Description

These Zesty Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels are a quick and satisfying breakfast or lunch option, featuring toasted sesame bagels stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, crispy bacon, and a touch of heat from hot sauce. They are easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for a comforting start to your day or a fulfilling midday meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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 (divided, some reserved for garnish)

Bagels

4 large sesame bagels

Garnish

Reserved cooked bacon bits from filling
Chopped chives for topping

Instructions

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, 1 tsp hot sauce (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. Reserve a bit of bacon and some chopped chives to garnish later.
Prepare the Bagels: Slice a wafer-thin piece off the base of each of the 4 sesame bagels, keeping the seeded side intact. Place each bagel seed-side down, then carefully run a knife around the center of each bagel without cutting all the way through. Use your thumbs to gently push the center outward to create space for the filling.
Stuff and Bake the Bagels: Evenly divide the creamy bacon cheddar filling among the hollowed bagels, smoothing the tops. Arrange stuffed bagels on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and cheese is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the bagels from the oven carefully as the filling will be hot. Sprinkle the reserved bacon and chopped chives over the tops. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Let the cooked bacon cool completely before mixing to prevent cream cheese mixture from melting and becoming runny.
Toast bagels lightly to create a sturdy base and prevent sogginess.
Fold ingredients gently when mixing cream cheese spread to avoid over-softening.
Chill the cream cheese mixture for 30 minutes before spreading to help flavors meld and improve spreadability.
Taste and adjust salt and hot sauce before assembling, as bacon saltiness varies.
Store cream cheese mixture in an airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; stir before use.
Assembled bagels are best eaten within a few hours to avoid sogginess.
Substitute bagel types, cheeses, and bacon variations as preferred for different flavors or dietary needs.

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: bacon cream cheese bagels, stuffed bagels, breakfast bagels, bacon cheddar bagel, breakfast comfort food, easy bagel recipes, baked bagels