Growing up, bagel bites were a staple in my household. Whether it was for an afternoon snack or a late-night craving, there was always a box of these delicious bite-sized pizzas sitting in our freezer. And while they’re best enjoyed straight out of the oven, I quickly learned that heating them up in the microwave was a convenient alternative. But like most frozen foods, there’s a certain technique to microwaving bagel bites to ensure they come out hot and crispy every time. In this article, I’m going to share with you some quick and easy tips on how to heat up bagel bites in the microwave.
Choosing the Right Microwave-Safe Plate
Before we dive into the specifics of microwaving bagel bites, it’s important to note that not all plates are microwave-safe. Using the wrong type of plate can cause it to crack or even potentially start a fire. So, it’s crucial to choose a microwave-safe plate that can withstand the heat.
Plastic vs. Glass
When it comes to microwaving bagel bites, I highly recommend using a microwave-safe glass plate instead of a plastic one. Plastic plates can release harmful substances into your food when exposed to high temperatures, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and stick with glass.
Size and Shape
In addition to using a microwave-safe plate, it’s also important to consider the size and shape. Opt for a plate that is large enough to accommodate all of your bagel bites without crowding them. Crowding the bagel bites on a small plate can result in uneven cooking and soggy crusts.
Prepping the Bagel Bites
Now that you have your microwave-safe plate ready, it’s time to prep the bagel bites for heating. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Arrange the Bagel Bites
Take the desired number of bagel bites out of the packaging and arrange them evenly on the plate. Make sure to leave some space between each bite for even cooking.
Step 2: Spacing
To ensure that the bagel bites cook evenly, it’s essential to space them out properly. Overcrowding the plate can result in some bites being undercooked while others become overcooked.
Heating Time and Power Level
Now that your bagel bites are prepped and ready for the microwave, it’s time to set the heating time and power level.
Step 1: Adjusting the Power Level
Microwaves typically come with different power settings, ranging from 1 to 10. For bagel bites, I recommend setting the power level to around 7 or 8. This ensures that they heat evenly without becoming too tough or rubbery.
Step 2: Heating Time
The recommended heating time for bagel bites can vary depending on your microwave’s wattage and the number of bites you’re heating. As a general guideline, start with a heating time of 1 minute for 4 to 6 bagel bites. If they are not yet hot and crispy, continue heating in 30-second intervals until they reach the desired temperature.
Rotating and Flipping
To ensure even heating, it’s important to rotate and flip the bagel bites halfway through the cooking process. This helps them to cook uniformly and prevents any part from becoming too crispy or chewy.
Step 1: Rotate the Plate
After the first half of the cooking time, open the microwave and carefully rotate the plate. This ensures that all the bagel bites are exposed to the heat evenly.
Step 2: Flip the Bagel Bites
Once you’ve rotated the plate, flip each bagel bite individually to ensure that both sides cook evenly. This step is essential for achieving a crispy crust.
Allowing Time to Cool
Now that your bagel bites are warm and crispy, it’s crucial to give them a few moments to cool down before digging in. The cheese in the toppings can be extremely hot and can burn your mouth if you’re not careful.
Step 1: Let them Sit
Allow the bagel bites to sit on the plate for a minute or two. This allows the heat to distribute evenly throughout the bites and ensures that they’re safe to eat without burning your tongue.
Step 2: Enjoy!
Once the bagel bites have cooled slightly, it’s time to dig in and enjoy your delicious, quick, and easy snack! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own.
In conclusion, microwaving bagel bites is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this beloved snack. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your bagel bites come out hot, crispy, and absolutely delicious. So, next time you’re craving a delicious bite-sized pizza, reach for that box of bagel bites in your freezer, and prepare them using your microwave with confidence!