These Creamy Cheddar Bagels are warm, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious! With a creamy cheddar spread, they make for a perfect breakfast or snack that will make your taste buds sing.
I love to enjoy mine with a cup of coffee while basking in the morning sun. These bagels are so good, you might just want to keep a few extra handy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yeast: Active dry yeast is essential for leavening your bagels. If you’re in a pinch, you can use instant yeast; just skip the activation step. You’ll still get that lovely rise!
Bread Flour: Bread flour gives these bagels their chewy texture because of the high protein content. If you only have all-purpose flour, you can use it. Your bagels will be a bit softer but still tasty.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for that bold flavor. If you’re looking for something milder, try medium cheddar or even a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère!
Cream Cheese: For the filling, any plain cream cheese works. You can also use a flavored variety, like chive or garlic, for an extra twist. Vegan cream cheese is great if you’re dairy-free.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness. If you don’t have fresh, dried parsley can work, but use less since it’s more concentrated. Or try green onions for a different flavor!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Bagel Texture?
Getting that chewy, dense bagel texture relies on kneading and boiling. Here’s how to nail it:
- Kneading: Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic—around 8-10 minutes. This builds the gluten, giving your bagels their chewy texture.
- Boiling: Don’t skip the boiling step! It sets the crust. Simmer each bagel for 1 minute on each side. This creates that perfect bagel bite..
- Shaping: After slicing the bagels, be gentle when adding the filling to avoid tearing. Speed is key when putting on the egg wash to make sure everything sticks together!
How to Make Creamy Cheddar Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagel Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 1 hour and 30 minutes for rising and boiling. Overall, you’ll spend about 2 hours from start to finish, including baking. The result? Soft, cheesy bagels that are totally worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a bowl, combine the yeast and sugar with warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is activated and ready to work its magic!
2. Make the Bagel Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the bread flour, salt, shredded cheddar cheese, and parsley. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a dough begins to form. It might seem a little messy at first, but that’s okay!
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. Your goal is to achieve a smooth and elastic dough, so put a little muscle into it!
4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This is the fun part where your dough gets big and puffy!
5. Shape the Bagels:
Once risen, punch down the dough to release any excess air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Then, poke a hole in the center with your finger and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape.
6. Second Rise:
Place the shaped bagels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them again and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes. They will puff up a bit more during this time.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This creamy filling is going to be delicious!
8. Boil the Bagels:
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then lower it to a simmer. Boil the bagels a few at a time (2-3 is perfect) for 1 minute on each side. Remove them carefully and let them drain on a wire rack.
9. Add Filling & Toppings:
Slice each bagel horizontally. Spread a generous layer of the cheddar-cream cheese mixture inside, then replace the top. Brush the outer side of the bagels with the egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with water) and sprinkle with extra cheddar, parsley, and sesame seeds if desired.
10. Bake the Bagels:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the filled bagels on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. They should come out golden brown and the cheese inside all melty.
11. Cool and Serve:
Let your bagels cool for just a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious creamy cheddar bagels—they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Enjoy your creamy cheddar bagels with a cheesy, herb-infused cream cheese center!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a blend. Just be mindful that the flavor and meltability might vary a bit!
What If I Don’t Have Bread Flour?
No worries! You can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour. The texture may be slightly softer, but it will still yield tasty bagels. Just be sure to knead the dough well to develop some gluten.
Can I Make These Bagels Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! After the first rise, you can store the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, let it come to room temperature, then proceed with shaping and boiling.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bagels! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw at room temperature and pop them in a toaster or oven to refresh.
