If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a warm, freshly baked bagel that’s not just loaded with flavor but also packed with a creamy, garlicky surprise, then this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. Picture this: the crunch of a golden, slightly crispy bagel on the outside, with a rich, creamy, and garlicky center that oozes as you bite into it. Sounds amazing, right? That’s exactly what these Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels deliver.
Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast, a snack to enjoy with your morning coffee, or something to impress your brunch guests, these bagels have got you covered. They’re simple to make, but they taste like you spent hours crafting them. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the cheesy, garlicky, doughy goodness that’s about to become your new favorite thing.
Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels
Okay, imagine this: a warm, golden bagel with a crispy, garlic-infused crust and a gooey, creamy surprise waiting inside. Sounds like heaven, right? These Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels are the breakfast or snack you never knew you needed. You get the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness and the richness of fresh garlic, all wrapped up in the chewy, comforting bagel you’ve always loved.
If you’re a fan of bagels, cream cheese, or garlic (or all three), you’re in for a treat. These are just as perfect for a lazy weekend morning as they are for impressing friends at a brunch gathering. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make—you won’t believe how simple it is to get that warm, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Trust me, once you’ve tried these, store-bought bagels just won’t cut it anymore!
Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels
Okay, imagine this: a warm, golden bagel with a crispy, garlic-infused crust and a gooey, creamy surprise waiting inside. Sounds like heaven, right? These Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels are the breakfast or snack you never knew you needed. You get the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness and the richness of fresh garlic, all wrapped up in the chewy, comforting bagel you’ve always loved.
If you’re a fan of bagels, cream cheese, or garlic (or all three), you’re in for a treat. These are just as perfect for a lazy weekend morning as they are for impressing friends at a brunch gathering. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make—you won’t believe how simple it is to get that warm, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Trust me, once you’ve tried these, store-bought bagels just won’t cut it anymore!

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these deliciously stuffed bagels to life:
Bagels
Choose your favorite bagels for this recipe—plain, sesame, or even everything bagels work wonderfully. They’ll form the perfect base for your garlic cream cheese filling. If you can, try to get them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Cream Cheese
The star of the show, the creamy filling that’s going to melt in your mouth. You’ll want to use regular cream cheese for that perfect creamy texture and flavor, but feel free to try low-fat or whipped cream cheese if that’s your preference.
Fresh Garlic
Freshly minced garlic is essential for that aromatic, bold garlic flavor that oozes out of every bite. The garlic will be mixed into the cream cheese filling and give it that irresistibly savory punch.
Garlic Powder
Just a touch of garlic powder to enhance the garlic flavor and bring it all together. It adds an extra depth to the cream cheese filling, making it even more garlicky and delicious.
Salt and Pepper
Simple, but necessary for bringing out all the flavors. A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper will balance the garlic and cream cheese beautifully.
Fresh Parsley (Optional)
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to garnish the bagels. It’s optional, but it definitely takes the look (and flavor) of your stuffed bagels to the next level.
Olive Oil
A light brush of olive oil on the outside of the bagels will help them bake to a golden brown and give them that crispy, irresistible texture.
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get that garlic and cream cheese magic going!
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the bagels crisp up perfectly on the outside while staying soft and cheesy inside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. The garlic will infuse the cream cheese, giving it that irresistible flavor punch. Set it aside.
3. Slice the Bagels
Carefully slice the bagels in half, but don’t cut all the way through—create a pocket where the cream cheese filling can sit. Use your fingers or a spoon to gently hollow out a little bit of the inside of the bagels (it gives the filling more room and makes them extra cheesy).
4. Stuff the Bagels
Generously fill each bagel with the garlic cream cheese mixture. Be sure to pack it in there, but don’t overstuff—just enough so that it’s oozing out when you bite into it!
5. Brush with Olive Oil
Brush the outside of the bagels with a little olive oil. This helps them get that golden, crispy finish while baking.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place your stuffed bagels on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the outside is crispy and golden. If you like your bagels extra crispy, you can give them a couple more minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and then dive in! The combination of the crisp garlic bagel and the creamy, savory filling is going to make you want to go back for more.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 7g
Vitamin D: 10%
Calcium: 8%
Iron: 10%
Potassium: 160mg
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels
These bagels are so tasty, you might want to eat them on their own, but if you’re looking for some ideas to complete the meal, here are a few:
- Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit like berries or citrus can provide a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffed bagels.
- Salads: A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the garlic flavor and provide a nice balance.
- Eggs: Scrambled or poached eggs on the side would complement the bagels perfectly for a full breakfast or brunch spread.
Additional Tips
- Make It a Meal: Add some cooked bacon or smoked salmon inside the bagels for a savory, protein-packed twist!
- Swap the Filling: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the garlic cream cheese for a different flavor, like chive cream cheese or a blend of cheddar and cream cheese for something extra cheesy.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: For an extra garlic punch, sprinkle garlic powder on top of the bagels before baking, or even toss some roasted garlic in with the cream cheese mixture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these bagels ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed bagels the night before and store them in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake them.
Q2: Can I use store-bought bagels?
A2: Yes! Store-bought bagels work great here. Just make sure they’re fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze these bagels?
A4: Yes! These bagels freeze really well. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, just bake them from frozen at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Q5: Can I make these without garlic?
A5: You sure can! If garlic’s not your thing, try mixing in some herbs, like fresh dill or basil, with the cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure to have enough room on your baking sheet for all the bagels. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly if you’re making a large batch.
Q7: Can I make these bagels with a gluten-free bagel?
A7: Yes, you can! Just use your favorite gluten-free bagel, and the rest of the recipe stays the same.
Q8: How can I make these bagels spicier?
A8: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped jalapeños to the cream cheese filling for a spicy kick.
Q9: Can I add protein to the filling?
A9: Absolutely! You can add crumbled bacon, sausage, or smoked salmon into the cream cheese mixture for a heartier filling.
Q10: Can I use flavored cream cheese?
A10: Yes! If you love a specific flavor, feel free to use a flavored cream cheese, like chive or onion, to give your bagels an extra flavor boost.
Conclusion
These Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels are a game-changer. They’re quick, easy, and loaded with flavor that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or a late-night snack, they’re going to be a hit. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear. Happy baking, and enjoy that irresistible garlic and cream cheese combo!
Print
Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 bagels 1x
Description
These Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels are the perfect blend of soft, chewy bagels filled with creamy cheese and topped with savory garlic. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory snack, these bagels are sure to satisfy your cravings with every bite!
Ingredients
For the Bagels:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Garlic Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
-
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, then stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. -
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the minced garlic, chives (if using), garlic powder, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined. Set aside. -
Shape the Bagels:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions.
Roll each portion into a ball and then use your finger to create a hole in the center, gently stretching the dough to form a bagel shape.
Fill the center hole of each bagel with a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture, sealing the dough around the filling to enclose it. -
Boil the Bagels:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of honey (optional, for sweetness).
Carefully drop the stuffed bagels into the boiling water, 2-3 at a time. Boil for about 1-2 minutes per side, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. -
Bake the Bagels:
Brush each bagel with the melted butter and garlic topping.
Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. -
Serve & Enjoy:
Let the bagels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, fresh out of the oven with extra cream cheese or your favorite spread.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of onion powder or fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) to the cream cheese mixture.
- You can freeze any leftover bagels for up to 1 month. Simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 440
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg