If you love the comforting combination of creamy cheese and bold garlic flavors, then the Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagel is a must-try treat. This delicious recipe offers a perfect marriage of soft, chewy bagel dough infused with rich garlic and a luscious, velvety cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth. Whether as a hearty breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a quick bite on the go, this bagel combines savory satisfaction with irresistible textures you’ll want again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor explosion: The combo of roasted garlic and creamy cheese creates a savory taste profile that’s both bold and comforting.
Perfect texture: Soft on the inside with a slightly crisp crust, giving you a delightful bite every time.
Simple ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, easy to find and easy to prepare.
Versatility: Great for breakfast, snacks, or a tasty addition to lunch plates.
Impress your guests: A unique twist on a classic bagel that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward and accessible ingredients that each play an important role in building the rich flavor and satisfying texture of the Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagel. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why.

Bagel dough: A chewy, mildly flavored base that holds everything together perfectly.
Cream cheese: The star filling that makes every bite smooth, tangy, and rich.
Garlic cloves: Fresh or roasted, they add the savory punch essential for garlic lovers.
Olive oil or butter: Used to sauté or roast garlic, bringing out its sweet, mellow flavor.
Sea salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances creamy richness.
Herbs (optional): Parsley or chives add a fresh, colorful touch and extra aroma.

Variations for Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagel

One of the best things about the Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagel is how easy it is to adjust according to your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Herb-infused cream cheese: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or basil for an added flavor dimension.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese for some heat.
Vegan option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and olive oil to accommodate plant-based diets.
Cheese variety: Swap cream cheese for mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture.
Stuffed with extras: Include caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes for extra gourmet flair.

Why Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagel Is Irresistible

How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagel

Step 1: Prepare the garlic filling

Start by sautéing or roasting your garlic cloves in olive oil or butter until soft and fragrant. Allow to cool slightly before mixing with smooth cream cheese for the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the bagel dough

Use your favorite homemade or store-bought bagel dough. Roll it into individual portions and flatten each piece to prepare for stuffing.

Step 3: Stuff the dough

Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese and garlic mixture in the center of each dough piece, then carefully seal the edges to trap the filling inside.

Step 4: Boil and bake the bagels

Boil the stuffed bagels briefly in water to develop that classic bagel chew, then bake them in a preheated oven until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

Step 5: Cool and serve

Let the bagels cool for a few minutes to allow the filling to set, then enjoy warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagel

Fresh garlic works best: Use fresh cloves rather than powders for authentic garlicky depth.
Seal carefully: Pinch bagel edges tightly to prevent the cream cheese from leaking during boiling and baking.
Use high heat: Baking at a hotter temperature helps form a chewy crust that’s signature to gourmet bagels.
Don’t skip boiling: This step is crucial for the perfect bagel texture before baking.
Make it ahead: The dough can be prepared and refrigerated overnight for convenience.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagel

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives adds a pop of color and fresh flavor, while a light dusting of sea salt on top enhances every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair with crisp salads, fresh veggie sticks, or creamy tomato soup for a balanced, satisfying meal or snack experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and serve as bagel bites with toothpicks at parties, or alongside smoked salmon and capers for an elegant brunch spread that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate to extend freshness.

Freezing

Wrap bagels tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to revive the bagel’s crisp crust and creamy filling.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought bagel dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a great shortcut and works wonderfully for making Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Is it possible to make these bagels gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bagel dough recipes or mixes, though results may vary slightly in texture.

Can I substitute cream cheese with another cheese?

Yes, cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone can be used for a softer, milder filling, or try a blend for different flavor profiles.

How long does the filling keep before baking?

It’s best to assemble and bake shortly after mixing to keep the cream cheese fresh and avoid any sogginess in the bagel.

Can I add herbs directly into the dough?

Definitely! Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to dough adds an aromatic twist that complements the garlic and cream cheese beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Trying the Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagel is like discovering a delightful secret snack perfect for any time of day. Its combination of creamy, garlicky richness with that iconic bagel chew is truly irresistible. Whether for yourself or to share with loved ones, this recipe is an easy and joyful way to level up everyday bread into something special. So why wait? Grab those ingredients and let your kitchen fill with the wonderful aroma of freshly baked goodness you’ll cherish.

Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagel

Print Recipe

Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagel is a savory and comforting treat featuring soft, chewy bagel dough filled with a rich and velvety cream cheese and roasted garlic mixture. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunch, this recipe offers a flavorful burst of roasted garlic combined with creamy cheese, enclosed in a golden, slightly crisp bagel crust. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, it can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6-8 bagels 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Bagel Dough

Bagel dough – enough for 6-8 individual bagels (homemade or store-bought)

Garlic Filling

6–8 garlic cloves (fresh or roasted)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing or roasting garlic)
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
Sea salt, to taste
Optional herbs: 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives

Optional Variations

Red pepper flakes (a pinch, for spicy kick)
Herb-infused cream cheese (dill, basil, or other fresh herbs mixed in)
Dairy-free cream cheese (for vegan option)
Alternative cheeses: mascarpone or ricotta (same quantity as cream cheese)
Extras: caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes (to taste)

Instructions

Prepare the garlic filling: Sauté or roast the garlic cloves in olive oil or butter until they are soft and fragrant. Allow the garlic to cool slightly before mashing or finely chopping. Mix the garlic together with the softened cream cheese, add sea salt to taste, and stir in any optional herbs or spices as desired to create a smooth filling.
Prepare the bagel dough: Take your homemade or store-bought bagel dough and divide it into equal portions (6-8 pieces). Roll each portion into a ball and flatten into a disc shape to prepare for stuffing.
Stuff the dough: Place a generous spoonful of the cream cheese and garlic mixture in the center of each dough disc. Carefully fold and pinch the dough edges together, sealing the filling securely inside to avoid leakage.
Boil and bake the bagels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Briefly boil each stuffed bagel for about 30-60 seconds on each side to develop the signature chewy bagel texture. Remove carefully and place on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
Cool and serve: Allow the bagels to cool for a few minutes so the filling can set. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally garnished with freshly chopped herbs and a sprinkle of sea salt for enhanced flavor and presentation.

Notes

Use fresh garlic cloves rather than garlic powder for authentic and rich garlic flavor.
Seal the bagel dough edges tightly to prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking during boiling and baking.
Baking at high temperature helps form a chewy and crisp crust typical of classic bagels.
Don’t skip the boiling step, as it’s essential for the ideal bagel texture.
Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate overnight for convenience if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bagel
Calories: 280
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: cream cheese bagel, garlic bagel, stuffed bagel, savory bagel, garlic cream cheese, homemade bagel, snack recipe, breakfast bagel