Do you remember the tiny bagel bites Starbucks used to sell? When I first saw that idea on Shark Tank, I thought it was brilliant. A soft, chewy ball of bagel dough with a warm pocket of cream cheese inside is hard to resist. Since the original version can be difficult to find now, I developed my own take at home.
I used my Soft & Chewy Bagel dough as the base. I first filled the bites with plain cream cheese, which was excellent, then experimented with a garlic-chive cream cheese for extra flavor. The savory filling pairs perfectly with an everything-seasoning coating on the outside. You can customize these however you like—any favorite bagel and cream cheese combination will work. They may look small and cute, but they’re addictive.
Ingredients
The dough requires just five ingredients and the cream cheese filling only three. A few notes on key items:
- Water + Yeast: Instant yeast is convenient because it doesn’t need to be pre-activated. If you use active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm water first (about 90°–110°F) and let it sit for 10 minutes to bloom.
- Bread Flour: Bread flour gives the bagels their chewy, dense texture thanks to its higher protein content. All-purpose flour produces a softer result, so use bread flour if you want a classic bagel bite.
- Cream Cheese: I recommend using a block of cream cheese. If you use a softer spread, portion the filling and chill it so it doesn’t ooz out during shaping and baking.
- Chives: Fresh chives are ideal, but freeze-dried chives work well and are easy to find in grocery stores.
- Everything Seasoning: This popular blend mimics the topping on an everything bagel: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and flaky salt. If you can’t find a pre-made mix, assemble your own with these ingredients.
How to Make Everything Bagel Bites
- Make the bagel dough. This dough is simple: add all five dough ingredients to a mixing bowl and knead with a dough hook until the dough is smooth and tight. Mix for about 8–10 minutes to develop gluten and create a firm, elastic dough.
- Prepare the garlic-chive cream cheese. While the dough rests, mix softened cream cheese with chives and a pinch of garlic powder. Portion the mixture into 16 equal scoops—about 2 teaspoons each—and chill them so the filling is firm for shaping.
- Shape the bites. Divide the proofed dough into 16 equal portions (approximately 2 oz or 53–54 g each). Flatten each piece, place a chilled cream cheese scoop in the center, then bring the edges up and pinch to seal. Roll gently to form smooth balls, keeping the seam on the bottom, and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Honey water bath. Bring water to a boil, stir in honey, then reduce to a simmer. Dip each bagel bite in the honey water for about 1 minute total, flipping halfway through. Return them to the baking sheet.
- Bake. Brush each bite with egg wash, press the tops into everything seasoning, and bake at 425°F for 12–14 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even browning. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Bagel Bites
- Use a kitchen scale. Weighing dough and ingredients gives consistent results and is especially helpful for yeast breads.
- Don’t undermix the dough. Knead until the dough is smooth, pulls away from the bowl, and feels less sticky—this helps produce the classic chewy texture.
- Don’t skip the water bath. The honey water bath helps the bagel bites puff and gives them a rich, shiny crust with better browning.
Storing
These are best eaten the day they’re made. For longer storage, freeze cooled bagel bites in a zip-top bag for up to three months. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes. Cover with foil if the topping browns too much.
Flavor Variations
These bagel bites are very versatile—try different dough toppings and fillings to match your favorite bagel flavors.
- Plain: No topping, plain cream cheese—simple and satisfying.
- Chonga: The classic cheese, onion, and garlic bagel—add grated cheddar on top and use garlic-chive cream cheese.
- Cheese & Jalapeño: Top with grated cheddar and mix pickled jalapeño into the cream cheese for a spicy twist.
- Maple Cinnamon: Add cinnamon and maple flavor to the cream cheese and roll the egg-washed bites in cinnamon sugar for a sweet version.
More Breakfast Treats You’ll Love
- Apple Cheesecake Pop-Tarts
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
- Almond Cream Brioche Buns
- Homemade English Muffins
- Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
If you try this recipe, leave a comment and share your results on social media. Happy bagel-making!