These cream cheese stuffed garlic bagels are a tasty treat that you can enjoy any time of the day! The creamy filling pairs perfectly with the garlicky flavor of the bagel.
Who can resist warm bagels that are soft on the inside and deliciously crunchy on the outside? I could munch on these for breakfast, lunch, or even as a late-night snack—not gonna lie! 😋
Making them is super easy! Just bake your bagels, fill them with cream cheese, and sprinkle on some garlic. Perfect for sharing or just to keep all to yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: Plain bagels are the base here, but you can switch it up with everything bagels for an extra flavor kick! If you’re gluten-free, look for a gluten-free bagel option that suits your taste.
Cream Cheese: I love the richness of full-fat cream cheese, but you can substitute with low-fat cream cheese or even vegan cream cheese if you’re looking to lighten it up or need a plant-based option.
Unsalted Butter: While I use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness, you can use salted butter. Just remember to adjust the added salt in the recipe accordingly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds great flavor, but you can use pre-minced garlic or even garlic powder if you’re in a pinch. If you’re sensitive to garlic, you can cut back or omit it.
Cheese: Parmesan is a fantastic topping, but you can replace it with pecorino romano for a sharper taste or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Grated vegan cheese also works well!
How Do I Hollow Out Bagels Without Messing Up?
Hollowing out bagels can feel tricky, but it’s simple with the right technique. The key is to use a sharp knife and be gentle.
- Place the bagel on a cutting board. Use a serrated knife for a clean cut.
- Slice the bagel in half horizontally. Start cutting from the outer edge slowly to avoid crushing the bagel.
- Once halved, carefully scoop out some of the soft center with a small spoon. Make sure to leave enough bread at the bottom so the filling doesn’t spill out.
- Take your time; a steady hand makes for nice, neat bagel halves!
How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bagels:
- 2 plain bagels
For The Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz (about ½ cup) cream cheese, softened
For The Garlic Butter Mixture:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For The Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, so you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes total to enjoy your delicious bagels! Perfect for a quick breakfast or a savory snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your bagels bake evenly and get that lovely golden color!
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This mixture is going to give your bagels a delicious garlic flavor!
3. Prepare the Bagels:
Next, take each bagel and cut it in half horizontally. Be careful not to cut all the way through! After that, gently hollow out some of the soft bread from each half. This creates a nice little pocket for the cream cheese filling.
4. Add the Cream Cheese Filling:
Now it’s time to spread a generous layer of cream cheese inside each hollowed-out bagel half. Make sure it’s evenly spread so every bite is creamy and delicious!
5. Top with Garlic Butter:
Take that tasty garlic butter mixture you made earlier and spread it evenly over the tops of each bagel half. This will help create that gorgeous crispy topping as it bakes.
6. Add the Parmesan Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the buttered tops of the bagels. It will melt beautifully and add a nice cheesy flavor!
7. Bake the Bagels:
Place the bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easy. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and the topping is bubbly and slightly crispy.
8. Let Them Cool:
Once they’re done baking, carefully remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. This will also help the filling set a bit before you dig in!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, serve the bagels warm. Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, garlicky goodness with every bite! They make a fantastic snack, breakfast, or appetizer. Yum!
Can I Use Different Types of Bagels?
Absolutely! While plain bagels work wonderfully, you can try everything bagels for an extra flavor boost or even whole grain or gluten-free bagels to suit your preference!
Can I Store Leftover Stuffed Bagels?
Yes, you can! Store leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through for the best texture.
Can I Make These Bagels Without Garlic?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can simply leave it out. You can also replace it with herbs like chives or thyme for a different flavor profile while still keeping it delicious.
Is There a Vegan Option for This Recipe?
Definitely! You can use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter to make this recipe vegan. Just ensure that any other ingredients, like cheese, are also vegan-friendly!