These bagels are a warm, comforting treat filled with creamy cheese and lots of garlic flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they make every bite count!
Honestly, what’s better than freshly baked bagels? I love slathering a little butter on them after baking. It’s a simple way to take them to the next level! 🥯❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the main flour for bagels. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can try bread flour for a chewier texture or whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just note that whole wheat might require a bit more water.
Sugar: Sugar helps activate the yeast and add a touch of sweetness. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup in the same amount. Just remember, sugar is important for the bagel’s browning.
Active dry yeast: This is essential for the dough to rise. If you run out, you can also use instant yeast; just add it directly to the flour without proofing. Check the conversion as you may need a bit less yeast.
Cream cheese: For a lighter option, try using ricotta or even a dairy-free cream cheese if you’re watching calories or avoiding dairy. Both options provide a similar creamy feel.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives an amazing flavor. If you only have garlic powder, use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove. For an herbier taste, chopped chives or garlic chives can be a nice substitute.
How Do You Knead Dough Effectively?
Kneading is a crucial step to develop the gluten in your dough, which gives bagels their perfect chewy texture. It might seem tough at first, but with practice, it becomes easier!
- Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking. Use your palms to push the dough down and away from you, adding a bit of flour if it sticks.
- Fold the dough back over itself, and repeat the process. The goal is to knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- To check if it’s ready, gently stretch a small piece of dough; it should stretch nicely without tearing. If it tears, keep kneading!
Take your time during this stage to ensure the best results. Happy kneading!
How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagel Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for dough)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes preparing the dough and filling, and then around 18-22 minutes baking the bagels. Don’t forget about the time to let the dough rise—it’s about 1 hour before baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let this sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to froth, which means the yeast is activated!
2. Mix in Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to your yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough vigorously for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the minced garlic. Set this mixture aside for later use.
4. Divide and Shape the Dough:
Once the dough is nice and puffy, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 5 equal parts and flatten each piece slightly to make it easier to shape. This will help you with the next steps!
5. Fill with Cream Cheese:
Take about a tablespoon of the softened cream cheese and place it in the center of each flattened dough piece. Now fold the edges over the cream cheese and pinch them together to seal it inside. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke your thumb through the center to form a bagel shape. Gently stretch the dough to create an even hole.
6. Preheat and Prepare Topping:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, mix the garlic butter you prepared earlier with the grated Parmesan cheese and parsley.
7. Brush and Garnish:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your shaped bagels on it. Brush each one generously with the garlic butter mixture. If you like, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese, parsley, and seeds on top for added flavor!
8. Bake:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake your bagels for about 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are fully cooked through.
9. Serve:
Once baked, let the bagels cool slightly on a wire rack. They are best served warm and can be enjoyed on their own or with a little extra butter or garlic butter on the side.
Enjoy your delicious, creamy, garlicky stuffed bagels with family and friends—perfectly baked to golden perfection!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour! Just be aware that it may make the bagels denser. You might need to add a bit more water to achieve the right dough consistency. Start with a 1-2 tablespoons extra if the dough feels too dry.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative, use vegan butter in the garlic butter mixture, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The bagels will still come out delicious and flavorful!
How Do I Know When the Bagels Are Done Baking?
Your bagels are ready when they are golden brown on the outside and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re unsure, you can use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean without any wet dough sticking to it.