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Cha Cha Bagels

This quick and simple recipe transforms a bagel into a savory snack or appetizer. It features bagel halves spread with cream cheese and pesto, topped with fresh tomato slices and shredded Parmesan cheese, then heated until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Total Time 15 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 1 people
Calories 786.2 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sharp Knife For slicing the bagel and tomato
  • 1 Cutting Board For safe slicing
  • 1 Spreading Knife or Spoon For applying cream cheese and pesto
  • 1 Toaster Oven or Oven For melting the cheese
  • 1 Small Baking Sheet or Tray If using oven or toaster oven

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 whole Bagel plain Or Parmesan
  • 2 Tablespoons Cream Cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons Pesto
  • 1 whole Tomato
  • ½ cups Parmesan Cheese Shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your toaster oven or oven to a medium-high setting, around 350-400°F (175-200°C).
  • Slice the bagel in half horizontally using a sharp knife.
  • If desired, lightly toast the bagel halves in the preheated oven or toaster for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
  • Slice the tomato into thin rounds or small pieces.
  • Spread an even layer of cream cheese over the cut side of each bagel half.
  • Next, spread a generous layer of pesto over the cream cheese.
  • Arrange the sliced tomato pieces on top of the pesto.
  • Generously sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the tomato and pesto layers.
  • Place the prepared bagel halves on a small baking sheet or directly on the oven/toaster rack (if safe and stable).
  • Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bagel are golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

Toast the bagel halves lightly before spreading to add texture and prevent sogginess. For best results, use fresh pesto and a good quality Parmesan cheese. When heating, watch closely as toaster ovens can brown quickly; you want the cheese melted and slightly bubbly. A quick broil at the end can give the cheese a nice golden finish. Consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a drizzle of balsamic glaze after heating for extra flavor.