If you’re anything like me, you love a quick snack that feels indulgent but is honestly super simple to whip up. That’s exactly why this Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe became an instant favorite in my kitchen. Imagine mini bagels, warm and golden, with a melty cream cheese center that’s just begging to be popped straight into your mouth. No yeast, no boiling, and just four basic ingredients — but the payoff? Absolutely fan-freaking-tastic! Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through how to make these irresistible bites that I’m sure you’ll want to make over and over again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You only need four basics, plus a dash of seasoning, to create these heavenly snacks.
- No Yeast, No Fuss: I love how this recipe skips the yeast and boiling step but still delivers that classic bagel bite texture.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick weekday snack or a weekend brunch treat, these bagel bites steal the show every time.
- Customizable to Your Taste: You can easily switch up the fillings or seasonings to make these your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the magic lineup that brings these stuffed bagel bites to life. I always appreciate how simple the ingredient list is, which makes shopping straightforward and prep a breeze.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Gives the dough a tenderness and tang while keeping it moist — make sure to use thick yogurt for the best texture.
- All Purpose Flour: The backbone of your dough. I find it’s best to use fresh, unbleached flour for a cleaner taste.
- Baking Powder: This is your secret weapon for that nice rise and fluffiness without yeast.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the dough perfectly.
- Cream Cheese: I recommend full-fat cream cheese cut into small cubes; this melts wonderfully inside the bites.
- Egg White: Brushed on top to help the seasoning stick and to give a beautiful golden finish.
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (EBTB): Because what would a bagel bite be without that iconic seasoning? It adds that perfect savory crunch on top.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe to fit whatever mood or season I’m in. It’s such a forgiving dough that you can easily twist it to your taste buds’ delight.
- Herbed Cream Cheese: One time I mixed fresh dill and chives into the cream cheese before stuffing, and it instantly became a fancy brunch hit!
- Spicy Kick: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dab of Sriracha into the cream cheese – it adds a surprising but delightful zing.
- Vegan Swap: You can substitute the cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use dairy-free yogurt to keep the dough tender.
- Sweet Version: Swap the EBTB with cinnamon sugar and fill with a sweetened cream cheese mixture for a dessert twist.
How to Make Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready and Prep the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat — this makes cleanup easy and ensures your bagel bites won’t stick as they bake to golden perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt so they’re evenly combined. Add the Greek yogurt and stir with a large spoon until a sticky dough forms. A good sign is when the dough pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl — that’s when you know it’s ready to handle.
Step 3: Shape the Dough Balls
Lightly flour your work surface to avoid any sticky situations. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, then use your hands to roll each piece into a tight ball. The key here is to form the dough firmly so the cream cheese stays sealed inside later.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Bagel Bites
Flatten each dough ball with your hand until it’s about a quarter inch thick. Place a cube of cream cheese in the center. This next part is a little like making a dumpling: carefully fold the dough around the cheese and pinch the edges to seal it. Here’s a little trick I discovered — wet your fingers with warm water and press the folds together; it really helps seal the dough so the cream cheese won’t ooze out during baking. Then, roll the stuffed ball gently in your hands to create a smooth seal.
Step 5: Brush, Season, and Bake
Arrange your stuffed dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with the whisked egg white — this step makes the tops golden and glossy. Generously sprinkle Everything But The Bagel seasoning over each bite for that extra layer of flavor. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the bagel bites turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, transfer your bagel bites to a tray and let them cool for a few minutes. This lets the cream cheese center thicken slightly so you’re not facing a molten lava situation! Serve warm and prepare for happy faces all around.
Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Use Thick Greek Yogurt: I learned early on that thinning the yogurt ruins the dough; stick to full-fat or thick plain Greek yogurt for the perfect texture.
- Seal with Warm Water: Wetting your fingertips before sealing the dough folds makes all the difference — it keeps the cream cheese from bursting out.
- Don’t Skip the Egg White Brush: It gives the bagel bites that irresistible golden sheen and helps the seasoning stick beautifully.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye after 20 minutes; ovens vary and you want that perfect balance of golden crunch without drying them out.
How to Serve Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Whenever I serve these, I sprinkle a little extra Everything But The Bagel seasoning right before serving for an extra punch. Sometimes, I add a side of fresh chopped chives or smoked paprika for color and a mild flavor lift. They look pretty and taste great!
Side Dishes
These stuffed bagel bites pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or alongside a fresh veggie platter and your favorite dips. I’ve also served them with a cup of fresh tomato soup for an easy lunch that feels special.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties or brunch gatherings, I like arranging these bagel bites on a tiered platter alongside mini flag toothpicks or little bowls of flavored cream cheese spreads on the side — it turns the snack into an interactive experience everyone enjoys.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers? Honestly, that’s a rare occasion in my house, but when I do have some, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They hold their flavor well, just expect the cream cheese to firm up a bit when cold.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these bagel bites before, placing them on a tray first to freeze individually and then transferring them to a freezer bag. They thaw well in the fridge overnight and can be reheated for a quick snack that feels just as fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to regain that lovely crisp outside and melty inside. Avoid microwaving if you can — it tends to get soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use flavored cream cheese instead of plain?
You absolutely can! Flavored cream cheeses like garlic and herb or jalapeño add a fun twist to this Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe. Just be sure to balance the seasoning on top accordingly since some flavored cheeses can be saltier.
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Is it okay to substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt?
While Greek yogurt gives the dough its signature tang and firmness, sour cream can work in a pinch but might result in a slightly denser dough. If you try it, reduce added salt to avoid over-seasoning.
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Why do I need to seal the dough tightly around the cream cheese?
Sealing is key to keep that luscious cream cheese inside during baking. If the dough isn’t sealed well, the cheese can leak and create a mess on your baking sheet. Using warm water on your fingers really helps make a tight seal.
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Can I make these bagel bites gluten-free?
Yes! Substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum works great, but remember that textures might vary slightly. I recommend trying a small batch to test your preferred flour blend.
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What’s the best way to store leftovers to preserve freshness?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep them tasting their best, reheat them in a toaster oven or regular oven rather than the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe has become my go-to for easy snacks that feel special. I love that it’s so quick to make, but delivers that fresh-baked charm we all crave without needing fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. If you make this recipe, I hope you enjoy every cheesy, crispy, perfectly seasoned bite as much as my family and I do. Grab those simple ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking — you’ll be so glad you did!
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Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 bagel bites
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Stuffed Bagel Bites are quick, delicious mini bagels made from a simple 4-ingredient dough stuffed with creamy cream cheese. Boiling or yeast are not required, making it a foolproof recipe that yields soft, flavorful bagel bites perfect for snacks or breakfast. Finished with Everything But The Bagel seasoning and baked until golden brown, they perfectly mimic your favorite bagel bites from Starbucks.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling & Topping
- 4 oz. cream cheese, cut into 8 cubes (about 1½ teaspoons each)
- 1 egg white, whisked
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Turn your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Make the dough. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add the Greek yogurt and stir with a large spoon until a sticky dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Form the dough balls. Lightly flour a work surface and divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Use your hands to tightly roll and form each piece into a ball to ensure the dough holds together when filled.
- Stuff the bagel bites. Flatten each ball to about ¼ inch thickness with your hand. Place a cube of cream cheese in the center. Fold the dough around the cream cheese, sealing all sides carefully by wetting your fingers with hot water and pressing the creases together. Roll the stuffed ball again to secure the seal and prevent the filling from leaking.
- Bake. Arrange the stuffed balls on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with whisked egg white and sprinkle generously with Everything But The Bagel seasoning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Serve. Remove from the oven, transfer to a tray or cooling rack, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- This recipe makes 8 mini bagel bites perfect for snacking or a small breakfast.
- Using Greek yogurt keeps the dough tender and adds protein without the need for yeast.
- Everything But The Bagel seasoning provides classic bagel flavor but can be substituted with any seasoning you prefer.
- The dough is simple and requires no boiling or rising time, making it quick to prepare.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel bite (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
