is the Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagel — a marriage of creamy dip and crispy-chewy bagel base that hits every flavor note.
This twist on the classic pizza bagel not only brings the comfort of a traditional favorite but also channels the flavors of a beloved appetizer: spinach artichoke dip. Rich, cheesy, tangy, and savory, this recipe delivers a delightful texture contrast with the creamy topping nestled into a crisped bagel.
Why Spinach Artichoke Is the Perfect Flavor Fusion
Spinach artichoke dip has remained one of the most popular appetizers in American cuisine for decades, often served warm in a ramekin with bread or chips. The creamy blend of vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings creates an indulgent but comforting experience. Translating this into a pizza bagel is a masterstroke — the dip functions as the “sauce,” layered generously over a crunchy toasted bagel, then finished with gooey melted cheeses that bubble and brown under high heat.
The beauty of this flavor combination lies in the balance of rich and tangy. The cream cheese and sour cream deliver lushness, while the garlic, parmesan, and lemon zest cut through with brightness and savoriness. It’s a dish that is both satisfying and surprisingly nuanced.
An Ideal Appetizer or Snack for Any Occasion
Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagels are one of those rare recipes that easily transition from casual snack to elegant party platter. When served in halves or quarters, they become the ultimate finger food — warm, cheesy, and easy to grab. They’re just as perfect for Sunday football as they are for baby showers, family movie nights, or holiday gatherings.
Beyond parties, these bagels also make for a quick and comforting dinner when served alongside a fresh salad. You can prepare a batch in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute hosting.
Customizable and Family-Friendly
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. While the classic version features a trio of cheeses — ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan — you can swap in other cheeses based on preference or what you have on hand. Fontina, provolone, goat cheese, or even feta could work beautifully in different combinations.
Moreover, the base of spinach and artichokes is incredibly accommodating. Add caramelized onions for sweetness, mushrooms for umami, or jalapeños for a kick of spice. The core spinach-artichoke mixture acts as a canvas, and your favorite flavors can be easily integrated.
Kids often love this dish because it’s essentially pizza in a new form — and even picky eaters may be willing to try the veggie-packed topping thanks to the creamy, cheesy disguise.
The Secret to a Perfect Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagel
There are a few key techniques that take this recipe from good to great:
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Squeeze your vegetables well: One of the most important steps is squeezing all the moisture out of the thawed spinach and artichoke hearts. Too much liquid will make the bagel soggy and prevent the cheese from bubbling properly.
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Don’t skip the pre-toast: Toasting the bagels briefly before adding the topping helps maintain their structure and crispness. It also enhances the flavor, giving you a delicious crunch at the first bite.
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Bake at a high temperature: A hot oven (500°F or 260°C) ensures the cheeses melt and brown quickly without drying out the bagel or turning the topping into mush.
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Use whole milk dairy: Full-fat ricotta and mozzarella contribute to the richness and mouthfeel that give this dish its comforting appeal. Low-fat versions might work, but they won’t deliver the same luscious texture.
Health and Nutrition Considerations
While this is definitely a comfort food, the inclusion of spinach and artichokes provides nutritional benefits. Spinach is rich in iron, magnesium, and vitamins A and K, while artichokes bring in fiber, antioxidants, and folate. Though the cheeses and creamy ingredients make the dish indulgent, it’s a great way to sneak in vegetables, especially for those who aren’t naturally drawn to them.
To make the dish a bit lighter, you could use reduced-fat cheeses or opt for Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. You could even use whole wheat or high-protein bagels to add more fiber and nutrients.
For those following vegetarian diets, this recipe is naturally meat-free and can easily be adjusted to suit lacto-vegetarian preferences. If you’re looking to make it vegan, try dairy-free alternatives for cream cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella. Plenty of plant-based options on the market melt and taste remarkably similar to the originals.
Creative Serving Ideas and Pairings
These bagels shine on their own, but they pair beautifully with light sides to make a full meal. Here are a few ideas:
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Fresh green salad: A simple arugula or spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness of the bagel topping.
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Tomato soup: A warm, comforting bowl of tomato soup complements the cheesy bagels perfectly and makes for a cozy combo.
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Crudité platter: If serving these at a party, you could pair them with a cold veggie tray and a yogurt-based dip to offer variety and crunch.
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Sparkling beverages: Whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, a bubbly drink like prosecco or flavored seltzer helps cut through the creaminess and refreshes the palate.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing
Another advantage of this dish is how well it lends itself to make-ahead prep. You can blend the spinach artichoke mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, just toast the bagels, assemble, and bake.
You can also freeze assembled (but unbaked) bagel halves on a tray, then store them in a sealed freezer bag. To bake from frozen, simply extend the cooking time by a few minutes — they’ll still turn out hot, cheesy, and delicious.
This make-ahead capability is a game-changer for busy households, especially for parents juggling school lunches or needing quick after-school snacks.
Conclusion
Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagels combine two crowd-pleasing classics into one unforgettable bite. With their crispy bagel base, creamy and tangy topping, and bubbling cheese finish, they deliver on both flavor and comfort. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, prepping appetizers for a party, or simply indulging in a cozy solo snack, this recipe is sure to impress.
It checks all the boxes: easy, versatile, nostalgic, and gourmet. Plus, the flavor profile is flexible enough to suit a variety of preferences, making it a go-to for both picky eaters and culinary adventurers. If you’re looking for a recipe that brings joy to the table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, Spinach Artichoke Pizza Bagels absolutely deliver.