The Best Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe – Classic & Easy to Make!
Enjoy fresh, chewy homemade bagels paired with creamy, flavorful cream cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Dough Hook Mixer
- Clean Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large pot
- Slotted Spoon
- Cooling rack
- Sharp Knife or Bread Knife
- Spatula or Butter Knife
Ingredients
- For the Bagels:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water 110°F
- For Boiling:
- 8 cups water
- 2 tablespoons honey or barley malt syrup
- For the Cream Cheese Spread:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon fresh herbs, or 1 teaspoon cinnamon-sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour and salt, then knead until smooth.
- First Rise: Cover and let the dough rise for 60–90 minutes until doubled in size.
- Shape the Bagels: Divide into 8 equal pieces, shape into balls, then poke a hole in the center to form bagels.
- Boil the Bagels: Bring water and honey to a boil. Boil each bagel for 45 seconds per side, then drain.
- Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese: While bagels cool, mix softened cream cheese with optional add-ins for extra flavor.
- Assemble & Serve: Slice bagels, spread with cream cheese, and enjoy!
Notes
✔ Flour Type Matters: Bread flour gives the best chewy texture, but all-purpose flour can work in a pinch.
✔ Boiling is Essential: Don’t skip this step! Boiling helps create the signature chewy crust.
✔ Flavor Variations: Add toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning before baking.
✔ Storage Tips: Store bagels in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ Reheating: Toast bagels for the best texture before serving. These notes help your readers get the best results and optimize their bagel experience! 🥯🔥
✔ Boiling is Essential: Don’t skip this step! Boiling helps create the signature chewy crust.
✔ Flavor Variations: Add toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning before baking.
✔ Storage Tips: Store bagels in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ Reheating: Toast bagels for the best texture before serving. These notes help your readers get the best results and optimize their bagel experience! 🥯🔥