These cream cheese stuffed garlic bagels are a tasty treat! With a lovely garlicky flavor and creamy filling, they are perfect for breakfast or a snack anytime.
I can’t resist these bagels fresh from the oven! The combo of warm, chewy bagel and smooth cream cheese just makes my day. Pair them with a cup of coffee for the ultimate joy! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: You can use plain bagels or get creative with flavors like everything bagels or onion bagels. If you’re gluten-free, there are gluten-free bagels on the market that work great!
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese is classic, but feel free to swap it for flavored cream cheese like chive and onion for extra taste. Vegan cream cheese alternatives also work well for a dairy-free option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch, but if you prefer, garlic powder can substitute. Just use about 1 teaspoon powdered garlic for every fresh clove you’d normally use.
Fresh Parsley: This herb brightens up the flavor. If you don’t have parsley, fresh dill or chives make great substitutes.
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional, but it adds richness. If you’d like a non-dairy option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How Do You Thoroughly Mix the Cream Cheese Filling?
Mixing the cream cheese filling well is essential for a smooth texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened. Leaving it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes works wonders.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Use a sturdy fork or an electric mixer to blend everything together until the mixture is creamy and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
This ensures that every bite has the perfect flavor blend!
How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 4 bagels (plain or your choice)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
For Finishing Touches:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious bagels in just about 30-35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
Start by taking a medium bowl and adding the softened cream cheese. To it, mix in the minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything well until it’s smooth and all the ingredients are evenly blended.
2. Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the bagels from sticking.
3. Stuff the Bagels:
Now, take each bagel and use a sharp knife to make deep cuts or slits around them; be careful not to cut all the way through (about 1/2 inch deep is great). Next, gently stuff or pipe the cream cheese mixture into the cuts you made. Fill them well, but try not to overfill to keep it neat!
4. Brush with Olive Oil or Butter:
Using a brush or a spoon, lightly coat the outside of each stuffed bagel with olive oil or melted butter. This step will help create that lovely golden, crunchy crust when they bake.
5. Add Parmesan and Herbs:
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the tops of the bagels now. Finish off by adding some extra chopped parsley for a fresh and colorful touch.
6. Bake:
Take your prepared bagels and place them on the lined baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until you see a beautiful golden brown color and the cream cheese is bubbly and heated through.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they are done baking, carefully remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They’re best served warm, and you can enjoy them with a small bowl of extra cream cheese or a yummy garlic herb dipping sauce if you like!
Enjoy your delightful cream cheese stuffed garlic bagels fresh from the oven!
Can I Use Different Types of Bagels?
Absolutely! While plain bagels are a classic choice, feel free to experiment with different flavors like everything bagels or onion bagels for added taste. Just make sure they can hold the stuffing well.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you want to try something different, you can use flavored cream cheese, like chive and onion, or even a dairy-free cream cheese if you’re keeping it vegan. Just ensure it’s equally soft for easy mixing!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispness.
How Can I Make These Spicier?
If you enjoy some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the cream cheese filling or sprinkle some on top before baking. You can adjust the amount to your taste preference!