These creamy bacon cheddar bagels are a tasty treat! They combine the rich flavors of cream cheese, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar, all wrapped up in a warm bagel.
It’s hard to resist enjoying them for breakfast or a snack. I love to toast mine for a little crunch. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra because they go fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: Plain or poppy seed bagels are great choices. If you want to mix it up, try everything bagels for an extra flavor boost. Gluten-free bagels are perfect for those with dietary restrictions!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for a smooth spread. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese. Both keep the creamy texture!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong, tangy flavor. If you don’t have sharp cheddar, you could substitute with mild cheddar or a cheese blend like Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
Bacon: While bacon gives a nice crunch and flavor, turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative work well in this recipe too. You want that smoky essence, regardless of the type!
Green Onions: These add a fresh touch, but you can skip them if you’re not a fan. Alternatively, finely chopped chives or even a sprinkle of dry onion powder can do the trick!
How Do I Make Sure My Bagels Are Perfectly Toasted?
The toasting step enhances the bagels’ flavor and texture. Here’s how to make sure they come out just right:
- Use medium heat for even toasting. If it’s too high, they’ll burn quickly.
- If using butter, spread it on the cut sides evenly for a rich, golden finish.
- Toast until the edges are slightly crispy; this adds a nice contrast to the creamy topping.
Keep an eye on them – they can go from perfect to overdone in the blink of an eye!
How to Make Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bagels:
- 4 plain or poppy seed bagels, sliced in half
For The Creamy Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
For Toasting (optional):
- Butter for toasting bagels
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus additional time for cooking the bacon if it’s not already done. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by cooking your bacon strips until they’re nice and crispy. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, let them drain on paper towels to soak up extra grease, then crumble them into small pieces. Set aside a little of the bacon for garnish later!
2. Make the Creamy Filling:
In a medium bowl, take your softened cream cheese and add in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Toss in the crumbled bacon (except for the reserved amount), finely chopped green onions if you’re using them, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if you want that extra smokiness). Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
3. Toast the Bagels (Optional):
If you’d like your bagels toasted, spread a little butter on the cut sides and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler until they’re golden brown and crispy. This adds a delicious crunch!
4. Assemble the Bagels:
Take your toasted bagel halves and generously spread the creamy bacon cheddar mixture on top of each half. Be generous – the more, the better!
5. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, sprinkle the reserved crumbled bacon on top of the spread for a nice garnish. Now, they’re ready to serve! Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and smoky bacon bagels immediately. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Can I Use Different Types of Bagels?
Absolutely! While plain or poppy seed bagels are delicious, you can try everything bagels for more flavor or even whole grain or gluten-free bagels to suit your dietary needs.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply substitute the bacon with a plant-based bacon alternative or skip it entirely. You can add extra spices or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and depth.
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the creamy bacon cheddar mixture a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, spread on freshly toasted bagels!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or under the broiler briefly to bring back that crisp texture! If you plan to keep them longer, you can freeze the bagels and reheat them directly from frozen.
