Why Make This Recipe
Stuffed bagels are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. They are not just your ordinary bagels; they are filled with a rich, creamy filling that can cater to both savory and vegetarian palates. Whether you want a hearty breakfast, a tasty lunch, or a satisfying snack, stuffed bagels provide a perfect option. They are convenient to make, filling, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Making these stuffed bagels at home is fun and economical, plus they are sure to please anyone who takes a bite!
How to Make Stuffed Bagels
Ingredients:
- 4 bagels
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or vegetables
- 1/4 cup chopped chives or green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it prepares the oven for baking your stuffed bagels to perfection.
Slice and Toast: Slice the bagels in half. You can choose to lightly toast the bagels at this stage. This will add a nice texture and bring out the flavor of the bagels.
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon (or your choice of vegetables for a vegetarian version), 1/4 cup of chopped chives or green onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined. The mixture should be creamy and flavorful.
Spread the Mixture: Take the cream cheese mixture and spread it generously on the cut side of each bagel half. Make sure to cover it well, so each bite is filled with deliciousness.
Bake the Bagels: Place the stuffed bagels on a baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they are heated through and slightly golden.
Serve Warm: Once done, take the stuffed bagels out of the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. They are best served warm.
How to Serve Stuffed Bagels
Stuffed bagels are versatile and can be served in various ways. They make a great breakfast paired with coffee or tea. For a lunch option, consider serving them with a light salad or some fruit on the side. You can also cut them into smaller halves or quarters and serve them as appetizers at a party. They can be garnished with extra chives or drizzled with hot sauce for those who enjoy some heat. A side of pickles or olives can also elevate the serving experience.
How to Store Stuffed Bagels
If you happen to have leftovers (which is uncommon because they’re so delicious!), you can store stuffed bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain their freshness, consume them within 2-3 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each stuffed bagel well in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Stuffed Bagels
Choose the Right Bagels: Bagels can come in various flavors like everything, onion, or sesame. Pick a flavor that complements your filling.
Add More Ingredients: Feel free to experiment by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even jalapeños for a kick.
Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese: If you want a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese can work well without losing too much flavor.
Make It Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to stuff the bagels.
Serve with Dips: Providing a range of dips, such as salsa, guacamole, or tzatziki, can offer great accompaniments that add flavor to your stuffed bagels.
Variation
There are plenty of ways to keep this recipe fresh and exciting. Here are some variations you can try:
Vegetarian Option: Instead of bacon, you can fill the bagels with sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even roasted vegetables.
Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of hot sauce or crushed red pepper into the cream cheese mixture.
Sweet Option: For something different, consider using flavored cream cheese like strawberry or garlic and herb, combined with fresh fruit or nuts.
Cheese Lover’s Delight: Add shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella to the filling for extra creaminess and flavor.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like dill or basil in your cream cheese mixture for a unique flavor profile.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
A1: Yes, you can use any soft cheese like goat cheese, ricotta, or even a flavored spread. Just ensure it’s spreadable for easy mixing and spreading.
Q2: How do I reheat stuffed bagels?
A2: To reheat, place the bagels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warm. You can also warm them in a microwave, but this may make them a bit chewy.
Q3: Can I make stuffed bagels ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the bagels in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
By bringing together basic ingredients and flavors, stuffed bagels create a delightful meal that satisfies various tastes. Enjoy the simple joy and deliciousness of making your own stuffed bagels at home!
Print
Stuffed Bagels
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious stuffed bagels filled with creamy goodness, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or snacks.
Ingredients
- 4 bagels
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or vegetables
- 1/4 cup chopped chives or green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the bagels in half and optionally toast them.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cooked bacon or vegetables, chives or green onions, and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture on the cut side of each bagel half.
- Place the stuffed bagels on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through and slightly golden.
- Let cool for a couple of minutes and serve warm.
Notes
Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients or make a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel half
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: stuffed bagels, breakfast, snack, vegetarian, creamy filling