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Zesty Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels Recipe

4.5 from 238 reviews

These Zesty Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels transform simple sesame bagels into a flavorful and indulgent breakfast or lunch treat. Filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, crispy bacon, and a hint of spicy hot sauce, these bagels are toasted to golden perfection, creating a warm, cheesy, and savory delight. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches, this easy-to-make recipe is customizable, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Baggels

  • 4 large sesame bagels

Bacon Cream Cheese Filling

  • 7 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 5 oz cooked bacon, cooled and diced
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp sour cream
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional or to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the Creamy Bacon Cheddar Filling: In a small mixing bowl, combine 7 oz cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 5 oz cooled and diced cooked bacon, 1 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp sour cream, and 1 tsp hot sauce if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. Reserve a bit of bacon and some chopped chives for garnish later.
  2. Prepare the Bagels: Slice a wafer-thin piece off the base of each sesame bagel, keeping the seeded side intact. Place the bagel seed-side-down. Carefully run a knife around the center of the bagel without cutting all the way through, then gently push the center outward with your thumbs to create space for the filling.
  3. Stuff and Bake the Bagels: Evenly divide the creamy bacon cheddar filling among the hollowed-out bagels, smoothing the tops. Place the stuffed bagels on a baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbly and melty.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Remove the bagels carefully from the oven as the filling will be hot. Garnish with the reserved bacon and a sprinkle of chopped chives. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Always let the cooked bacon cool completely before mixing with cream cheese to prevent the mixture from melting and becoming runny.
  • Toast bagels lightly before stuffing to avoid sogginess and ensure they hold the filling well.
  • Mix the cream cheese filling gently; over-mixing can make it too soft.
  • Adjust salt carefully as bacon saltiness varies by brand.
  • Chill the cream cheese mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes before spreading to enhance flavor mingling and easier spreading.
  • This recipe is make-ahead friendly: store the cream cheese mixture up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • For best results, serve stuffed bagels within a few hours to prevent sogginess.

Keywords: bagels, bacon, cream cheese, breakfast, brunch, cheesy, savory, easy recipe, toasted bagels