Can I make these without an air fryer?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top.

What if I don’t have plain bagels?

No worries—you can use any style of bagel you have on hand. In fact, everything or cheese bagels will only amp up the overall flavor.

Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Assemble and stuff the bagels, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours in advance. When you’re ready to serve, just brush on the butter and bake or air fry.

Is it possible to double or triple the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just prep as many bagels as you need, and cook them in batches so everyone gets their bagel hot and cheesy.

Stuffed Bagels Recipe

Name: Stuffed Bagels Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 plain bagels; 6 ounces cream cheese, softened; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; ½ tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder); 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

If you’ve ever craved the warm, gooey comfort of a bakery-style treat, but only had twenty minutes to spare, these Stuffed Bagels are about to change your snack game. They’re outrageously cheesy and garlicky, with pillowy bagel sections stuffed to the brim with creamy goodness—all with a golden, crispy exterior thanks to a quick trip in the air fryer. Whether you need a breakfast that delivers big on flavor, a speedy after-school snack, or an impressive appetizer with hardly any effort, you’ll fall in love with just how irresistible (and fuss-free) these stuffed bagels are.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Fast: There’s no kneading, proofing, or waiting around. Everything comes together in about 20 minutes, making these perfect for busy mornings or hectic afternoons.
Flavor-Packed: Creamy cheese, a fragrant garlic butter glaze, crispy bagel edges, and a double hit of Parmesan and mozzarella—these flavors were meant for each other.
No Special Skills Needed: You don’t need to be a professional to pull these off. The steps are straightforward, and even the “piping” can be done with a simple zip-top bag.
Customizable: Start with a plain bagel, or go wild with your favorite type. The filling and toppings can be tailored however you like.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Plain Bagels: The foundation for this recipe. Soft, sturdy, and perfect for stuffing. Try everything or sesame for a flavor twist.
Cream Cheese (softened): This is your rich, tangy filling—whip it up for smoothness and easy piping.
Butter (melted): Adds moisture and flavor, creating that toasty golden crust on top.
Fresh Parsley (chopped): Brings fresh, herbal notes to balance the indulgence.
Garlic (minced or garlic powder): Essential for that classic garlic bread aroma and kick. Use powder if you’re in a pinch!
Parmesan Cheese (grated): For a nutty, salty hit on every bite.
Mozzarella (shredded): Melts beautifully, making every pull-apart piece extra gooey.

Tip: You can easily swap in a flavored cream cheese or mix up the cheeses and herbs if you want a personalized twist.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Bagel Flavor Switch: Use everything bagel, onion, or cheese bagels for a built-in burst of flavor.
Herbed Cream Cheese: Buy or mix your own with chives, dill, or roasted garlic.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the cream cheese or the butter topping.
Make It Meaty: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits inside with the cream cheese for a heartier snack.
Vegan/Dairy-Free: Swap in vegan cream cheese, plant-based butter, and your favorite dairy-free cheese crumbles.

How to Make the Stuffed Bagels

Step 1: Prep and Cut

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Take your bagels and make three deep, evenly spaced cuts on top, dividing each bagel into six-but don’t slice all the way through. You want connected wedges ready for stuffing.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until it’s light and fluffy. Transfer the whipped cream cheese into a piping bag or zip-top bag with one corner snipped off.

Step 3: Fill It Up

Carefully pipe cream cheese deep into each cut of the bagel, ensuring every section gets a generous helping. Don’t stress about perfection; the cheese will melt and settle as it cooks.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter

Whisk together the melted butter, chopped parsley, and minced garlic (or garlic powder) in a small bowl until thoroughly combined.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Using a pastry brush (or the back of a spoon), slather the tops of the stuffed bagels with the garlicky butter mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a handful of shredded mozzarella—really cover those tops for the best cheesy crust.

Step 6: Air Fry

Place the stuffed bagels gently into the preheated air fryer and cook for 5–7 minutes. What you’re looking for: a deep golden crust and fully melted cheese pooling in all the right places.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Let them cool for a couple of minutes (if you can wait!), then pull apart each stuffed section and dive in while the cheese is still oozy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Cut Too Deep: Keep the base of each section connected so your bagel “petals” don’t fall apart.
Soften the Cream Cheese: Let it come to room temperature for the smoothest, fluffiest filling.
No Piping Bag? No problem! Use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, or gently spoon the filling in.
Crowded Air Fryer? Cook in batches to ensure even browning and melting.
Use Fresh Garlic if Possible: It makes a huge difference in flavor, but garlic powder will do in a pinch.

How to Serve

These stuffed bagels are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the air fryer, when the cheese is at peak gooeyness.

As a Breakfast or Brunch Star:

Serve with a side of sliced fruit, fresh berries, or even a simple salad for a luxurious breakfast platter.

As a Snack or Appetizer:

Pair with a tangy marinara or your favorite dipping sauce. Cut into smaller pieces for sharing at gatherings.

Soup and Salad Companion:

These bagels are fantastic alongside a steaming bowl of tomato soup or a crisp green salad—think cheesy garlic bread, but even better.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The bagels will absorb the flavors beautifully, even as they chill.

Freezing

Stuffed bagels freeze surprisingly well. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently microwave to defrost.

Reheating

To revive the crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes, or use your oven or toaster oven until they’re warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crispy.

FAQs

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top.
What if I don’t have plain bagels?

No worries—you can use any style of bagel you have on hand. In fact, everything or cheese bagels will only amp up the overall flavor.
Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Assemble and stuff the bagels, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours in advance. When you’re ready to serve, just brush on the butter and bake or air fry.
Is it possible to double or triple the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just prep as many bagels as you need, and cook them in batches so everyone gets their bagel hot and cheesy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a snack that’s speedy, satisfying, and so much fun to eat, stuffed bagels are the answer. With that melty, cheesy center and deliciously crisp top, every bite is pure comfort. Don’t hesitate to play around with fillings and toppings to make this recipe your own. Pull out your bagel stash, grab some cream cheese, and whip up a batch—you deserve a bakery-style treat, right at home!