These creamy cheddar bagels are a cheesy delight that make breakfast super fun! With gooey cheese baked right in, they are perfect for cheesy lovers.
Honestly, who could resist the aroma of fresh bagels and melting cheese? I love to slather mine with some butter or cream cheese for that extra yum! 🧀🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This gives the bagels a chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, you can mix all-purpose flour with vital wheat gluten for a similar effect.
Instant Yeast: Instant yeast is easy to use and doesn’t require proofing. If you only have active dry yeast, you can use it but let it proof in warm water first.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The flavor enhances the bagels greatly. If you want a milder taste, go for medium cheddar or Monterey Jack. For a twist, try smoked cheddar!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a smooth filling. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese blended until smooth.
Chives: Fresh chives bring great flavor. If you don’t have them, green onions are a perfect substitute, or you could skip them for a simpler filling.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping bagels is key to getting that classic look. After the first rise, punch down the dough to release air and make it easier to work with. Divide into 8 pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
- Poke a hole in the center with your finger.
- Gently stretch the hole to about 2-3 inches; it will shrink back a little during the second rise.
- Make sure the edges are smooth to ensure an even bake.
How Do I Ensure My Bagels Are Soft and Chewy?
The boiling step is crucial here! Boiling bagels before baking gives them that chewy crust and helps them rise in the oven.
- Boil water with honey or sugar. The sweetness contributes to the bagel’s browning.
- Boil each bagel for about 1 minute on each side. This lets the crust set while keeping the inside soft.
What’s the Best Way to Mix the Creamy Filling?
For the filling, you want it smooth and creamy without lumps. Here’s what to do:
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and use a hand mixer or fork to blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or add more chives according to your preference!
Enjoy making your chewy and cheesy bagels! They’re great fresh or saved for later.
How to Make Creamy Cheddar Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bagels:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
For Boiling:
- 2 quarts water
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
For the Creamy Cheddar Filling:
- 8 oz (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This entire process will take about 2 to 2.5 hours. You’ll need about 20-30 minutes for prep, 1 to 1.5 hours for the first rise, plus an additional 30 minutes for the second rise and boiling. Baking takes another 15-20 minutes. So, a little patience gets you some delicious bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually pour in the warm water while stirring. Keep mixing until a dough starts to form. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. It’s like a little workout!
2. Add Cheese:
Now, fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the kneaded dough. Mix it in well until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. First Rise:
Grab a clean bowl and lightly coat it with olive oil. Place your dough in this bowl, covering it with a damp cloth or some plastic wrap. Let it sit in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the dough’s time to rise and get fluffy!
4. Shape Bagels:
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball, and then poke a hole through the middle with your finger. Carefully stretch this hole to form a bagel shape about 2-3 inches wide.
5. Second Rise:
Place your shaped bagels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. They’re going to puff up a little more!
6. Preheat Oven:
While your bagels are rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Get ready for a delicious baking session!
7. Boil Bagels:
In a large pot, heat 2 quarts of water along with the honey or sugar until it boils. Carefully drop the bagels in, a few at a time. Boil each bagel for about 1 minute on each side to create that chewy texture. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet.
8. Top with Cheddar:
Now for the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bagel.
9. Bake:
Pop the bagels in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the cheese on top is bubbling and slightly crispy. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Prepare Creamy Cheddar Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, minced garlic (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Blend it all until it’s nice and creamy.
11. Assemble:
Once the bagels have cooled slightly, slice them in half horizontally. Spread a generous amount of creamy cheddar filling inside each bagel. You can be as generous as you like with this delicious filling!
12. Serve:
Enjoy your creamy cheddar bagels right away! You can also refrigerate them and enjoy later, either chilled or warmed up. Happy munching!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
You can, but the texture might be a bit different! Bread flour has a higher protein content which helps create that chewy bagel texture. If you use all-purpose flour, the bagels will be softer.
What If I Don’t Have Instant Yeast?
No problem! If you have active dry yeast, you can use that instead. Just dissolve it in the warm water first and let it sit until bubbly, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
Can I Prep the Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy cheddar filling a day before. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a little stir before spreading it on your bagels.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes or enjoy them cold!
