Stuffed Bagels: A Soft, Cheesy, Bakery-Style Delight You Can Make at Home

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed Bagels are the perfect blend of soft dough, warm filling, and bakery-fresh aroma—all created in your own kitchen with surprisingly little effort. These versatile bagels can be filled with cream cheese, flavoured spreads, or even savoury breakfast fillings, making them ideal for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or on-the-go snacks. One detail I appreciate about this recipe is its flexibility; I once made the dough using almond milk instead of regular milk, and the result was still wonderfully soft and fluffy. The beauty of homemade stuffed bagels lies in the balance between the chewy exterior and the rich, melty centre. Whether you prefer classic flavours or bold variations, this recipe gives you a reliable foundation and endless room to experiment.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Flour provides the structure for the dough, helping the bagels achieve their signature chewiness while staying soft enough to wrap around the filling.

Active dry yeast
Yeast enables the dough to rise, giving your bagels lightness and a tender crumb instead of dense heaviness.

Warm water
Activates the yeast and brings the dough together. It also helps create a smooth, pliable texture.

Sugar
A small amount of sugar feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savoury filling.

Salt
Salt strengthens the dough and enhances overall flavour so the bagels don’t taste flat.

Butter or oil
Adds suppleness to the dough, making it easier to shape and contributing to a softer bite.

Cream cheese
The classic filling—rich, creamy, and melty once baked. It provides a beautiful contrast to the chewy exterior.

Everything bagel seasoning
Adds bold flavour and the unmistakable aroma of a bakery-style bagel topping.

Egg
Used for an egg wash to give the bagels a deep golden colour and ensure the seasonings adhere properly.

Directions

Begin by activating the yeast. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy. Add the flour, salt, and melted butter, then mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for several minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into even portions. Flatten each piece into a small circle and place a spoonful of cream cheese in the centre. Carefully pull the dough edges up and around the filling, pinching firmly to seal so no cream cheese escapes during baking. Shape the filled dough into a smooth ball.

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the stuffed dough balls on the sheet. Brush each with egg wash, then sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Allow the bagels to cool for a few minutes before serving; the filling will be piping hot.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

Makes approximately 8 stuffed bagels.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 40 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store cooled stuffed bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore the soft exterior and warm filling. These bagels also freeze exceptionally well; wrap individually and freeze for up to one month. Reheat from frozen in the oven to maintain texture.

Variations and Customizations

Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Filling

Blend garlic powder, chives, and parsley into the cream cheese for a fragrant, savoury centre.

Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels

Stuff with cream cheese mixed with diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar for a spicy twist.

Breakfast Bagel Bites

Fill with scrambled eggs and crumbled sausage for a portable morning meal.

Cinnamon Sweet Cream

Use sweetened cream cheese mixed with cinnamon for a warm bakery-style flavour.

Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

Combine cream cheese with strawberry jam for a fruity, dessert-like option.

Pizza Bagel Version

Stuff with mozzarella, marinara, and a pinch of oregano to create a pizza-inspired bite.

Spinach & Artichoke Bagels

Add spinach and artichoke dip inside for a rich, savoury filling.

Chocolate Hazelnut Centre

Place a spoonful of chocolate hazelnut spread inside for an indulgent treat.

Vegan Adaptation

Use plant-based cream cheese and oil instead of butter for dairy-free bagels.

Everything-Inside Bagel

Mix seasoning directly into the cream cheese for an extra flavourful filling.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, pizza dough works well and offers a quick alternative.

Does the filling leak during baking?

Not if the dough is sealed properly. Pinch firmly and avoid overfilling.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes, prepare them up to the point of baking and refrigerate for several hours.

Can I freeze stuffed bagels before baking?

Yes, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen.

Why did my dough not rise?

The water may have been too hot or too cold. Aim for warm, not hot.

Can I use whole-wheat flour?

You can, though it may make the dough denser. A half-and-half blend works well.

Should the cream cheese be cold or softened?

Cold cream cheese holds its shape better and is easier to stuff.

Can I air-fry these?

Yes, air-fry at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes, checking for browning.

Can I add fillings after baking?

These bagels are designed to be baked with the filling inside; after-baking fillings won’t hold as well.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Bake on parchment and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

Conclusion

Stuffed Bagels offer a delightful twist on a classic, bringing together the warmth of freshly baked dough and the satisfaction of a creamy, flavour-packed centre. With a straightforward method and endless possibilities for customisation, this recipe is ideal for home bakers seeking something both comforting and versatile. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or a savoury snack, these stuffed bagels are sure to become a cherished favourite in your kitchen.

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