Classic Bagels with Cream Cheese

Introduction

Classic Bagels with Cream Cheese are a beloved breakfast staple that perfectly combines a chewy, golden-brown exterior with a soft, dense interior. Originating from Eastern Europe and popularized in New York City, bagels have become an iconic food loved worldwide. Paired with creamy, rich cream cheese, they create a timeless breakfast or snack that is both satisfying and comforting.

I love this recipe because it captures the essence of homemade bagels—freshly baked, warm, and chewy, with a golden crust that cracks slightly when you bite into it. The contrast of the soft interior and the slightly crispy exterior is irresistible. Topped with smooth cream cheese, each bite becomes a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Making bagels at home allows you to control the ingredients, experiment with flavors, and enjoy them fresh out of the oven—something store-bought bagels rarely offer. This recipe is approachable yet yields bakery-quality results, making it a must-have in your breakfast repertoire.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this bagel recipe because it is simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. The dough is soft and forgiving, making it easy for beginners to handle, yet it develops the characteristic chewiness and dense crumb that makes bagels so special.

The process of boiling the bagels before baking gives them that signature shiny crust and slight chew, which is a fun and rewarding technique to master at home. Adding cream cheese elevates the experience, creating a rich, creamy contrast to the bagel’s firm texture. Making these from scratch is both satisfying and delicious, and nothing beats the aroma of fresh bagels baking in your kitchen.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Classic Bagels with Cream Cheese are a must-try because they are versatile, wholesome, and comforting. They work perfectly for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack. Homemade bagels outperform store-bought versions in taste, freshness, and texture.

This recipe is also a canvas for creativity—you can top bagels with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning, or enjoy them plain. Spread with plain cream cheese, flavored spreads, smoked salmon, or even jam, bagels can be transformed to suit every taste. They’re perfect for sharing with family, hosting brunch, or gifting homemade bagels to friends.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American / Eastern European
• Course: Breakfast / Brunch
• Preparation Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes rising)
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Servings: 8 bagels
• Calories (per bagel with cream cheese): ~300 kcal

Ingredients

For the Bagels:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional, for kneading)

For Boiling:

• 2 quarts water
• 2 tbsp sugar or honey

For Topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning (optional)

For Serving:

• Cream cheese (plain or flavored)

Cooking Directions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and knead until smooth and elastic (about 8-10 minutes). Add oil if needed to prevent sticking.
3. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Shape bagels: Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Shape each into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and stretch slightly to form a ring.
5. Boil bagels: Preheat a large pot of water with sugar or honey. Boil bagels 1-2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush boiled bagels with beaten egg and sprinkle toppings if desired.
7. Bake: Place bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
8. Cool and serve: Let bagels cool slightly before slicing and spreading with cream cheese.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Activate yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast; let foam.
2. Make dough: Combine flour and salt, knead with yeast water until elastic.
3. First rise: Cover and let double in size.
4. Shape bagels: Divide, shape into rings, make center holes.
5. Boil bagels: 1-2 minutes per side in water with sugar/honey.
6. Prepare for baking: Brush with egg wash, add toppings.
7. Bake: 18-20 minutes until golden.
8. Serve: Slice and spread with cream cheese.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with plain, flavored, or whipped cream cheese.
• Top with smoked salmon, tomatoes, or cucumbers for a classic bagel sandwich.
• Pair with coffee, tea, or fresh juice for breakfast or brunch.

Recipe Tips

• Use bread flour for extra chewiness.
• Don’t skip boiling; it gives the bagels their characteristic texture.
• Cool completely before slicing to prevent tearing.
• Adjust water gradually when kneading; dough should be firm but not sticky.

Variations

1. Everything Bagels: Top with sesame, poppy, garlic, onion, and salt.
2. Cinnamon Raisin Bagels: Add ½ cup raisins and 1 tsp cinnamon to the dough.
3. Whole Wheat Bagels: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
4. Cheese Bagels: Mix shredded cheddar into the dough or sprinkle on top.
5. Savory Bagels: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze bagels (plain or sliced) for up to 1 month. Toast directly from frozen or thaw before slicing.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Slotted spoon (for boiling)
• Baking sheet and parchment paper
• Oven
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Classic Bagels with Cream Cheese are a timeless, delicious breakfast or brunch option that everyone will love. From the chewy, golden-brown crust to the soft, dense interior, they are a delight to make and eat. With endless topping and flavor possibilities, homemade bagels provide both satisfaction in the kitchen and joy on the table. Perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or a special treat, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, bakery-quality bread made at home.