Herbed Cream Cheese Bagels

Name: Herbed Cream Cheese Bagels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon instant yeast; 3/4 cup warm water; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Recipes

I absolutely love making these Herbed Cream Cheese Bagels for a quick breakfast or brunch treat. There's something delightfully satisfying about slathering creamy herbed cheese on a freshly toasted bagel. The combination of rich cream cheese with fresh herbs creates an irresistible flavor that wakes up your taste buds. Whether you enjoy them solo or topped with some smoked salmon, these bagels never disappoint. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up and are perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-27T14:06:28.195Z

When I first started making these bagels, I was amazed by how easy it was to make the cream cheese spread. Mixing fresh herbs—like chives and dill—into the cream cheese elevates the flavor remarkably. I found that letting the spread sit for about 15 minutes before serving allows the herbs to fully infuse their flavors, making each bite even more delicious.

I've tried numerous bagel recipes over the years, but I keep coming back to this one. The bagels are soft and chewy, much like a traditional New York-style bagel. I recommend toasting them just right to achieve that perfect balance of crispiness on the outside while retaining a tender inside.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Delightfully creamy herbed texture that spreads effortlessly
Fresh herb flavor that brightens up your breakfast
Perfectly toasted for a delightful crunch

Perfecting Your Bagel Dough

The texture of your bagel dough is crucial for achieving that classic chewy bite. When mixing the dough, aim for a slightly tacky consistency. If it's too sticky, gradually add a sprinkle of flour during the kneading process until it's manageable. Kneading for about 5 minutes is essential to develop the gluten structure, which will give your bagels their characteristic chewiness. Look for a smooth and elastic dough before moving on to the shaping stage.

If you’re experimenting with different flours, bread flour will yield a denser and chewier result due to higher protein content compared to all-purpose flour. However, if you want a lighter bagel, sticking with all-purpose flour will work beautifully. Just ensure you pay close attention to the boiling stage afterward, as it helps set the bagel's crust.

Flavoring Your Cream Cheese Spread

The herbed cream cheese spread is what elevates the plain bagel to something extraordinary. Fresh herbs truly make a difference in flavor. I recommend using chives and dill, but feel free to experiment with thyme or basil for a different twist. Be sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature; this will make mixing effortless. If you prefer a thinner spread, adding a splash of lemon juice or a tablespoon of sour cream can enhance the tanginess without compromising the herb flavor.

Consider adding elements like finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a hint of smoked paprika for more complexity. This spread can also be a base for additional toppings like capers or cucumbers, providing variation for brunch gatherings. For those watching their calorie intake, low-fat cream cheese can be used without sacrificing too much flavor.

Bagel Storage and Serving Suggestions

To store any leftover bagels, let them cool completely on a wire rack to avoid condensation, which can lead to sogginess. Bagels can be kept at room temperature for up to two days. For longer preservation, slice them in half and freeze them in a zip-top bag. When ready to enjoy, simply toast from frozen for a quick breakfast option that tastes freshly baked.

These bagels can be served with a variety of toppings beyond the herbed cream cheese. Try them with smoked salmon, sliced avocado, or even a poached egg for a complete meal. I often make a breakfast sandwich with a bagel, cream cheese, and tomato slices topped with greens for a delightful start to the day. The versatility of these bagels makes them perfect for any meal!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Herbed Cream Cheese Bagels:

For the Bagels

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon instant yeast
3/4 cup warm water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Herbed Cream Cheese Spread

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all your ingredients, you're ready to start!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the best bagels:

Prepare the Bagel Dough

In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Gradually add the warm water and oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll each part into a ball and then poke a hole in the center to form a bagel shape. Let them rest for 15 minutes.

Boil the Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the bagels and boil for 1 minute on each side. Remove and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the bagels for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Herbed Cream Cheese

In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chives, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.

Serve

Once the bagels are cool, spread a generous amount of herbed cream cheese on top and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious Herbed Cream Cheese Bagels!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the herbed cream cheese mixture or experiment with different herbs like basil or parsley.

Troubleshooting Bagel Issues

If your bagels don't seem to rise well during baking, check your yeast. Instant yeast should be fresh, and if it's been sitting on your shelf for a while, it may not be active. To test, simply mix it with warm water and a pinch of sugar; if it bubbles within a few minutes, it's good to use. Additionally, ensure that the water temperature for the dough is warm, not hot, as extreme heat can kill the yeast.

Should your bagels come out too hard, it might be due to overboiling. Boil each bagel for only one minute per side—overdoing it can create a tough crust. Conversely, if they’re too soft, a longer baking time can help them firm up. Keep an eye on them, and remove them from the oven once they develop that lovely golden brown color.

Scaling the Recipe

This bagel recipe can easily be doubled if you're expecting a crowd. Just be sure to adjust your mixing bowl size accordingly; adding too much dough to a small bowl can lead to messiness. When shaping the bagels, consider varying sizes; you could make some mini bagels for a fun appetizer or snack.

Remember that boiling times for the bagels will remain consistent regardless of the batch size, so no need to adjust that part of the process. An excellent way to serve large batches is to lay out a bagel bar with different spreads and toppings. This allows everyone to customize their bagels and creates an engaging brunch experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead, refrigerate it, and shape it the next day.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can use cream cheese alternatives or Greek yogurt for a lighter spread.

→ How do I store leftover bagels?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.

→ Can I add toppings to the bagels?

Absolutely! Try topping them with seeds like sesame or poppy before baking for added texture.