Creamy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Bagels Recipe

Craving a breakfast or brunch that truly satisfies? Look no further than these Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels! This recipe transforms a simple bagel into an ultimate indulgence. Imagine fluffy bagels, generously filled with a creamy, cheesy, and smoky bacon mixture. This delightful combination offers an irresistible flavor and texture that makes every bite a treat. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare and cook, perfect for busy mornings or a special weekend spread. Get ready to impress your taste buds and loved ones with this unique and delicious bagel creation.

Why You’ll Love These Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels

You will quickly discover why these Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels are a new favorite. They offer a delightful experience that’s both comforting and exciting.

  • Deliciously rich and satisfying flavor. Each bite bursts with the savory taste of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and smooth cream cheese, perfectly balanced.
  • Quick and easy to prepare. With minimal steps and simple ingredients, even beginner cooks can create these impressive bagels in no time.
  • Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snack. These stuffed bagels are hearty enough for a meal yet portable enough for a delicious grab-and-go option.
  • Customizable to taste preferences. Easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite herbs to make them uniquely yours.
  • Impressive yet simple result. They look fancy, but the process is straightforward, ensuring you always achieve a fantastic outcome.

Ingredients

To create these incredible creamy bacon cheddar bagels, you will need a few simple, flavorful components. Ensure all your ingredients are fresh for the best taste and texture.

  • 4 large Bagels, preferably sesame seeded
  • 7 oz / 200g Cream Cheese, full-fat
  • 5 oz / 150g Bacon, cooked, cooled & diced
  • 1 cup / 100g Grated Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 tbsp Mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Sour Cream
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Chives, chopped
  • 1 tsp Hot Sauce, optional, adjust to spice preference
  • Salt & Black Pepper, to taste

Notes & Substitutions

Selecting the right ingredients and preparing them properly makes a big difference.

  • Bagels: Sesame, plain, or everything bagels all work wonderfully. Choose your favorite for this delicious bacon cheddar bagel.
  • Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This makes it much easier to mix into a smooth, creamy filling.
  • Cheddar: Feel free to adjust the strength of your cheddar. Use a mild cheddar for a subtle flavor or a mature one for a sharper tang.
  • Bacon: Cook and cool the bacon thoroughly before dicing. This ensures a crisp texture and prevents the filling from becoming greasy.
  • Mayonnaise/Sour Cream: These ingredients are essential. They contribute to the incredibly gooey and moist texture of the filling.
  • Hot Sauce: Omit the hot sauce entirely if you prefer no spice. You can also increase or decrease the amount to suit your desired heat level.
  • Chives: Fresh chives are recommended for their vibrant flavor. If unavailable, use a smaller amount of dried chives.

Equipment

Gathering your equipment beforehand simplifies the entire cooking process. You won’t need anything fancy for these delicious bagels.

  • Large baking tray
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Chopping board

Instructions

Making these Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels is a breeze with our step-by-step guide. Follow these simple instructions for perfect results every time.

  1. Prepare Filling: In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, diced cooked bacon, mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped chives, and hot sauce (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste. If you wish to garnish later, save a small portion of diced bacon and chives. Mix everything until it is thoroughly combined and uniform. This rich mixture forms the heart of your stuffed bagels.
  2. Prepare Bagels: Take each large bagel and carefully slice a thin piece off the bottom, the non-seeded side. This creates a stable base for the bagel to sit on.
  3. Create Bagel “Moat”: Place the bagel seed-side-down on your chopping board. Using a sharp knife, carefully run it around the inner circumference of the bagel, approximately half an inch from the edge. Make sure you do not cut all the way through to the outer crust. This creates a guideline for hollowing.
  4. Hollow Bagel: Gently, but firmly, use your thumbs or a small spoon to push the soft center of the bagel towards the crust. This creates a bowl-like space inside, making way for the delicious creamy bacon cheddar mixture. Be careful not to tear the bagel’s exterior.
  5. Fill Bagels: Evenly divide the prepared creamy bacon cheddar mixture among each of the hollowed-out bagels. Use your rubber spatula to gently level off the top of the filling, ensuring it’s spread smoothly and generously within the created space.
  6. Bake: Arrange the filled bagels on a large baking tray. Place the tray in your preheated oven at 190°C (375°F). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is visibly melted, bubbly, and golden on top. The bagels will become slightly toasted.
  7. Serve: Let the baked bagels cool slightly on the tray for a few minutes before handling. Garnish with any reserved chives or bacon pieces if desired. Serve these irresistible Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels hot and enjoy immediately. Be careful, the filling will be hot!
Toasted bagel topped with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and chives on black background

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

These simple tips help ensure your stuffed bagels turn out perfectly every time. Address common issues with these easy solutions.

  • Creamy Consistency: Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This guarantees a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
  • Prevent Soggy Bagels: Do not overfill the bagels. Leave a small margin at the top to prevent the filling from bubbling over and making the bagel soggy.
  • Gooey Cheese: Bake until the cheese is visibly melted and bubbly on top. This indicates the filling is heated through and perfectly gooey.
  • Crispy Bacon: For extra crunch and flavor in your creamy bacon cheddar bagels, pre-cook the bacon until it’s very crisp. Let it cool before dicing.
  • Even Baking: Rotate your baking tray halfway through the baking time. This promotes even browning and ensures all bagels cook consistently.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These versatile Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels are perfect for many occasions. Learn how to serve them best, store leftovers, and try exciting variations.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair these hearty stuffed bagels with a light side like fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Serve them alongside fluffy scrambled eggs or a freshly brewed cup of coffee for an indulgent breakfast.
  • These bagels also make a fantastic, satisfying snack or a quick, hearty lunch on the go.

Storage Instructions

  • Allow your baked bagels to cool completely before storing them. This prevents condensation and keeps them fresh.
  • Store any leftover Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual bagels. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store for up to 1 month.

Variations

  • Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses! Try Monterey Jack, Colby, Pepper Jack, or a gourmet cheese blend for unique flavors.
  • Spicy: Amp up the heat by adding finely diced jalapeños or a generous pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
  • Herbs: Instead of chives, incorporate other fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or green onions for a different aromatic touch.
  • Meat: Substitute the bacon with other cooked meats. Diced cooked ham, crumbled sausage, or even shredded chicken work wonderfully.
  • Air Fryer: While not ideal for initial baking, reheating your stuffed bagels in an air fryer yields wonderfully crisp results.

Nutrition Information

Enjoying these satisfying bagels comes with a rich nutritional profile. Below is an estimated breakdown for one serving.

For more detailed nutritional guidance, the USDA FoodData Central offers comprehensive resources for understanding dietary choices.

NutrientValue
Calories823 kcal
Carbohydrates72.35 g
Protein28.2 g
Fat46.4 g
Saturated Fat16.347 g
Polyunsaturated Fat3.53 g
Monounsaturated Fat7.943 g
Trans Fat0.34 g
Cholesterol118 mg
Sodium1224 mg
Potassium369 mg
Fiber3.1 g
Sugar2.14 g
Vitamin A1149 IU
Vitamin C1.3 mg
Calcium262 mg
Iron5.63 mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. This information is for general guidance only.

Toasted bagel topped with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and chives on black background

Creamy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Bagels Recipe

These creamy bacon cheddar stuffed bagels are a delightful treat, perfect for a savory breakfast or snack. Bagels are filled with a rich mixture of cream cheese, bacon, cheddar, and seasonings, then baked until golden and gooey.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 bagels
Calories: 850

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 large Bagels preferably sesame seeded
  • 7oz / 200g Cream Cheese
  • 5oz / 150g Bacon cooked, cooled & diced
  • 1 cup / 100g Cheddar grated
  • 1 tbsp Mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Sour Cream
  • 1 tbsp Chives
  • 1 tsp Hot Sauce or to spice preference (can omit if you don’t like spice)
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Knife
  • Baking Tray
  • Oven

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl, mixing until well combined. Optionally, save a little bacon and chives for garnish.
  2. Slice a thin piece off the base of each bagel and create a pocket in the center, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
  3. Fill each bagel evenly with the cream cheese mixture, level the top, and bake at 190C/375F for 12-15 minutes, until golden and gooey.
  4. Garnish with reserved bacon and chives if desired, then serve immediately, as the filling will be hot.

Notes

Ensure bacon is fully cooled before mixing to prevent melting the cream cheese. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bagel when creating the pocket.

FAQ

Got questions about these delicious Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels? We have the answers to help you bake with confidence.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before filling the bagels.

What type of bagels work best?

Sesame or plain bagels are highly recommended. Their neutral or complementary flavors allow the creamy bacon cheddar filling to truly shine without overwhelming it.

Can I freeze the stuffed bagels?

Yes, you can freeze both unbaked and baked stuffed bagels. Wrap them well to prevent freezer burn, then thaw completely before reheating or baking.

How do I reheat leftover bagels?

For the best results, reheat your bagels in an oven or an air fryer. This will help restore their crispiness and ensure the filling melts perfectly.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

While an air fryer is excellent for reheating these bagels, it is not recommended for the initial baking process. Baking in the oven provides more even cooking.

Conclusion

These Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels are truly an irresistible breakfast or brunch option. They combine the comforting chewiness of a bagel with a rich, savory, and wonderfully creamy filling. This recipe proves that indulgent flavors can be achieved with simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. We encourage you to try this delightful creation and discover your new favorite way to enjoy a bagel. Bake a batch today, share your creations, and let us know what you think in the comments below! We love hearing from you.

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