Stuffed Bagel Bites

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Introduction

Stuffed Bagel Bites are the ultimate bite-sized breakfast or snack treat! These delicious mini bagels are stuffed with a creamy, flavorful filling (typically cream cheese) and baked to perfection, offering a chewy exterior and a soft, gooey center. They’re easy to grab on the go, perfect for entertaining, and completely customizable with your favorite flavors. Whether you enjoy them plain, sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning, or filled with flavored cream cheese, these little bites are sure to become a crowd-pleasing favorite.

I remember the first time I served them at a brunch with friends—they were gone in minutes! The combination of the warm, soft bagel and the creamy filling is truly irresistible. These stuffed bagel bites are perfect for everything from breakfast to a mid-afternoon snack, and they can even make a fun addition to a party platter. Plus, they’re so simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a quick bake to bring out their irresistible flavor. Once you try them, you’ll never look at bagels the same way again!

Perfect for:

  • Quick breakfasts
  • On-the-go snacks
  • Party appetizers
  • Meal prepping
  • Bagel and cream cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Bagel Bites

Here’s why Stuffed Bagel Bites are going to be your new go-to recipe:

  • Portable and Bite-Sized: These mini bagels are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts, lunchboxes, or snacks.
  • Creamy Filling: The warm, melty cream cheese filling is irresistible and adds a burst of flavor to each bite.
  • Easy to Make: The dough comes together quickly, and stuffing the bites is easier than you’d think!
  • Customizable: You can fill them with plain or flavored cream cheese, or even try savory or sweet fillings.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for brunch or a party, these bagel bites are always a hit.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Servings: 20 bagel bites
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 80-100 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 14g, Fat: 2g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Stuffed Bagel Bites:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% works best)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened, plain or flavored)
  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
  • Optional toppings: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds

Ingredient Highlights

  • Greek Yogurt: Acts as the base for the dough, making it soft, slightly tangy, and easy to work with.
  • Cream Cheese: The creamy filling is the star of the show—go with plain or mix it up with flavored varieties like chive, strawberry, or jalapeño.
  • Everything Bagel Seasoning: Adds a classic bagel flavor to the exterior and a satisfying crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Stuffed Bagel Bites:

Prepare the Dough and Filling:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the Yogurt: Stir in the Greek yogurt and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
  4. Prepare the Cream Cheese: If using flavored cream cheese, stir it to ensure it’s smooth and easy to work with. Divide into small teaspoon-sized portions.

Assemble the Bagel Bites:

  1. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into 20 equal pieces and roll each piece into a small ball.
  2. Fill the Dough Balls: Flatten each dough ball into a small circle, place a teaspoon of cream cheese in the center, and fold the edges up to seal. Roll gently between your hands to form a smooth ball.
  3. Brush with Egg Wash: Place the filled bagel bites seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each bite with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
  4. Add Toppings: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning or your choice of toppings, if desired.

Bake and Serve:

  1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
  2. Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot filling!

How to Serve Stuffed Bagel Bites

Stuffed Bagel Bites are versatile and can be served in many ways:

  • With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these bites alongside your favorite morning beverage.
  • As an Appetizer: Serve them warm at parties with dipping sauces like marinara or honey.
  • For Breakfast: Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for a complete breakfast.
  • Snack Packs: Pack them in lunchboxes or take them on road trips for a satisfying snack.
  • Brunch Spreads: Arrange on a platter with other bagel toppings like lox, capers, and vegetables.

Additional Tips for Stuffed Bagel Bites

Here are some tips to ensure your Stuffed Bagel Bites come out perfect every time:

  • Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: This gives the dough the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t Overfill: Use just enough cream cheese to prevent the dough from bursting.
  • Seal the Dough Well: Pinch the seams tightly to avoid leaks while baking.
  • Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate for 15 minutes before shaping.
  • Experiment with Fillings: Try using flavored cream cheese or alternative fillings like Nutella or jam for a sweet variation.
  • Freeze for Later: Make a batch, freeze them, and bake directly from frozen when needed.

Recipe Variations for Stuffed Bagel Bites

Here are 10 ways to customize your Stuffed Bagel Bites:

  1. Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Bagel Bites: Use garlic and herb cream cheese for a savory twist.
  2. Sweet Bagel Bites: Fill with cream cheese and a teaspoon of jam or Nutella for a dessert-like treat.
  3. Lox Bagel Bites: Add a small piece of smoked salmon along with the cream cheese filling.
  4. Jalapeño Cheddar Bagel Bites: Mix shredded cheddar and diced jalapeños into the cream cheese.
  5. Pizza Bagel Bites: Fill with marinara and mozzarella for a pizza-inspired version.
  6. Spinach Artichoke Bagel Bites: Blend cream cheese with spinach and artichoke for a dip-inspired filling.
  7. Everything Bagel Bites: Incorporate everything bagel seasoning directly into the dough and sprinkle more on top.
  8. Blueberry Bagel Bites: Mix fresh or dried blueberries into the cream cheese filling.
  9. Cinnamon Sugar Bagel Bites: Fill with cinnamon-sugar cream cheese and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.
  10. Pumpkin Spice Bagel Bites: Use pumpkin spice-flavored cream cheese for a fall-inspired treat.

Freezing and Storage for Stuffed Bagel Bites

  • Freezing: To freeze, place unbaked bagel bites on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
  • Storage: Store baked bagel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.

Special Equipment for Stuffed Bagel Bites

  • Stand mixer with dough hook – Ideal for kneading bagel dough efficiently and achieving the perfect texture.
  • Baking sheet – A standard tool for baking your stuffed bagel bites evenly.
  • Parchment paper – To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking, ensuring easy cleanup.
  • Rolling pin – For rolling out dough evenly, especially when preparing the dough for stuffing.
  • Dough scraper – Useful for dividing the dough into portions and handling sticky dough.
  • Pastry brush – For brushing the bagel bites with a glaze or butter before baking to add flavor and sheen.
  • Spoon or piping bag – To fill the dough with your desired stuffing (e.g., cream cheese, meats, or veggies).
  • Boiling pot – To briefly boil the bagel bites before baking (if following a traditional bagel-making process).
  • Cooling rack – Helps your stuffed bagel bites cool evenly and prevents sogginess.
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife – For easily cutting your stuffed bagel dough into bite-sized pieces without squishing them.

Frequently Asked Questions for Stuffed Bagel Bites

  1. Can I use non-dairy yogurt?
    Yes, you can substitute non-dairy yogurt, such as almond or coconut, to make this recipe dairy-free.
  2. What other fillings can I use?
    You can try Nutella, jam, peanut butter, or even savory fillings like goat cheese or pesto.
  3. Do I have to use an egg wash?
    No, but the egg wash gives the bites a shiny, golden finish. You can use milk or butter instead for a similar effect.
  4. Can I make them gluten-free?
    Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
  5. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
    Ensure the dough is sealed tightly around the filling and don’t overfill the bites.

Conclusion

Stuffed Bagel Bites are a savory snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. These bite-sized delights feature the perfect combination of chewy bagel dough and a variety of fillings, making them the ultimate customizable treat. Whether you’re filling them with classic cream cheese and smoked salmon, savory ham and cheese, or something more adventurous, these bagel bites are sure to please any crowd.

Perfect for brunches, snacks, or even as a party appetizer, these bites are simple to prepare and bake up in no time. The best part? You can experiment with different fillings and toppings to suit your taste, making every batch uniquely your own.

I’d love to see how your Stuffed Bagel Bites turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creations. Happy cooking!