These creamy bacon cheddar bagels are a tasty treat! With crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese, they make breakfast or a snack feel special. They’re also super easy to whip up!
I love how I can enjoy these bagels any time, and they always hit the spot. Plus, who can resist warm cheese and bacon? Definitely a winner in my book! 🥓🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: Plain bagels work best for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with different flavors like everything bagels or whole grain. These can add an extra layer of taste!
Cream Cheese: I love using regular cream cheese for that classic, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt can be great substitutions.
Bacon: Crispy cooked bacon is a star here! If you’re avoiding pork, turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas can add a satisfying crunch and flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tanginess. If you can’t find it, try medium cheddar or even pepper jack for a little spice!
Green Onions: These add freshness and a mild onion flavor. If you don’t have them, you can substitute with chives or even finely chopped red onions.
Nuts: The walnuts or pecans are optional, but I find they give a delightful crunch. If you have nut allergies, feel free to skip them or use sunflower seeds instead!
How Do I Make Sure the Cream Cheese Mixture is Smooth and Creamy?
Getting the cream cheese mixture right is crucial for that dreamy texture. Start with softened cream cheese so it mixes easily with the other ingredients. If it’s too hard, your mixture will end up lumpy. I recommend letting it sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Use a fork or a hand mixer to combine the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the other ingredients gradually while mixing for an even blend.
- If you find it too thick, a little splash of milk can help achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
How to Make Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 plain bagels, sliced in half
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Crunch:
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to bake, making it perfect for a quick and tasty meal or snack. So, you’ll be enjoying your Creamy Bacon Cheddar Bagels in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove it from the pan and let it cool for a few moments before crumbling it into small bits. Set aside a little crumbled bacon for topping later.
2. Mix the Creamy Filling:
In a medium bowl, add your softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and most of the crumbled bacon. Then, sprinkle in the chopped green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s all combined and creamy. You want a nice smooth mix!
3. Prepare the Bagels:
Grab each bagel half and spread a generous amount of the creamy bacon cheddar mixture evenly on top. Make sure each bagel half gets a good layer!
4. Add More Cheddar & Bacon:
Top each bagel with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the bacon pieces you saved for later. This adds extra yumminess to each bite!
5. Bake It Up:
Now it’s time to get baking! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to keep them from sticking. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the bagels cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm for the best flavor and enjoy every cheesy, bacon-y bite! If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a little crunch.
Can I Use Different Types of Bagels?
Absolutely! While plain bagels work best, feel free to experiment with flavors like everything bagels or whole grain bagels for an extra kick of taste.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
If you want a vegetarian version, simply skip the bacon and replace it with crispy roasted chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms to add that satisfying texture and flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
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 (175°C) for a few minutes to regain that melty goodness!
Can I Freeze These Bagels?
Yes, you can freeze them! Prepare the bagels up to the baking step, then wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
