The Fluffiest Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels Recipe

Crafting these delectable cream cheese stuffed garlic bagels will transport you to a bakery paradise.

Warm, golden-brown dough embraces a luscious, creamy center that melts with each bite.

Aromatic garlic weaves its magic through soft, pillowy layers.

Kitchen adventures await as you blend simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Homemade comfort rarely feels this indulgent and satisfying.

Professional bakers and kitchen novices alike can master this delightful recipe with ease.

One taste promises to revolutionize your breakfast or snack routine.

Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels Everyone Loves

• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Personalize the bagels by adding different herbs or experimenting with flavored cream cheese for a unique twist.
• Conquer Complex Baking: Master a professional-level bread recipe that transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality stuffed bagels with impressive technique.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Delight family and friends with these savory, cheesy bagels that combine soft dough, creamy filling, and irresistible garlic flavor.
• Elevate Weekend Brunch Potential: Serve these show-stopping bagels as a centerpiece for weekend gatherings, guaranteeing rave reviews from everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels

• Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure to the bagels.
• Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bagel dough.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps bind the ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy filling for the bagels.
• Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
• Chives: Adds a mild onion-like freshness to the filling (optional).
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the cream cheese flavor.

• Water, Honey (or Sugar): Creates a traditional boiling liquid for bagels.
• Baking Soda: Helps achieve a golden-brown, shiny bagel exterior.
• Butter, Garlic, Parsley, Salt: Combines to make a flavorful garlic butter topping.

How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels

Step 1: Craft the Dough Base

Combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl. Pour in warm water and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough emerges.

Knead the mixture thoroughly for 8-10 minutes, developing a smooth and stretchy texture. A stand mixer with a dough hook works wonderfully for this task.

Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rest in a cozy spot, rising until it doubles in volume.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Garlic Filling

Blend cream cheese with minced garlic, chopped chives, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Stash the mixture in the refrigerator to help it firm up while the dough rises.

Step 3: Shape and Stuff the Bagels

Deflate the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions.

• Cream cheese filling
• Minced garlic
• Chopped chives

Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to create a tight seal.

Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then create a center hole and stretch into a classic bagel form.

Step 4: Boil the Bagels

Heat the oven to 400F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding honey and baking soda. Submerge each bagel for 30 seconds per side, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

• Melted butter
• Crushed garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Pinch of salt

Generously brush the boiled bagels with the garlic butter mixture. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Allow the bagels to cool slightly before breaking into their warm, gooey, garlic-infused cream cheese center. Enjoy the burst of flavors and soft, pillowy texture!

Tips to Nail Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels

• Use gentle, consistent motions when kneading dough to develop gluten and create a smooth, elastic texture without overworking the dough.
• Pinch bagel edges firmly to prevent cream cheese from leaking during boiling and baking, ensuring a perfect stuffed result.
• Keep boiling time to exactly 30 seconds per side to achieve the classic chewy bagel exterior without making them tough or soggy.
• Apply garlic butter mixture thoroughly before baking to enhance flavor and create a beautiful golden-brown crust that's both crispy and aromatic.
• Refrigerate cream cheese filling beforehand to make it easier to handle and prevent it from becoming too soft when stuffing bagels.

Flavor Variations on Cream Cheese Garlic Bagels

• Herb Garden Fusion: Replace chives with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil in the cream cheese filling for an aromatic herbal profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Mix diced jalapeños into the cream cheese filling and sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking for a fiery version.
• Mediterranean Inspiration: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese into the cream cheese mixture, then garnish with dried oregano for a Mediterranean flair.
• Caramelized Onion Crunch: Fold in finely chopped caramelized onions into the cream cheese filling and top with crispy fried onion bits for added texture and depth.

Pairings to Enjoy with Cream Cheese Garlic Bagels

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich, creamy garlic bagel with bright acidity and refreshing notes.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the bagel's heavy texture and provide a crisp, tangy counterpoint.
• Complement with Roasted Tomato Soup: Serve a warm, rustic tomato soup alongside the bagel to enhance the garlic flavors and provide a smooth, comforting companion dish.

Storing Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels Right

• Store leftover bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place cooled bagels in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Separate each bagel with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Thaw frozen bagels at room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap bagels in aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Why boil bagels before baking?

Boiling helps create a thick, chewy crust and gives bagels their signature shiny exterior. The water bath also sets the crust before baking, ensuring a dense and glossy texture.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and filling.

• How do I prevent the cream cheese from leaking?

Seal the edges carefully by pinching the dough tightly around the filling. Make sure there are no gaps or thin spots when wrapping the cream cheese.