If you’re craving a warm, cheesy delight that’s perfect for breakfast or a satisfying snack, this Cheese Bagels Recipe is exactly what you need. Soft on the inside with a slightly crisp, golden crust, and packed with sharp cheddar flavor, these homemade bagels bring bakery-quality goodness right to your kitchen. The combination of a tender dough infused with melted cheese, topped with even more cheddar and a sprinkle of seeds, makes every bite truly irresistible and comforting. Once you try this Cheese Bagels Recipe, you’ll understand why it quickly became my favorite go-to for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together to create these flavorful cheese bagels. Each element has a purpose, from the strong structure the bread flour provides, to the tangy sharp cheddar that infuses every bite with richness and depth.
- Bread flour (4 cups): This high-protein flour gives the bagels their classic chewy texture.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory cheese.
- Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors and strengthens the dough.
- Active dry yeast (1 tablespoon): Essential for a good rise and light bagel crumb.
- Warm water (1 ¼ cups, about 110°F): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough perfectly.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): Adds bold, melty cheese throughout the dough and on top.
- Egg (1, for egg wash): Provides that shiny, golden finish on the baked bagels.
- Poppy seeds or sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): Offers a delightful crunch and visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Cheese Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing your dry ingredients—bread flour, sugar, and salt—in a large bowl to ensure even distribution. Then, dissolve the yeast in warm water and wait about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, signaling it’s ready to work its magic. Combine the yeast mixture with the dry ingredients and knead until you have a smooth, elastic dough. This step takes about 8 to 10 minutes by hand or around 5 minutes if you’re using a mixer with a dough hook.
Step 2: Incorporate the Cheese
Gently fold in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dough, making sure it’s evenly dispersed without overworking the dough. This infusion creates those wonderful pockets of melty cheese inside every bite, giving the bagels their signature cheesy appeal.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and place it somewhere warm for about 1 hour. During this time, the dough will double in size, developing flavor and becoming light and airy.
Step 4: Shape the Bagels
After the rise, punch down the dough to release excess air and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger, stretching it gently to form that iconic bagel shape. Let the shaped bagels rest for 10 minutes to relax the dough and make boiling easier.
Step 5: Boil the Bagels
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully drop in the bagels two at a time. Boil each side for approximately 1 minute. This step is crucial as it sets the crust and gives bagels their chewy texture. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Bake
Brush each bagel with beaten egg to help them brown beautifully. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese liberally on top, and if you like, add poppy or sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the bagels are golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let them cool on a wire rack before enjoying!
How to Serve Cheese Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh Cheese Bagels shine on their own, but adding a dollop of cream cheese or a smear of butter can elevate the experience. For something extra, sprinkle chopped chives or freshly cracked black pepper over your cream cheese spread to add brightness and zing.
Side Dishes
Pair these bagels with a fresh salad or a bowl of warm tomato soup for a comforting and balanced meal. Their hearty texture holds up wonderfully alongside crisp veggies or a savory egg scramble, making them versatile companions to many dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cheese Bagels Recipe into an eye-catching appetizer by slicing them in half and layering with smoked salmon, cucumber slices, and dill. You can also turn them into sliders with your favorite deli fillings for a fun twist during brunch or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh and soft, so you can easily enjoy the cheesy goodness again without losing that delightful texture.
Freezing
If you want to save your bagels longer, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Cheese Bagels retain their flavor and texture for up to three months, making it easy to have a quick, delicious snack anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, you can toast bagels straight from the freezer for a crisp exterior and warm interior, or microwave them briefly covered with a damp paper towel to revive softness. Baking at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes also works wonderfully to refresh the baked cheese flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Cheese Bagels Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar offers a nice tang and meltability, you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder flavor or Swiss cheese for a nutty twist. Mixing cheeses can also create interesting depths of flavor.
Do I need to boil the bagels before baking?
Boiling is a traditional step that sets the bagel’s signature chewy crust. Skipping it can result in softer, bread-like rolls rather than true bagels, so I recommend keeping this step for authentic texture.
How can I add more flavor to the dough?
Adding fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder into the dough gives the bagels an aromatic lift that pairs beautifully with the cheese. Just mix them with the dry ingredients before kneading.
Can I make these bagels vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute the cheddar cheese with vegan cheese alternatives and replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk or oil brush. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might be slightly different but still delicious!
What’s the best way to shape bagels if I’m new to it?
Don’t worry if it takes a little practice! Simply roll the dough into a smooth ball, poke a hole with your finger in the center, and gently stretch it to form a ring. Allowing the dough to rest before boiling also helps prevent shrinkage.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese Bagels Recipe is a wonderful way to bring something homemade and comforting to your table with minimal fuss and fantastic results. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or toasted the next morning, these bagels are bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and savor every cheesy, chewy bite with your favorite toppings and sides!
Print
Cheese Bagels Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 bagels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese Bagels Recipe features chewy, golden bagels studded with sharp cheddar cheese both inside the dough and melted on top, delivering a flavorful and satisfying breakfast or snack option. The dough is boiled briefly for a classic bagel texture and then baked to perfection with a cheesy crust.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (folded into dough)
Topping Ingredients
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, and salt. In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Knead the Dough: Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and knead until a smooth dough forms, about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer. Fold 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly through the dough.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Shape the Bagels: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and poke a hole through the center with your finger, stretching it to form a bagel shape. Let the shaped bagels rest for 10 minutes.
- Boil the Bagels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Boil the bagels two at a time for about 1 minute per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Apply Toppings: Brush each bagel with beaten egg. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top and optionally add poppy or sesame seeds.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bagels are golden brown and the cheese topping is melted and slightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Substitute cheddar with mozzarella or Swiss cheese for different flavors.
- Add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder into the dough for extra taste.
- Shorten boiling time slightly for a softer bagel texture.
- Bagels are best enjoyed fresh but can be toasted the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
