These Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels are the perfect morning treat! With crispy bacon paired with smooth cream cheese, they are a delightful start to your day.
Seriously, who can resist that crunchy, salty bacon? I love making these for breakfast on lazy weekends. Just toast the bagels, spread the cream cheese, and layer on the bacon—so easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Plain Bagels: Regular bagels are great, but you could switch it up with everything bagels for added flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole grain bagels are also delicious.
Cream Cheese: I love using plain cream cheese, but you can try flavored options like chive or roasted garlic for an extra kick. If you’re dairy-free, there are great cream cheese substitutes available!
Bacon: While I prefer regular bacon for its flavor, turkey bacon or even crispy prosciutto can work well if you’re looking for a leaner meat. Completely vegetarian? Try using cooked mushrooms or tempeh bacon for a savory touch.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharpness. If you want to change things up, consider using Monterey Jack or a pepper jack for a little heat. Vegan cheese is also an option if you’re dairy-free.
Chives: Fresh chives add lovely color and a mild onion flavor. If you don’t have them, green onions or parsley can be good replacements. Even dried herbs will work in a pinch!
How do I Cook Bacon to Make it Crispy?
Crispy bacon is key for this recipe, and here’s how you can achieve it easily. The skillet method I suggest gives great results. Use medium heat to avoid burning and cook the bacon slowly.
- Start with a cold skillet; this helps render fat better.
- Cook the bacon slices, flipping occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy (about 8-10 minutes).
- Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up extra grease.
- Let it cool a bit before chopping for even texture when added to the bagels.
How to Make Delicious Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bagels:
- 4 plain bagels, sliced horizontally
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
- Black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and cook the bacon, and then around 10-12 minutes for baking the bagels. It’s a quick and tasty option for breakfast or a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for melting the cheese and toasting the bagels just right.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces that will sprinkle nicely on your bagels.
3. Prepare the Bagels
Take your sliced bagels and place them cut side up on a baking sheet. This helps to get them nice and toasty when they bake.
4. Spread the Cream Cheese
Using a knife or a spatula, spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese on each bagel half. Make sure to cover them well for that creamy goodness!
5. Add Cheddar Cheese
Now, it’s time to sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the cream cheese layer on each bagel. Feel free to use more if you love cheese!
6. Top with Bacon
Distribute the chopped bacon pieces evenly over the cheddar cheese layer. This will add a crispy and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese.
7. Garnish with Chives and Pepper
If you’re using them, sprinkle some chopped fresh chives and a little black pepper on top for extra flavor and color. It gives a fresh touch!
8. Bake the Bagels
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bagels look slightly toasted.
9. Cool and Serve
After removing them from the oven, let the bagels cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious bacon cream cheese bagels as a delightful breakfast or snack!
Can I Use Something Other Than Bagels?
Absolutely! English muffins or mini bagels can work as great alternatives. Just adjust the baking time if you go with smaller items for an even toast.
Can I Make These Bagels Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the bagels up to the baking step. Assemble them and store them in the fridge for a day. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the oven briefly at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring they retain their crispy texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or cooked tempeh bacon for a delicious vegetarian option. Just ensure that your cheese is vegetarian-friendly if that’s a concern!