Hey y'all! Ready to turn the humble bagel into the ultimate savory treat? Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels are loaded with crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and a swoon-worthy cream cheese spread that makes them irresistible for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a pick-me-up. These bagels are quick to whip up and perfect for gatherings, weekday treats, or anytime you crave serious comfort food. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Cheesy & Savory Goodness: Loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and smoky bacon, these bagels burst with flavor in every bite.
- Quick & Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, anyone can make these in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunch spreads, potlucks, or even as a delicious breakfast on busy mornings.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up cheeses or add extras like scallions or jalapeños for your own twist.
- Comfort Food: A warm, creamy bagel is the ultimate feel-good bite any time of day.
Ingredients
- 4 plain bagels, sliced in half
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
Directions
1. Prep the Creamy Cheddar Spread
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, half of the chopped bacon, and half of the chives. Mix until evenly combined.
2. Toast the Bagels
- Preheat your oven broiler to high (or toaster oven to 400°F/200°C). Arrange bagel halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet.
- Lightly toast the bagels under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, just until the edges are golden and crisp. Watch closely to prevent burning.
3. Assemble & Melt
- Remove bagels from the oven and generously spread the creamy cheddar mixture on each half.
- Sprinkle the remaining chopped bacon evenly over the bagels.
- Return to the broiler and broil for another 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
- Remove, sprinkle with remaining chives, and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Let the cream cheese come to room temperature for smoothest mixing.
- For crispier bacon, bake instead of fry and blot well with a paper towel.
- Keep a close eye while broiling—the bagels can burn quickly!
Variations
- Jalapeño Kick: Add 1 minced jalapeño to the cheese mixture for a spicy twist.
- Everything Bagels: Use everything bagels instead of plain for extra savory flavor.
- Vegetarian: Swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
Required Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Oven broiler or toaster oven
- Knife for chopping and spreading
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a toaster oven or under a broiler until warm and melty. Bagels can be made ahead, stored with the topping (uncooked), and broiled just before serving for freshest flavor.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pair with a fresh fruit salad or crisp green salad for balance.
- Enjoy alongside a hot cup of coffee or a sparkling brunch cocktail.
- Serve as a crowd-pleasing platter at brunches, parties, or game days.
Pro Tips
- For a lighter texture, use whipped cream cheese in the spread.
- Let cooked bacon drain thoroughly for maximum crunch.
- Always shred cheese yourself—it melts creamier than pre-shredded!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble up to the broiling step and refrigerate. Broil just before serving for best results.
- Can I freeze Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels?
- It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze assembled, unbroiled halves for up to 1 month; thaw before broiling.
- How can I make this gluten-free?
- Simply use your favorite gluten-free bagels—all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 bagel halves (serves 4)
Ingredients
- 4 plain bagels, sliced in half
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
Instructions
-
1In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
-
2Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, half of the chopped bacon, and half of the chives. Mix until evenly combined.
-
3Preheat your oven broiler to high (or toaster oven to 400°F/200°C). Arrange bagel halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet.
-
4Lightly toast the bagels under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, just until the edges are golden and crisp. Watch closely to prevent burning.
-
5Remove bagels from the oven and generously spread the creamy cheddar mixture on each half.
-
6Sprinkle the remaining chopped bacon evenly over the bagels.
-
7Return to the broiler and broil for another 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
-
8Remove, sprinkle with remaining chives, and let cool slightly before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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