Golden bagels filled with smooth cream cheese and soaked in a sweet and creamy garlic sauce, these garlic cream cheese bagels are a must try!
Why make garlic cream cheese bagels?
These bagels are a take on the original Korean cream cheese garlic bread that trended many years back. They were made with soft milk buns, a slightly sweet garlic sauce, and cream cheese. These replace the milk bun with a delicious chewy bagel for a different but equally delicious creation!
These aren't like your regular garlic bread, the garlic sauce is sweetened with condensed milk for a sweet and creamy flavor, and the bagels are completely dunked into the sauce for absolute coverage. Inside the cuts of the bagel and all around, the perfect creation.
Ingredients
Bagels
- Bagels serve as the base and main structure for the dish. They provide the chewy texture and act as a vessel for the flavorful cream cheese and garlic sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor and contributes to the crispy, golden crust on the baked bagels.
Garlic Sauce
- Butter: Provides richness and flavor, and helps create a smooth texture for the sauce.
- Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and richness to the sauce while also helping to thicken it.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a strong garlic flavor, adding depth and aroma.
- Dried Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous flavor to the sauce.
- Egg: Helps bind the sauce together and contributes to browning during baking.
Cream Cheese Filling
- Cream Cheese: Forms the creamy and tangy filling for the bagels, providing richness and flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps to smooth out the texture of the cream cheese filling.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling and balances its richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought bagels for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade bagels can be amazing store-bought ones work perfectly too. Just ensure they're large enough to accommodate the filling and the cuts for the garlic sauce.
Can I adjust the garlic flavor in the sauce?
4Yes, you can adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference. If you love a strong garlic flavor, you can add more cloves. Conversely, if you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of garlic.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried parsley?
Yes, you can substitute fresh parsley for dried parsley. Use about three times as much fresh parsley as dried parsley, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Can I prepare these bagels in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the bagels up to a certain point and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. However, it's best to bake them just before serving to ensure they're fresh and crispy.
Can I freeze these bagels?
While it's possible to freeze these bagels, it's recommended to freeze them before baking. After assembling them, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw slightly before baking according to the recipe instructions.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
Absolutely! While cream cheese is traditional, you can experiment with different types of cheeses for the filling, such as cheddar, goat cheese, or even a flavored cream cheese for added variety.
How long do these bagels stay fresh?
These bagels are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to regain their crispiness.
Can I omit the heavy cream in the cream cheese filling?
While the heavy cream adds richness and smoothness to the cream cheese filling, you can omit it if you prefer a denser filling. However, the filling may be slightly thicker without it.
Can I make these bagels vegan?
Yes, you can make these bagels vegan by using dairy-free substitutes for the butter, condensed milk, cream cheese, heavy cream, and egg. There are many plant-based alternatives available that work well in baking.
Can I customize the toppings on these bagels?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the toppings. In addition to or instead of Parmesan cheese, you can sprinkle on sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or any other toppings you enjoy.
Let's Get Cooking
If you liked this recipe make sure to leave me a comment and rating down below, I would love to know how you went. Also don't forget to tag me on Instagram @catherine.desserts so I can see and share your desserts.
Follow me on facebook, pinterest, youtube and tiktok for more of my baking creations and updates! Until next time... happy caking!
Print📖 Recipe
Garlic Cream Cheese Bagels
Golden bagels filled with smooth cream cheese and soaked in a sweet and creamy garlic sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Bagels 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 Large bagels
- Parmesan, grated
Garlic sauce
- 120g Butter, melted
- 60ml Condensed milk (¼ cup)
- 6 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 3g dried parsley (2 tbsp)
- 1 Large egg
Cream cheese filling
- 250g Cream cheese, room temperature
- 60ml Heavy cream (¼ cup)
- 1 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F/180C and line a large cookie sheet with baking paper
- Make 6 cuts on the bagel, making sure not to cut through all the way, set aside
- Combine the room-temperature cream cheese, heavy cream, and salt in a bowl
- Whisk until smooth and transfer to a piping bag with a large round tip
- Pipe the cream cheese into each. gap of the bagel
- Combine the melted butter, condensed milk, garlic, parsley, and egg, and whisk until smooth and well-combined
- Dip the bagel into the garlic butter sauce and flip to smother the whole bagel in the sauce
- Remove from the sauce and place on the lined baking tray
- Scatter over parmesan and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown
- Cool for 5 minutes before enjoying
Silas Pereira
Excellent recipe. As always very detailed and the flavour is spot on. Thank you Catherine.