There's something undeniably comforting about a warm bagel, especially when it's generously filled with a creamy, flavorful filling. Cream cheese st￭ bagels have become a popular breakfast and brunch choice, particularly in New York where bagels are a beloved staple. These bagels are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize the filling to suit your taste. This recipe not only allows you to create your own delicious bagels but also experiment with various cream cheese flavors, turning a simple breakfast into a gourmet experience. Homemade bagel recipes are surprisingly straightforward, and with a little patience, you can achieve that perfect chewy texture paired with a rich cream cheese filling.
Ingredients
Scale:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons of honey (for boiling)
Everything bagel seasoning (to taste)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
1 tablespoon dill, finely chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together and becomes shaggy in appearance.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chives, dill, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and poke a hole in the center with your finger to form a bagel shape.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add honey. Boil each bagel for 1-2 minutes on each side, then remove with a slotted spoon.
While the bagels are still damp, sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Let the bagels cool slightly before slicing them open. Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling on the inside.
