If you’re searching for a fun and flavorful twist on your usual breakfast or snack routine, the Stuffed Bagels with Herbed Cream Cheese and Parmesan Recipe will quickly become your new favorite indulgence. This dish masterfully combines the chewy delight of warm bagels with a luxurious herbed cream cheese filling, all topped off with a garlic-infused butter and Parmesan glaze that’s just bursting with savory goodness. It’s guaranteed to be the kind of recipe you love sharing with friends and family, perfect for cozy mornings or impressing guests with minimal effort. You’ll find this recipe easy to prepare but utterly irresistible once you taste that perfect marriage of creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh herbs that play a crucial role in building up the rich, savory profile of your stuffed bagels. Each ingredient adds its own unique touch, balancing creaminess, zest, and a touch of crisp golden texture for that perfect finish.
- 4 bagels: Choose your favorite type—plain or everything bagels work great to hold all that delicious filling.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): The luscious base of the filling; make sure it’s soft for easy mixing and spreading.
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
- 1/2 cup butter: The butter melts into a savory glaze that crisps the bagels while adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a slight herbal brightness to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that deepens the savory flavor profile.
- 1-2 garlic cloves (minced): For that punchy, aromatic hit that makes the whole dish sing.
- 2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning: To sprinkle over and inside the bagel, enhancing texture and flavor with a mix of sesame, onion, and poppy seeds.
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping): Adds a nutty, cheesy crust that perfectly tops off the butter glaze.
How to Make Stuffed Bagels with Herbed Cream Cheese and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s ready to create that marvelous golden crust on your bagels. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—a small step that makes cleanup easier and prevents your bagels from sticking.
Step 2: Slice Your Bagels
Next, carefully slice each bagel horizontally into about six sections, but don’t slice all the way through—think of it like creating little pockets to fill. This technique not only makes every bite loaded with filling but keeps the bagel intact and easy to serve.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, blend your softened cream cheese with the sugar. The sugar adds just enough sweetness to balance the herbs and garlic, making the filling complex and tasty without overpowering.
Step 4: Stuff Those Bagels
Spoon or pipe this creamy mixture generously into each cut of the bagel. Don’t be shy—this filling is what makes this dish so indulgently good, so pack it in well.
Step 5: Make the Herbed Butter Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the butter, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and everything bagel seasoning. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until everything is melted and well blended. This herb-butter will soak into the bagels, infusing them with flavor and moisture.
Step 6: Add Parmesan and Glaze the Bagels
Stir the Parmesan cheese into your melted butter mixture, then brush this flavorful glaze all over the bagels, making sure to get it into all the crevices for maximum taste and that irresistible golden color.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your prepared bagels into the oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes. You want the bagels to be toasted with the cream cheese melted just right and the top beautifully golden brown. That mix of warm, melty filling and crisp Parmesan topping will have you coming back for more.
How to Serve Stuffed Bagels with Herbed Cream Cheese and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Offering a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional everything bagel seasoning after baking adds a pop of color and even more flavor. Thin tomato slices or a scattering of finely chopped chives can also lift the dish visually and taste-wise with fresh brightness.
Side Dishes
Keep things light and fresh by pairing these stuffed bagels with a crisp green salad or a zesty cucumber and tomato salad. For a heartier meal, a bowl of tomato soup complements the richness and brings a comforting balance to this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the stuffed bagels on a wooden board surrounded by little bowls of jam, smoked salmon, or sliced avocado for a brunch spread that feels elegant and inviting. Cutting the bagels into smaller portions can also turn them into delightful party finger foods.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To preserve the bagel’s texture, wrap each one individually in foil before placing them in the container.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze your stuffed bagels wrapped tightly in foil and placed inside a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Reheating
Reheat your stuffed bagels in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, still wrapped in foil to keep moisture in. This will revive the melty cream cheese and crisp up the Parmesan topping beautifully, almost like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use flavored bagels for this recipe?
Absolutely! Flavored bagels like onion, garlic, or even plain bagels complement the herbed cream cheese and Parmesan filling wonderfully. Just choose what you prefer or what you have on hand.
Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?
Fresh parsley adds brightness, but if you only have dried herbs, feel free to use those—just reduce the amount slightly since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes! The cream cheese filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making assembly on the day you want to bake super quick and easy.
What type of Parmesan cheese works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers the best flavor and texture, but pre-grated Parmesan works fine in a pinch—just be sure it’s 100% real cheese, not a processed blend.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, try substituting the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan butter. Nutritional yeast can replace the Parmesan to provide a cheesy flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and exciting about the Stuffed Bagels with Herbed Cream Cheese and Parmesan Recipe that makes it hard to stop at just one. It’s a brilliant way to elevate simple bagels into a gourmet treat that’s perfect any time of day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your go-to whenever you want a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Give it a whirl and watch everyone’s faces light up at the table!
Print
Stuffed Bagels with Herbed Cream Cheese and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
- Total Time: 13-17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Stuffed Bagels are a deliciously savory treat featuring soft bagels filled with sweetened cream cheese and topped with a flavorful garlic herb butter mixture. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they bake to golden perfection with a delightful blend of parmesan and everything bagel seasoning.
Ingredients
Bagels
- 4 bagels
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
Butter Topping
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the stuffed bagels evenly.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier after baking.
- Slice Bagels: Carefully slice each bagel crosswise into 6 sections, but be sure not to cut all the way through the bagel; this creates pockets for the cream cheese filling.
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with sugar and stir until smooth; this adds a slight sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Fill Bagels: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each sliced section of the bagel generously with the cream cheese mixture, making sure to reach all pockets.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl or dish, combine butter, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and everything bagel seasoning.
- Melt Butter: Microwave the butter mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and aromatic.
- Add Parmesan: Stir the parmesan cheese into the melted butter mixture to add a rich, cheesy flavor to the topping.
- Brush Bagels: Evenly brush the butter and seasoning mixture all over the stuffed bagels, including the tops and sides, to infuse them with flavor and help achieve a golden crust.
- Bake Bagels: Place the prepared bagels on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, until the bagels are toasted, the cream cheese is melted, and the tops turn golden brown.
Notes
- Be careful not to cut the bagels completely through to keep the cream cheese securely inside.
- You can adjust the amount of garlic and seasoning to match your personal taste preferences.
- For a crispier crust, broil the bagels for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and flavor.
- Leftover bagels can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or toaster oven.
