These Bacon Cream Cheese Stuffed Bagels are a warm, gooey, and cheesy dream come true. Crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and soft, golden bagels all come together for the most indulgent snack or lunch idea ever. Whether you’re looking for an easy brunch bite or a comforting weekend treat, these bagels are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Let’s be honest—sometimes you just need something rich, cheesy, and a little bit extra. And when you pull these warm, bacon-loaded bagels from the oven, you’ll know it was so worth it. 😋
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels
There’s something magical about biting into a bagel and discovering a molten, creamy, bacon-studded filling inside.
Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen:
- 🧀 Incredibly cheesy: Cream cheese and cheddar melt together into the perfect gooey blend.
- 🥓 Loaded with bacon: Smoky, crispy bacon bits in every single bite.
- 🕒 Quick & easy: Only about 25 minutes from start to finish!
- 💡 Customizable: Adjust the spice level, switch up the bagel flavor, or even add some veggies for extra flair.
The Creamy Bacon Filling
This filling is where all the magic happens. It’s smooth, savory, and slightly tangy — like a bacon-packed cheese dip stuffed right into your favorite bagel. You only need a handful of ingredients, and chances are, you already have most of them in your fridge.
What You’ll Need
- Cream Cheese: Go full-fat for the best texture and taste. Softened cream cheese blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Cheddar Cheese: A sharp or mature cheddar adds the perfect flavor punch.
- Bacon: Cooked until crisp, cooled, and diced into small bits.
- Mayonnaise: Helps loosen the filling, making it creamy without being heavy.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and lightness for a luscious consistency.
- Chives: For a pop of freshness and color — also great for garnish!
- Hot Sauce: Optional, but a splash adds a gentle heat that balances the richness.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course.
Pro Tip
Bring your cream cheese to room temperature before mixing — it’ll make blending the filling much smoother.
Can You Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the bacon filling up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and let it soften at room temperature before using. This is perfect if you’re hosting brunch or want to assemble your bagels quickly in the morning.
Assembling the Bagels
Now comes the fun part — stuffing those bagels to cheesy perfection!
Instead of hollowing them out completely (which feels like a waste), we’ll make a little “moat” in the center. This trick lets you pack in plenty of filling while keeping the bagel sturdy and easy to handle.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Slice the base: Carefully cut a very thin slice off the bottom of each bagel so they sit flat.
- Create space: With a small knife, cut around the center of the bagel (don’t go all the way through). Use your thumbs to gently push the center outward to make room for the filling.
- Add the filling: Spoon the bacon cheese mixture inside, pressing gently to fill every corner.
- Bake: Arrange the bagels on a lined baking tray and bake until golden and bubbly.
Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing by this point — smoky bacon, melting cheese, and toasted bagels. Pure comfort food vibes.
Choosing the Right Bagels
You can use any type of bagel you love, but here are a few recommendations:
- Sesame Seed Bagels: Add a subtle nutty flavor that complements the filling perfectly.
- Plain Bagels: Let the bacon and cheese shine!
- Everything Bagels: Bold, flavorful, and totally irresistible — just reduce the chives a bit to avoid overpowering the mix.
Serving Suggestions
When your stuffed bagels come out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes (trust me, the filling is lava-hot inside). Garnish with some extra chives and bacon bits for that “wow” factor.
These bagels are perfect for:
- A weekend brunch spread
- A quick lunch with a green salad
- A comforting snack on a cold afternoon
- Or even as part of a breakfast buffet for guests
Pair them with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of juice, and you’ve got a meal that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying.
Tips for Success
✅ Use fresh bagels – Stale ones may dry out during baking.
✅ Don’t skip the sour cream – It’s key for a light, creamy texture.
✅ Let them rest – Give them 5 minutes before eating so the filling settles.
✅ Experiment! – Try swapping bacon for cooked ham, turkey bacon, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Bacon Cream Cheese Stuffed Bagels – The Ultimate Savory Treat
- Total Time: 35 min
Ingredients
For the Filling
7 oz (200 g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
5 oz (150 g) bacon, cooked, cooled & finely diced
1 cup (100 g) grated cheddar cheese
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp sour cream
1 tbsp chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1 tsp hot sauce (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Bagels
4 large bagels, preferably sesame seed or plain
Instructions
-
Prepare the filling:
In a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, and hot sauce. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. If you’d like to garnish later, reserve a small amount of bacon and chives. -
Shape the bagels:
Place a bagel on a cutting board and carefully slice a thin layer off the base (so it sits flat).
Turn it seed-side down and use a sharp knife to cut a shallow ring around the center — don’t slice all the way through!
Gently press the inner dough outward with your thumbs to create a hollow “moat” in the middle. -
Fill and bake:
Spoon the bacon cream cheese mixture into the center of each bagel, spreading evenly to the edges.
Arrange the bagels on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F / 190°C for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top. -
Serve:
Let the bagels cool for 3–5 minutes before serving (the filling will be piping hot).
Garnish with the reserved bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh chives.
Notes
- Bagel Type: Sesame or plain bagels give a neutral base for the rich filling. If using everything bagels, reduce the chives slightly.
- Variations:
- Swap bacon for ham, turkey bacon, or crispy pancetta.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra depth.
- Mix in a few jalapeño slices if you like things spicy.
- Serving Idea: Pair your Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels with a simple green salad or roasted cherry tomatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
I’m a passionate home cook sharing easy, flavorful recipes inspired by my roots and travels — bringing a splash of joy and global taste to every family meal.
