These cream cheese stuffed garlic bagels are a tasty treat! With a perfect mix of soft bagels and creamy filling, they’re fantastic for breakfast or a snack!
Honestly, who can resist the smell of garlic wafting through the kitchen? I love making a batch, then enjoying them fresh out of the oven. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: You’ll need this for the dough to rise. If you have instant yeast, that can work too. Use about 2 teaspoons, as it doesn’t need proofing like active dry yeast does. Just mix it straight into the flour!
Bread Flour: This gives the bagels their chewy texture. If you’re out, all-purpose flour is fine, but the texture might be a bit less chewy. You can also try a mix of both for a nice balance.
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese is perfect, but you can use a low-fat version if you want to cut calories. For a twist, consider using flavored cream cheese, like garlic & herb!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the best for taste, but garlic powder can substitute in a pinch. Just use about half the amount of garlic powder as you would fresh for the same flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and rosemary add an aromatic touch. If you don’t have rosemary or want a different flavor, basil or thyme work well too. Dried herbs can work, but fresh herbs really shine in this recipe.
How Do I Get Perfectly Shaped Bagels?
Shaping bagels can seem tricky, but it’s all about technique! Here’s how to do it right:
- After dividing the dough into pieces, roll each piece into a ball. Let them rest for a few minutes — this makes them easier to shape.
- Use your thumb to poke a hole in the center. Don’t worry if the hole seems small; it will stretch while boiling and baking.
- When stretching, work gently to keep the bagel thick around the edges. Aim for a hole about 2 inches wide to ensure even cooking.
This method ensures your bagels have that classic chewy texture and beautiful shape, enhancing both their look and taste!
How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Boiling:
- Water and 1 tbsp baking soda
- Oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 2 hours to complete—1 hour for the dough to rise and about 30 minutes for preparation and baking. You’ll spend a good time mixing, shaping, and boiling the bagels, but the delicious results will make it all worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy—that’s the yeast getting activated! In a large mixing bowl, mix together the bread flour and salt. Next, add the foamy yeast mixture to the flour and stir until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Once done, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt until everything is well blended. Set this delicious mixture aside while you shape the bagels.
3. Shape the Bagels:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Using your thumb, poke a hole through the center of each ball and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape, ensuring the hole is about 2 inches wide. Now, it’s time to add the cream cheese filling! Carefully press the mixture into the center hole of each bagel without overfilling. You can pinch the dough around the filling to keep it secure, but leave the top open.
4. Boil the Bagels:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and then add the baking soda. Gently drop in your bagels, a few at a time, and boil them for about 1 minute on each side. This step gives them that delicious chewy texture! Once boiled, use a slotted spoon to remove the bagels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Add Garlic Topping and Bake:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, and some extra chopped parsley. Brush this delicious garlic butter mixture over the tops of the bagels, and if you’d like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and looking scrumptious!
6. Finish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and brush them again with any remaining garlic butter for an extra burst of flavor. You can also garnish with more chopped parsley if you like. Serve these warm, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
These bagels are sure to impress with their soft, chewy exterior and rich, garlicky cream cheese filling. They’re a perfect treat for breakfast or a snack at any time of the day!
Can I Use Store-Bought Bagels Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought bagels and simply stuff them with the cream cheese mixture. Just be sure to warm them up in the oven for a few minutes to get them nice and toasty.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh parsley or rosemary, you can use dried herbs instead—just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, you can skip the herbs and still enjoy delicious garlic-flavored bagels!
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To revive their freshness, pop them in a toaster or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Can I Freeze These Bagels?
Yes, you can freeze these bagels! After baking and cooling completely, wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
