If you’re looking for a playful twist on the classic bagel, the Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels Recipe is here to steal the show. Picture this: pillowy-soft bagels baked fresh from your oven, their golden crust brushed with melted garlic butter, and each one hiding a luscious pocket of tangy cream cheese inside. Bursting with savory flavors from garlic, onion, and a sprinkle of herbs, these beauties are outrageously tasty and surprisingly easy to make at home—no yeast or complicated steps required. Whether for weekend brunch, a savory snack, or an impressive breakfast platter, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about the Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels Recipe is its pantry-friendly ingredient list. Each item is simple yet totally essential, coming together to give you that craveable flavor, heavenly aroma, and soft, chewy bite—plus the obvious luxury of surprise cream cheese!
- All-purpose flour: The trusty backbone of your bagel dough, providing structure and that signature chewy texture.
- Baking powder: This is your magical leavener, helping each bagel puff up perfectly without any need for yeast.
- Salt: Don’t leave this out—it boosts flavors and brings the whole dough to life.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds protein and tang, while keeping the bagels soft and tender (plus, it makes them extra easy to knead!).
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dough with savory, addictively aromatic flavor right from the first bite.
- Onion powder: A subtle addition that deepens the flavor and rounds out the savory notes.
- Cream cheese: The star of the filling—mild, creamy, and melty in the center for maximum indulgence.
- Egg: Brushed on top, the egg wash delivers that irresistible sheen and helps the bagels bake up golden.
- Water: Whisked with the egg to thin it out for the perfect egg wash glaze.
- Minced garlic: Used in the finishing butter, it brings a punchy hit of garlic on top that makes these bagels shine.
- Melted butter: Brushed on after baking for a rich, mouthwatering finish (don’t skip this step!).
- Fresh or dried parsley: The final touch, adding color and a little herby lift to each bite.
How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps ensure your bagels bake evenly and pop right off the pan. Measure out all your ingredients and cut the cream cheese into six even cubes—you want every bagel to have that perfect creamy core.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure all the powders are distributed well so every bite has balanced flavor and reliable rise.
Step 3: Add the Greek Yogurt and Form the Dough
Add the Greek yogurt to the bowl and stir with a sturdy spoon or spatula until a rough dough forms. At first it might look shaggy, but keep mixing! Once everything comes together, gently turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead briefly—just 2 or 3 minutes—until it’s smooth. This dough doesn’t need much fussing.
Step 4: Divide and Fill with Cream Cheese
Cut the dough into six equal portions. Take each piece, flatten it into a thick circle, and place a cube of cream cheese in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, pinching the seams to seal fully so the cream cheese won’t escape during baking. Shape each stuffed round into a bagel-like form—either smooth balls or with a gentle hole in the middle for that classic look.
Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash
Arrange your filled bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Beat together the egg and water, then generously brush the tops of each bagel. This step ensures your Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels Recipe bakes up shiny, golden, and seriously tempting.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the bagels are deeply golden and the aroma is so good it brings people into the kitchen. While they bake, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a small bowl so it’s all ready to go when they’re hot and fresh out of the oven.
Step 7: Brush and Serve
As soon as your bagels come out of the oven, immediately brush them with your garlicky butter mixture. This not only amps up the flavor but also gives an irresistible sheen. Serve them warm for that ultra-melty, savory experience that defines the Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels Recipe.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touch matters! Sprinkle on extra parsley, a pinch of flaky salt, or even everything bagel seasoning for more crunch and visual flair. A hint of freshly cracked black pepper can also deliver an extra zing on top if you love bold flavors.
Side Dishes
These bagels are supremely satisfying on their own, but you can build a glorious breakfast spread with some fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a simple green salad. If you’re feeling fancy, they pair wonderfully with a bowl of tomato soup for a savory, dunkable treat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, slice each bagel in half and stack on a platter, allowing the creamy center to peek out. For brunches or parties, serve with ramekins of flavored cream cheese or herbed butter for extra dipping. You can even tuck a little crispy bacon or sliced smoked salmon inside for extra decadence—no rules here, just deliciousness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, and the distinctive flavors of the Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels Recipe will hold up beautifully.
Freezing
To freeze, let your bagels cool completely, then wrap each in foil or plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag. They keep well frozen for up to a month. Perfect for quick breakfast cravings or impromptu guests!
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven (or toaster oven) for about 7 minutes, or pop them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes. This refreshes the crust and melts the center just right. Microwaving works in a pinch but won’t deliver that glorious toasty outside.
FAQs
Can I use a different filling instead of cream cheese?
Absolutely! While cream cheese delivers that classic creamy center, try experimenting with herbed ricotta, shredded mozzarella, or even a savory feta-spinach blend for a Greek-inspired twist.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free flour?
You can give it a try! Whole wheat flour will make for a denser bagel, but it adds a nice nutty flavor. For gluten-free, opt for a trusted all-purpose gluten-free flour blend and make sure the texture is workable before shaping.
Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?
No mixer required! The dough for the Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels Recipe comes together easily with just a bowl, spoon, and your hands. It’s a perfect recipe for beginners or anyone craving something homemade on a whim.
Why does my dough seem sticky?
A little stickiness is normal due to the yogurt, but if it’s too wet to handle, just sprinkle in another tablespoon or two of flour as you knead. Every brand of yogurt varies in moisture, so keep an eye on the dough texture.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely. This recipe doubles (or even triples) with ease! Just be sure not to crowd the baking sheet so each bagel bakes up golden and lovely. Extra bagels mean more warm, cheesy moments for everyone.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made your own bagels before, the Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels Recipe is the perfect place to start—fun, foolproof, and full of flavor. Once you taste that first warm, garlicky bite with a melting cream cheese center, I promise you’ll want to make these again and again. Happy baking!
Print
Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 stuffed bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of soft homemade bagels filled with creamy cream cheese and aromatic garlic. These Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels are a savory breakfast treat that is sure to impress!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Filling and Topping:
- 6 ounces cream cheese (cut into 6 equal cubes)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add Greek yogurt and mix into a dough. Knead briefly until smooth.
- Prepare the bagels: Divide the dough into 6 portions. Flatten each piece, place a cube of cream cheese in the center, wrap the dough around it, and shape into bagels.
- Egg wash: Beat the egg with water and brush over the bagels.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Garlic butter topping: Combine melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Brush over the warm bagels.
- Serve: Enjoy warm for a delicious treat!
Notes
- Best served warm
- Can be reheated in the oven or air fryer
- Try adding shredded mozzarella or everything bagel seasoning for variations
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
