If you have ever dreamed of biting into a warm, chewy bagel topped with golden, bubbling cheese, then you are in for a treat with this incredible Cheese Bagels Recipe. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into an irresistible breakfast or snack that’s loaded with flavor and a perfect blend of textures. Each bite offers a satisfyingly crispy crust paired with a pillowy interior melded with sharp cheddar and melty mozzarella, making it a homemade delight that’s truly hard to beat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen explorer, these cheese bagels are sure to become a beloved staple in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first exciting step toward making your own mouthwatering cheese bagels. Each element plays a pivotal role—from the bread flour that forms the chewy base to the cheeses that bring rich flavor and attractive golden hues on top.
- Bread flour: Provides the perfect high-protein structure critical for that classic bagel chew.
- Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and add subtle sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough.
- Instant yeast: The magic that makes the dough rise beautifully.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for dough formation.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a bold, tangy cheesy goodness inside the dough.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings meltiness and gooey texture to every bite.
- Baking soda: Used in the boiling water to give the bagels their signature shiny crust.
- Egg: Creates a beautiful golden glaze when brushed on before baking.
- Extra shredded cheese: Sprinkled on top for an irresistible cheesy crust.
How to Make Cheese Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Knead Your Dough
Start by mixing the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Then gradually add the warm water while stirring until it forms a rough dough. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it vigorously for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when gently poked.
Step 2: Incorporate the Cheeses
Gently knead in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly throughout the dough. This step ensures every bite is bursting with cheesy delight that melts perfectly during baking.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place your cheese-filled dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth to keep it cozy, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about an hour. Watching your dough puff up is so rewarding and guarantees fluffy, airy bagels.
Step 4: Shape Your Bagels
Once risen, punch down the dough to release excess air and divide it into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Then poke a hole through the center with your finger and gently stretch it to form a classic bagel ring. This shaping ensures they bake evenly and get that iconic bagel look.
Step 5: Boil and Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Boil the bagels in batches for about one minute on each side. Boiling with baking soda is the secret to that glossy, chewy crust everyone loves. Remove them carefully with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Cheese Topping
Brush each bagel generously with beaten egg to create that appetizing golden color. Then sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top to get a bubbly, crispy cheesy topping that’s pure comfort on a plate.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your bagels into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and the cheese topping is browned and irresistibly bubbly. After baking, let your bagels cool on a wire rack for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Cheese Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your cheese bagels with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or a little cracked black pepper. A light spread of cream cheese or a dab of butter also beautifully complements the cheesy richness, adding an inviting creaminess.
Side Dishes
Cheese bagels pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a small green salad for a balanced meal. For a cozy brunch, side them with scrambled eggs or a steaming bowl of tomato soup for a comforting contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bagels horizontally and toasting lightly before layering with avocado, smoked salmon, or your favorite deli meats for a gourmet twist. You can also turn them into mini sandwiches or even use them as a base for quick pizza bagels by adding tomato sauce and extra toppings before toasting again.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cheese bagels, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh, but they are best enjoyed the day they are made.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your bagels individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed into a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature or toast them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat bagels by toasting them lightly or warming in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes to bring back the crisp crust and warm, melty cheese. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Cheese Bagels Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by mixing Parmesan, Gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Each cheese adds its own unique flavor profile and texture, making your bagels truly your own.
Why do bagels need to be boiled before baking?
Boiling the bagels briefly helps set the crust before baking. The baking soda in the boiling water reacts with the dough, creating that distinctive shiny, chewy, and crusty exterior that makes bagels unique.
Can I make this recipe without an oven?
While baking is essential for that perfect finish, you could try finishing the boiled bagels on a grill with a cover or in a skillet. However, traditional oven baking ensures the cheese melts evenly and the crust crisps beautifully.
How long will these cheese bagels stay fresh?
Freshly baked cheese bagels are best enjoyed within two days when stored properly at room temperature. Beyond that, their texture starts to harden, though freezing extends their enjoyment window.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cheese Bagels Recipe uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients with no animal-derived rennet in the cheeses, making it a great choice for vegetarians who enjoy cheesy breads.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about creating your own warm, cheesy bagels from scratch, and this Cheese Bagels Recipe makes it wonderfully achievable for any home cook. Once you taste that perfect combination of crispy crust, chewy crumb, and rich, melted cheese, you’ll be hooked. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with a bakery-worthy treat made right in your kitchen. Happy baking!
Print
Cheese Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 bagels
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese Bagels recipe yields soft and chewy bagels packed with sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese, perfect for a savory breakfast or a satisfying snack. The dough is boiled briefly before baking, ensuring a classic bagel texture with a golden, cheesy crust.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- extra shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Add Cheeses: Gently knead in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape Bagels: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger and gently stretch it to form a classic bagel shape.
- Preheat Oven and Boil Water: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the baking soda.
- Boil Bagels: Boil bagels in batches for about 1 minute on each side to achieve the characteristic chewy texture and shiny crust, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Brush the tops of the bagels with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with extra shredded cheese.
- Bake: Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and the cheese topping is bubbly and browned.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bagels from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving to set the texture and flavors.
Notes
- For a cheesier variation, try mixing in some grated parmesan or smoked gouda with the cheddar and mozzarella.
- You can also add herbs like garlic powder or chopped chives to the dough for extra flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute the cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy kick.
