Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Kid-friendly: Simple and safe for kids to help assemble
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Fast and easy: Only 25 minutes from start to finish
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Healthy-ish: Made with real ingredients and easily customizable
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Fun & festive: Perfect for Halloween parties, lunches, or spooky snacks
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Customizable: Easily made gluten-free or dairy-free with alternative ingredients
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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6 mini bagels
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2 cups shredded cheese
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18 black olives
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1 cup tomato sauce (pizza or spaghetti sauce)
directions
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Preheat oven: Set oven to 425°F.
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Prepare bagels: Slice mini bagels in half and place cut-side up on a baking sheet.
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Add sauce: Spread 1 tablespoon of sauce on each bagel half.
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Add cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each.
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Create spider bodies: Cut 6 olives in half. Place one half on the center of each bagel half.
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Add legs: Slice remaining olives into thin strips. Arrange 4 slices on each side of the olive half (8 legs total).
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Bake: Place tray in oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and edges are golden.
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Serve: Let cool slightly and enjoy your spooky snack!
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free mini bagels
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Vegan: Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based sauce
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Add veggies: Hide some diced bell pepper or spinach under the cheese
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Use premade mini pizzas: For quick assembly at parties
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Spicy option: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce
storage/reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
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Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds
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Freezing: Not recommended, as texture may suffer upon reheating
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble the bagels ahead and store them in the fridge. Bake just before serving for best texture.
Can I use other toppings?
Yes, feel free to add pepperoni, mushrooms, or even chopped veggies beneath the cheese.
How do I make them dairy-free?
Use your favorite plant-based cheese alternative.
Can I use English muffins instead of bagels?
Absolutely. English muffins also work well and hold toppings nicely.
What’s the best way to slice the olives?
Use a sharp knife to cut thin strips for the legs and neat halves for the spider bodies.
Do kids enjoy making these?
Yes! They’re easy and fun to decorate, making them a great Halloween activity.
Can I turn these into a meal?
Yes. Serve 2–3 per person with a side salad or fruit for a balanced lunch.
Are they freezer-friendly?
Not ideal for freezing. The cheese and bagel texture are best enjoyed fresh.
What type of cheese is best?
Mozzarella melts well and gives that classic pizza flavor, but cheddar or blends work too.
Can I serve these at room temperature?
They’re best warm, but can be served room temp for party trays.
Conclusion
Spider Pizza Bagel Bites are a simple, spooky snack that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. They’re ideal for Halloween parties, kid-friendly lunches, or a creative cooking activity. With minimal ingredients and maximum fun, these cheesy bites are sure to crawl their way into your family’s favorites!
