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Easy Homemade Everything Bagels with Cream Cheese

everything bagels with cream cheese - featured image

A straightforward recipe for chewy, savory everything bagels made from scratch, paired with a whipped cream cheese spread enhanced with fresh chives for a perfect breakfast or brunch treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (preferably bread flour for chewiness)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • Water for boiling
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by stirring warm water (110°F/43°C) with sugar and instant yeast in a small bowl. Let sit until foamy, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on low for 5 minutes.
  3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Add a teaspoon of water if dough feels too dry.
  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces (~4 oz each). Roll each into a tight ball, poke a hole in the center with your thumb, and stretch to 2-3 inches diameter.
  6. Place shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rest for 20 minutes.
  7. Fill a large pot with water, add baking soda, and bring to a rolling boil.
  8. Boil bagels in batches of 2-3, cooking each side for 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly.
  9. While bagels are still wet, sprinkle generously with everything seasoning mix and press lightly to adhere.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  11. Let bagels cool on a rack. Meanwhile, whip cream cheese with milk, chopped chives, and black pepper until light and fluffy.
  12. Slice bagels and spread with whipped cream cheese. Serve immediately or store for later.

Notes

Use bread flour for a chewier texture. Do not skip the boiling step to achieve the classic bagel crust and chew. Press the everything seasoning firmly onto wet bagels to prevent it from falling off during baking. Bagels freeze well; slice before freezing and toast from frozen. For a shiny crust, brush boiled bagels with egg wash before seasoning (optional).

Nutrition

Keywords: everything bagels, homemade bagels, cream cheese spread, breakfast recipe, brunch, chewy bagels, easy bagels, everything seasoning