If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy fresh, soft bagel bites right at home without all the fuss, you’re going to adore this Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe. Trust me, these little pockets of joy taste just like the kind you’d snag from your favorite cafe, but they come together in a snap and with just a handful of simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a cozy snack or a fun appetizer, these stuffed bagel bites will be your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Yeast or Boiling: You won’t believe how easy it is with just baking powder and Greek yogurt—no fancy techniques needed.
- Cream Cheese Surprise: Every bite bursts with melty, tangy cream cheese that feels indulgent but is totally doable at home.
- Customizable Toppings: Using Everything But The Bagel seasoning gives them that classic bagel vibe, but you can easily swap it for your favorites.
- Perfect Snack or Appetizer: Whether it’s for a family gathering or an afternoon treat, these are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but flavorful by balancing the tangy yogurt with fluffy dough and creamy filling. Each ingredient plays its role to build those golden bagel bites you’ll love crafting.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat for the best texture; it’s what gives the dough that soft, chewy bite.
- All Purpose Flour: Essential for structure—you can try swapping half for whole wheat, but expect a denser result.
- Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise without yeast, making this recipe super easy and quick.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the dough.
- Cream Cheese: The star filling—cut into small cubes for melty, gooey pockets inside.
- Egg White: Used for brushing the tops to give a shiny, golden finish and help seasoning stick.
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (EBTB): Adds that iconic bagel taste with a mix of seeds, garlic, and onion—you can also try sesame seeds or poppy seeds.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve experimented with different fillings and seasonings, and you might find your favorite twist in no time!
- Herb and Jalapeño Cream Cheese: I once mixed chopped fresh herbs and a little jalapeño into the cream cheese for a spicy, fresh kick that blew everyone away.
- Vegan Version: Swap regular cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based yogurt to make these completely vegan-friendly.
- Seasoning Switch-Up: Instead of Everything But The Bagel seasoning, try za’atar or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a unique flavor profile.
- Sweet Stuffed Bagel Bites: For a dessert option, try filling the bites with cream cheese mixed with honey and cinnamon, then brush with a little melted butter and sugar before baking.
How to Make Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up Your Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—that’s key for easy cleanup and crisp bottoms. In a large bowl, mix your flour, baking powder, and salt. Then add the Greek yogurt and stir with a big spoon until the dough pulls away from the bowl’s sides, sticking together in a slightly sticky but manageable ball. This step’s important; the dough shouldn’t be too dry or overly wet. If it’s sticky, just lightly flour your hands for the next step.
Step 2: Shape and Stuff the Bagel Bites
Lightly flour your work surface and divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece tightly into a ball. Then, flatten each ball gently with your hand to about a quarter-inch thick. Right in the center, place one cube of cream cheese. Carefully fold the dough over the cheese, pinching and sealing all edges well. Here’s a trick I discovered: dip your fingers in hot water and smooth the creases together—that seals the dough perfectly, keeping the cheese inside where it belongs. After sealing, gently roll each stuffed ball again to make it smooth and fully enclosed.
Step 3: Season and Bake
Arrange your stuffed bagel bites on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each one with whisked egg white to create that classic shiny glaze. Then sprinkle generously with Everything But The Bagel seasoning for that iconic flavor boost. Pop the tray into your preheated oven, and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the bagel bites turn beautifully golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they’re firm to the touch and you catch that wonderful toasted aroma.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, transfer your bagel bites to a cooling rack or tray to rest a few minutes – this helps the cream cheese set just enough before you dive in. Then, gather your friends or family and enjoy these warm, gooey treats. If you want, have some extra cream cheese or a savory dip on the side—you’ll find it pairs wonderfully and adds that little extra touch.
Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Keep Dough Moisture Balanced: I learned that if the dough feels too sticky, dust your hands or workspace with flour instead of adding flour directly to the dough, so it stays tender.
- Seal with Warm Water: Rubbing the seams with warm water prevents the cream cheese from leaking—a simple step that saved me from messy baking more than once!
- Use Egg White for Shine: Brushing the dough with egg white—not whole egg—gives the perfect golden color without making the tops too thick or heavy.
- Don’t Skip Cooling: Let your bagel bites cool briefly before biting in to enjoy the filling at just the right gooey consistency without burning your mouth.
How to Serve Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a little extra Everything But The Bagel seasoning on top just before serving for a fresh crunch and flavor boost. Sometimes I add chopped fresh chives or parsley, which adds a pop of color and freshness that I think really brightens the bites.
Side Dishes
These stuffed bagel bites pair perfectly with a simple side salad—think crisp mixed greens with a light vinaigrette—or a bowl of tomato soup for dipping. When serving at a party, I like offering a platter of sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and olives alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread, arrange the bagel bites on a decorative wooden board surrounded by small bowls of flavored cream cheeses or smoked salmon. I also like stacking them in a pyramid shape for a fun centerpiece that’s both pretty and approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare around here!), place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find reheating them gently in the oven helps bring back that fresh-baked texture better than the microwave.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these bagel bites before and it works great! Just freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven to maintain that crispy exterior and creamy center.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover stuffed bagel bites is baking them at 350°F for around 10 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the outside crisp and melty inside—much better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
Absolutely! While cream cheese provides that classic creamy texture inside, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta, or even feta. Just keep in mind that melting properties differ, so softer cheeses tend to work best for a gooey center.
-
Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt in the dough?
Greek yogurt is key here for moisture and a slight tang that mimics traditional bagels. Regular yogurt might work, but it’s usually thinner and can affect dough consistency—if you try it, consider straining regular yogurt to thicken it first.
-
How do I keep the cream cheese from leaking out during baking?
Sealing the dough properly is the trick. Use your fingers dipped in warm water to pinch and smooth the edges around the cream cheese. Rolling the sealed balls slightly after folding helps reinforce the seal and prevents leaks.
-
Can I make these without Everything But The Bagel seasoning?
Definitely. While EBTB seasoning gives that signature flavor punch, you can opt for sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion flakes, or any combination you enjoy. Even just a sprinkle of coarse salt can be delicious.
-
How long do these bagel bites stay fresh?
Fresh out of the oven, they’re best enjoyed within a day or two. Stored well in the fridge, they keep for about 3 days. Beyond that, freezing is your best option to maintain flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s fail-proof, delicious, and gosh—so comforting. I love that you don’t have to fuss with yeast or boiling water, and yet you get that soft, chewy bagel texture filled with melty cream cheese heaven. I hope you give this a try soon and see just how many smiles it can bring around your kitchen table. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find plenty of excuses to bake up another batch.
Print
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 a delicious homemade snack made with a simple 4-ingredient dough and creamy cream cheese filling. No yeast or boiling required, these mini bagels have a soft, chewy texture and are sprinkled with Everything But The Bagel seasoning for that perfect flavor, reminiscent of your favorite bakery or coffee shop treats.
Ingredients
Dough
- 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 (EBTB), for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the dough. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the plain Greek yogurt and stir with a large spoon until a sticky dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Form the balls. Lightly flour your work surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Using your hands, roll each piece tightly into round balls to help the dough stick together and to prepare for stuffing.
- Stuff them. Flatten each ball to about ¼ inch thickness with your hand. Place one cream cheese cube in the center. Fold the dough around the cream cheese and seal all sides tightly by moistening your fingers with hot water and pinching the creases together. Then roll the sealed dough balls again to ensure no filling escapes during baking.
- Bake. Place the stuffed dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each ball with the whisked egg white to help the seasoning stick and develop a golden crust. Sprinkle Everything But The Bagel seasoning generously over each ball. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Serve. Transfer the baked bagel bites to a tray to cool slightly before serving warm as a delightful snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Mini bagel bites made with a simple 4-ingredient dough and stuffed with cream cheese.
- No yeast or boiling required, making this recipe quick and easy.
- The Everything But The Bagel seasoning adds a flavorful, savory crunch similar to popular coffee shop bagels.
- Ensure the dough is tightly sealed around the cream cheese to prevent leakage during baking.
- These can be served warm or at room temperature as a tasty snack or appetizer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
