Cream Cheese Garlic Bagels

Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels transform your morning routine into a delicious celebration of textures and flavors. These bagels are crispy on the outside while bursting with a creamy, garlicky filling on the inside, perfect for elevating your breakfast or brunch.

When I first made these bagels, the rich cream cheese filling paired with warm garlic butter was an instant hit. Now they are my go-to treat when I want something special but quick.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: the star of the filling, smooth and creamy mascarpone can substitute for a richer texture
• Granulated sugar: balances the tang of cream cheese adjust to taste or omit for less sweetness
• Sweetened condensed milk: adds subtle sweetness and silkiness optional depending on sweetness preference
• Salt: enhances all flavors throughout the recipe
• Unsalted butter: forms the base of garlic butter gives control over salt levels
• Fresh or jarred minced garlic: essential for that bold, fragrant garlic punch
• Chopped parsley: adds a fresh herbal note that brightens the richness
• Milk: thins the garlic butter to a perfect consistency
• Mayonnaise: optional for a lighter, creamier garlic butter
• Dried oregano: brings depth and earthiness can be swapped with Italian seasoning
• Grated Parmesan: adds sharp umami can be replaced with nutritional yeast for a vegan twist
• Large egg: used in garlic butter for richness optional for vegan adaptations
• Six bagels: any style works I choose plain or everything bagels for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation:

Combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whip vigorously until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This ensures your stuffing has the perfect creamy texture.

Make the Garlic Butter:

Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in minced garlic, chopped parsley, milk, mayonnaise if using, dried oregano, grated Parmesan, egg if using, and a pinch of salt. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined and the garlic infuses the butter. Keep warm to maintain a liquid texture for dunking.

Prepare the Bagels:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Cut slits carefully into each bagel, creating pockets deep enough to hold the cream cheese filling without breaking through the other side.

Stuff the Bagels:

Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped to fill each bagel pocket with the cream cheese mixture. This method gives precise control and minimizes mess.

Coat and Bake:

Dip each stuffed bagel into the warm garlic butter, ensuring it is fully coated for maximum flavor. Place the coated bagels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Bake:

Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes. Watch for a golden brown color and a crispy texture developing. Remove when ready.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle extra chopped parsley and a light dusting of Parmesan over the warm bagels right after baking. Serve immediately for the best texture contrast and flavor burst.

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My favorite part of this recipe is the garlic butter. Garlic roasted gently in butter releases a mellow sweetness that transforms the whole bagel. I remember making these for a weekend brunch with friends, and the kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma that brought everyone to the table in minutes.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover stuffed bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at a moderate temperature to re-crisp the exterior without melting the filling too much. For longer storage, freeze after assembly but before baking, wrapped tightly. Bake directly from frozen with a slight increase in cooking time.

Ingredient Substitutions

• If fresh garlic is not available, high-quality jarred minced garlic works well.
• Mayonnaise can be left out or replaced with a tablespoon of olive oil for a lighter garlic butter.
• Parmesan can be swapped with nutritional yeast to accommodate a vegan diet or allergies to dairy.
• Sweetened condensed milk is optional for a less sweet filling use extra cream cheese or mascarpone alone.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these bagels as a hearty breakfast alongside fresh fruit or a green salad for a lighter balance.
• They pair wonderfully with a side of marinara sauce for dipping adding an Italian flair to the garlic and cheese combo.
• Try them with scrambled eggs or smoked salmon to elevate your brunch menu.

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Cultural Context

Bagels have their roots in Jewish communities of Eastern Europe and have become a beloved breakfast staple worldwide. Stuffing them with cheese and drowning them in garlic butter is a contemporary twist that blends American comfort food with traditional baking techniques. This recipe captures the spirit of indulgence and warmth that bagels represent in many households.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of cheese is used for the filling?

Cream cheese is the base, sometimes blended with mascarpone for a richer texture, providing a smooth and creamy filling.

→ Can I use store-bought bagels for this dish?

Yes, any style of bagel works well; just make sure to cut slits for the filling before baking.

→ How is the garlic butter made?

Garlic butter is prepared by melting unsalted butter and mixing it with minced garlic, parsley, oregano, Parmesan, and milk for a flavorful coating.

→ What is the baking temperature and time?

Bake the filled bagels at 350°F (175°C) for 11-13 minutes until the exterior turns golden and crispy.

→ Are there options for vegan or lighter variations?

Yes, mayonnaise can lighten the garlic butter, and egg is optional; nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a vegan alternative.

→ Any serving suggestions for these bagels?

They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping, adding a tangy contrast to the creamy, savory flavors.