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
Scale
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
