If you’re anything like me and love a quick, cozy snack that feels homemade yet fancy, you’re going to adore this Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that sneaks up on you with how good it tastes and how simple it is to put together—no yeast or boiling involved! When I first tried this, I was blown away by how these little bites have that perfect chewy texture and melty cream cheese center just like my favorite bagel shop treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Dough: You only need four basic ingredients — no yeast, no long rising times.
- Cream Cheese Heaven: Each bite bursts with melty cream cheese, just like the classic favorites.
- Customizable & Fun: You can easily tweak flavors or keep it classic with everything bagel seasoning.
- Perfect Snack or Brunch: These bagel bites work great for any occasion, whether a quick breakfast or party appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a star role to bring this Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe to life. I especially love that the Greek yogurt keeps the dough tender and tangy while the cream cheese adds that irresistible gooey center. Here’s what you’ll want to grab in the store.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and tang, plus protein, for a tender dough without needing yeast.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives structure and chew—don’t swap for gluten-free here unless you want to experiment!
- Baking Powder: The secret to fluffy and light bites without rising time.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dough and balances the cream cheese.
- Cream Cheese: Cut into small cubes, it’s the melty, delicious center everyone raves about.
- Egg White: For brushing on top so the seasoning sticks and the surface gets just a bit glossy and golden.
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: Brings that iconic bagel shop vibe—you can find this in most spice aisles or online and it’s game-changing!
Variations
I love how this recipe opens up a playground for you to get creative. You can go classic or mix things up with different fillings and flavors to match your mood or occasion. Here are some ideas based on my own kitchen experiments.
- Add Herbs or Spices: I’ve tossed in dill or chives to the dough for a fresh twist that pairs beautifully with savory cream cheese.
- Try Different Fillings: Instead of cream cheese, shaved smoked salmon or a bit of pesto makes these extra special for brunch guests.
- Make it Vegan: Use your favorite plant-based yogurt and vegan cream cheese to keep that creamy texture while being dairy-free.
- Sweet Version: Swap the everything bagel seasoning for cinnamon sugar and stuff the bites with a little cream cheese mixed with honey or jam for a dessert take.
How to Make Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Mix Up the Easy Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then add the Greek yogurt and stir until you get a sticky dough that just pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You’ll know it’s ready when it doesn’t stick hopelessly—this simple dough means no yeast and no waiting around!
Step 2: Form and Stuff Your Bagel Bites
Lightly flour your clean surface and divide the dough into 8 even pieces. Roll each piece into a tight ball—this is important because you want that dough to hold together without any cracks that might leak. Flatten each ball gently to about ¼ inch thick, then place a cube of cream cheese in the center. Fold the dough neatly over to seal in the filling. Here’s a trick: wet your fingertips with hot water and press the seams firmly—the warm dampness helps the dough stick and seal shut perfectly.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your stuffed dough balls on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with the whisked egg white—that glossy layer helps the everything bagel seasoning stick and creates a beautiful golden crust. Sprinkle generously with your seasoning, then bake for 25 minutes or until they’re puffed up and have a gorgeous golden color. I like to watch the last 5 minutes closely to avoid over-browning but still get that rich color.
Step 4: Cool & Enjoy
Once out of the oven, transfer the bagel bites to a rack or tray to cool just a bit. I’ll admit, it’s hard to wait! But letting them rest for a few minutes lets the cream cheese set slightly inside so it doesn’t ooze out too quickly when you bite in. Then, dig in and savor that warm, cheesy deliciousness!
Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Seal Like a Pro: Wetting your fingers with hot water to seal the dough keeps the cream cheese perfectly enclosed and avoids messes in the oven.
- Don’t Skip the Egg White Glaze: It creates that beautiful shiny finish and helps your seasoning stick like a charm.
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: I learned that using full-fat makes the melt inside richer and less watery after baking.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Slightly underbaking means softer bites; overbaking can dry them out—aim for golden and puffy for the best texture.
How to Serve Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For me, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or a dash of smoked paprika is the perfect finishing touch to these bites. Sometimes, I’ll add a little fresh cracked pepper or even a few toasted sesame seeds to elevate that everything bagel seasoning flavor even more.
Side Dishes
I love pairing these bagel bites with a crisp garden salad or some sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes for a light counterbalance. For brunch, a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of strawberry jam on the plate adds a nice sweet contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Throw a little party? Serve these on a wooden platter lined with parchment, scattered with fresh herbs and small dipping bowls of honey mustard or spicy aioli. They make such charming little finger foods that feel fancy without fuss, and I’ve even stacked them in a pyramid shape for an eye-catching appetizer display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover stuffed bagel bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I pulled these out cold once, I found that reheating helps recapture their charm—they’re almost as good as fresh if heated well.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the raw dough stuffed with cream cheese on a baking sheet first, then transferred the solid balls into a freezer bag. When ready, I bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. Freezing is a total lifesaver for busy weekdays!
Reheating
My favorite way to reheat these is to pop them into a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to re-crisp the outside while warming the filling. The microwave works in a pinch but can make the dough a bit soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make these stuffed bagel bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and stuff the bites a day ahead, keep them refrigerated, and bake fresh when you’re ready. For longer storage, freezing the unbaked stuffed bites works really well too.
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What if I don’t have Everything But The Bagel seasoning?
No worries! You can sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and some coarse salt to create a similar flavor blend yourself.
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Is it okay to use low-fat Greek yogurt for the dough?
Yes, but the dough might be a bit less tender. Full-fat Greek yogurt tends to make the texture softer and more similar to traditional bagels.
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How can I make the dough rise without yeast?
This recipe uses baking powder as a leavening agent, so the dough is naturally lighter without the wait yeast requires. Just mix well and bake, and you’ll get soft, fluffy bites.
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Can kids help make this recipe?
Definitely! Kids love rolling balls and sealing the dough over the cream cheese cubes. Plus, it’s a fun way to teach them about cooking and get them excited about homemade snacks.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort snacks—I love how it strikes the perfect balance between easy prep and impressive flavor. Whether you’re feeding kids, hosting friends, or just craving a cozy treat, these bagel bites deliver every time. Give them a try and I bet you’ll keep coming back for more, just like my family and I do!
Print
Stuffed Bagel Bites with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 bagel bites
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Stuffed Bagel Bites are a simple homemade snack featuring a soft, tangy dough made with Greek yogurt and a delicious cream cheese filling. With just four ingredients and no yeast or boiling required, they bake up golden and perfectly seasoned with Everything But The Bagel seasoning, perfect for an afternoon bite or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling and Topping
- 4 oz. cream cheese, cut into 8 cubes (about 1½ teaspoons each)
- 1 egg white, whisked
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (EBTB), for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the Greek yogurt and stir with a large spoon until a sticky dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Form the balls: Lightly flour your work surface and divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Using your hands, roll each piece tightly into a ball to help the dough hold together during baking.
- Stuff them: Flatten each dough ball to about ¼ inch thickness. Place a cube of cream cheese in the center. Fold the dough over the cheese to seal it completely, ensuring there are no gaps. To help seal, wet your fingers with hot water and press the creases firmly. Then roll the stuffed balls again to smooth and seal them.
- Bake: Place the stuffed dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with the whisked egg white, then sprinkle generously with Everything But The Bagel seasoning. Bake for 25 minutes or until the bites turn golden brown.
- Serve: Transfer the baked bagel bites to a cooling tray. Let them cool slightly before serving warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- These mini bagel bites are made with a simple four-ingredient dough and stuffed with cream cheese for a melty center.
- No yeast or boiling is required, making them super quick and easy compared to traditional bagels.
- The Everything But The Bagel seasoning adds the classic savory taste reminiscent of your favorite bagel shop bites.
- Allow bites to cool slightly before eating to avoid hot melted cheese burns.
- For a crispier exterior, consider brushing with additional egg white halfway through baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel bite (approx. 40g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg