Savory Bagel Bites

Remember those delightful Bantam Bagel Bites from Starbucks? When they first appeared on Shark Tank, it was clear they were a stroke of genius. Who could resist a soft, chewy bagel ball, perfectly sized, with a warm, creamy pocket of cream cheese nestled inside? Unfortunately, these beloved treats are no longer widely available, sparking a quest to recreate that irresistible experience at home. This led to the creation of my very own Homemade Everything Bagel Bites recipe – a truly simple and rewarding endeavor that brings all that nostalgic flavor right to your kitchen.

My journey to the perfect bagel bite began with a tried-and-true Soft & Chewy Bagel dough, which serves as the ideal foundation for these bite-sized wonders. Initially, I tested the recipe with plain cream cheese, which was undeniably delicious. However, I soon realized that a touch more character was needed to elevate the experience. By incorporating fresh chives and a hint of garlic powder into the cream cheese filling, I discovered a flavor profile that perfectly complements the robust “everything” seasoning on the outside. This combination creates a harmonious balance of savory, aromatic, and deeply satisfying flavors. The best part? You can easily customize these homemade bagel bites to match your favorite bagel and cream cheese pairings. Don’t let their adorable, petite size fool you – these stuffed bagel bites are incredibly addictive, and I’m confident you’ll find yourself reaching for another before you know it!

Why Make Your Own Homemade Bagel Bites?

Beyond the joy of recreating a beloved classic, crafting your own Everything Bagel Bites offers numerous benefits. Firstly, you gain complete control over the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality. No artificial preservatives or unknown additives here! Secondly, the satisfaction of baking from scratch is truly unmatched. There’s a special pride that comes with serving warm, homemade treats to your family and friends. Furthermore, making these cream cheese-stuffed bagel bites at home can be significantly more cost-effective than buying them from a cafe, especially if you enjoy them frequently. They are perfect for on-the-go breakfasts, a quick snack, or even an impressive brunch spread. Their small size makes them incredibly versatile and fun to eat, appealing to both kids and adults alike. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked bagels filling your home is an experience in itself!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bagel Bites

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how simple the ingredient list is for these incredibly flavorful bagel bites. The bagel dough requires just five basic ingredients, and the cream cheese filling needs only three. This recipe avoids anything overly complicated, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Let’s delve into some of the key components that make these homemade bagel bites truly shine.

• Water + Yeast: The foundation of any great bread lies in its leavening. For this recipe, I primarily use instant yeast because it’s incredibly convenient – no pre-activation required. You can simply add it directly to your other dry ingredients. If you opt for active dry yeast, a common alternative, you’ll need to activate it first. This involves dissolving it in the lukewarm water for about 10 minutes, allowing it to bloom and become foamy, which indicates it’s active and ready to use. Crucially, ensure your water temperature is between 90°F and 110°F (32°C-43°C) when using active dry yeast; water that’s too cold won’t activate it, and water that’s too hot can kill it, leading to a dense, unleavened dough.
• Bread Flour: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for achieving the signature chewy, dense texture characteristic of classic bagels. Bread flour boasts a higher protein content compared to all-purpose flour, typically ranging from 12-14%. This higher protein level is essential for developing strong gluten networks in the dough. Gluten is what gives bagels their elasticity, structure, and that satisfying chew. Using all-purpose flour, with its lower protein content, would result in a softer, more cake-like texture, which isn’t what we’re aiming for in a traditional bagel.
• Cream Cheese: For the filling, I’ve exclusively tested this recipe with a block of full-fat cream cheese. Block cream cheese typically has a firmer consistency than whipped or spreadable varieties, which is vital for preventing the filling from oozing out during baking. If you decide to use a cream cheese spread, I highly recommend portioning your cream cheese balls ahead of time and chilling them thoroughly in the refrigerator. This extra step will help them firm up, making them easier to handle and less prone to melting and escaping the bagel bites while they bake.
• Chives: These delicate, oniony herbs add a beautiful fresh flavor and vibrant color to the cream cheese filling. I often use freeze-dried chives for convenience, which can typically be found in the produce or spice aisle of most grocery stores. However, if fresh chives are available, they will undoubtedly impart an even more intense and bright flavor. Simply mince them finely before mixing into the cream cheese.
• Everything Seasoning: This trendy seasoning blend is what gives our bagel bites their iconic flavor and texture. If you haven’t tried it, it’s essentially all the savory toppings you’d find on an everything bagel combined into one delicious mix. Commonly known as “everything bagel seasoning,” it’s widely available in most supermarkets and specialty food stores. Brands like McCormick or Trader Joe’s are popular choices. If you have trouble finding it, you can easily create your own blend at home using equal parts white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and flaky sea salt.

How to Make Homemade Everything Bagel Bites

Crafting these delectable bagel bites is a straightforward process, broken down into manageable steps. Follow these instructions carefully for the best results, and you’ll soon be enjoying warm, chewy, and perfectly stuffed bagel bites.

1. Make the Bagel Dough: This dough is incredibly forgiving and comes together quickly with just five ingredients. Start by combining the lukewarm water and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Give it a quick stir. Then, add the bread flour, brown sugar, and salt. Begin mixing on low speed until all the ingredients are just combined and a shaggy dough forms. Increase the speed to medium and continue to mix for about 8-10 minutes. This extended mixing time is crucial for developing the gluten, which is key to achieving that classic chewy bagel texture. You’ll know the dough is ready when it’s firm, smooth, elastic, and has pulled cleanly away from the sides of the bowl. Once mixed, form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, typically 1 to 1.5 hours.
2. Mix the Garlic Chive Cream Cheese: While your bagel dough is proofing, prepare the irresistible filling. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, chopped chives (fresh or freeze-dried), and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth. To ensure uniform bagel bites and easy stuffing, divide the cream cheese mixture into 16 equal portions. Each portion should be approximately 2 teaspoons, or about 12-13 grams if you prefer precise measurements using a kitchen scale. A small cookie scoop can make this process much easier and quicker. Once portioned, refrigerate these cream cheese balls while the dough finishes proofing; this helps them firm up, making them less likely to ooze during assembly and baking.

3. Assemble and Shape: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently remove it from the bowl and briefly press out any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 16 equal portions. While you can eyeball this, using a kitchen scale for precision is recommended; each dough ball should weigh approximately 2 ounces (53-54 grams). Flatten each individual piece of dough into a small disc with your hand. Place one chilled cream cheese ball in the center of the flattened dough. Carefully bring the edges or corners of the dough up and around the cream cheese, pinching them tightly together to create a secure seam. Then, gently roll the dough into a smooth ball, ensuring the seam remains on the bottom. For an extra layer of security, I always pinch the seam one more time before placing the shaped bagel bites onto parchment-lined baking sheets. This crucial step helps prevent any cream cheese from escaping during the baking process. Cover the baking sheets loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the dough from drying out while you prepare the water bath.

4. Honey Water Bath: This seemingly simple step is a secret to achieving the quintessential chewy bagel crust and golden-brown exterior. In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, stir in the honey until it dissolves, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Carefully drop the bagel bites into the simmering honey water bath, working in batches of 4-6 (depending on the size of your pot) to avoid overcrowding. Boil each bagel bite for approximately 30 seconds on one side, then gently flip it and boil for another 30 seconds on the other side. This quick dip helps to set the crust and develop that unique bagel texture. As you remove them from the water bath, place them back onto the parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they are not touching. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) during this stage.

5. Bake the Bagel Bites: Before baking, prepare an egg wash by whisking one egg with one tablespoon of water. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops and sides of each boiled bagel bite with the egg wash. This creates a sticky surface for the seasoning and contributes to a beautiful, glossy finish. Immediately after applying the egg wash, dunk the tops of the bagel bites into a shallow dish of everything seasoning, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Arrange them on the baking sheets, spaced apart. Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-14 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. For even browning, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time. Once baked, allow the everything bagel bites to cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack. They are absolutely divine served warm, but are also delicious at room temperature.

Expert Tips for the Best Stuffed Bagel Bites

Achieving bakery-quality stuffed bagel bites at home is easier than you think, especially with these insider tips:

• Embrace a Kitchen Scale: For truly consistent and successful baking, especially with yeast-leavened doughs, I cannot stress enough the importance of using a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients. Unlike volumetric cup measurements, which can vary wildly depending on how ingredients are scooped and leveled, weighing ingredients provides pinpoint accuracy. This precision is critical for doughs made with yeast, as the hydration and ingredient ratios directly impact gluten development and the final texture. Plus, it significantly reduces the number of dishes you’ll have to wash!
• Don’t Undermix the Dough: The secret to a perfectly soft yet chewy bagel texture lies in proper gluten development. After all the ingredients have initially come together in your stand mixer, continue mixing the dough with the dough hook for a full 8-10 minutes. Resist the urge to stop early! This extended mixing time allows the gluten strands to strengthen and become elastic. You’re looking for a dough that is completely smooth, no longer sticky to the touch, and has pulled away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. An undermixed dough will result in a crumbly, dense bagel bite lacking that signature chewiness.
• The Essential Water Bath: Never skip the water bath! This quick boil is a hallmark of authentic bagel making and makes a significant difference in the final product. The hot water bath gelatinizes the starches on the exterior of the bagel, which contributes to the formation of a crisp, shiny crust and a dense, chewy interior. The addition of honey in the water bath also plays a crucial role, lending a subtle sweetness and helping the bagels achieve that beautiful golden-brown color during baking. This step is quick, but its impact on texture and appearance is immense.
• Proper Proofing is Key: While the instructions guide you, remember that proofing times can vary based on your kitchen’s temperature and humidity. The dough should double in size, appearing light and puffy. An under-proofed dough will result in dense, heavy bagel bites, while an over-proofed dough can lead to a slack dough that collapses in the water bath and produces a coarse texture. A warm, draft-free spot is ideal for rising.
• Room Temperature Ingredients for Filling: Ensure your block of cream cheese for the filling is at room temperature before mixing. This allows it to soften properly and combine smoothly with the chives and garlic powder, preventing lumps and ensuring a consistently creamy texture for the filling.

Storing Your Delicious Bagel Bites

These homemade bagel bites are undeniably at their absolute best when served fresh, straight from the oven, on the day they are made. Nothing quite compares to that warm, soft, and chewy experience. However, if you have leftovers or wish to prepare them ahead, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the texture will be slightly different than freshly baked.

For a convenient grab-and-go snack or breakfast, these bagel bites also freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag, ensuring as much air is removed as possible, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, simply move the frozen bagel bites to the refrigerator the night before. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through. If the topping starts to brown too much, you can loosely cover them with aluminum foil.

Creative Flavor Variations for Your Bagel Bites

The beauty of homemade bagel bites lies in their versatility. While the garlic chive and everything seasoning combination is a winner, there are endless possibilities to customize these treats. Get creative and experiment with your favorite bagel and cream cheese pairings!

• Plain and Simple: Sometimes, less is more. For a classic experience, you can omit the everything seasoning on the outside and keep the cream cheese filling plain (without chives or garlic powder). The inherent deliciousness of the soft, chewy bagel dough truly shines on its own, offering a comforting and satisfying bite.
• Chonga Inspired: If you were a fan of Starbucks’ “Chonga” bagel, you can easily replicate those savory flavors. After applying the egg wash and before dipping into everything seasoning, sprinkle some grated sharp cheddar cheese over the top. Fill the bagel bites with the garlic chive cream cheese, or even stick to a plain cream cheese filling to let the cheesy, oniony top steal the show.
• Spicy Cheese & Jalapeño: For those who love a bit of heat, this variation is a must-try. Swap out the everything seasoning for a generous coating of grated sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese before baking. For the filling, mix finely chopped pickled jalapeños into the cream cheese along with a touch of garlic powder. The combination of melty cheese and spicy jalapeño is incredibly addictive.
• Sweet Maple Cinnamon: Transform your bagel bites into a delightful dessert or a sweet breakfast treat. For the filling, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a few drops of maple flavoring (or a swirl of maple syrup) to plain cream cheese. After the egg wash, instead of everything seasoning, dip the bites into a mixture of cinnamon sugar (typically 1 part cinnamon to 4 parts granulated sugar). This sweet version is perfect with a cup of coffee.
• Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil: For an Italian-inspired twist, finely chop sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) and fresh basil leaves. Mix them into the cream cheese filling along with a pinch of black pepper. For the topping, you could use a plain egg wash or add some grated Parmesan cheese before baking.

More Breakfast Treats You’ll Love

If you enjoyed making these Everything Bagel Bites, you might also love exploring these other delicious breakfast recipes:

• Apple Cheesecake Pop-Tarts
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
• Almond Cream Brioche Buns
• Homemade English Muffins
• Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and tag @sweetkitchencravings on Instagram or TikTok. Your feedback and creations truly inspire me! Or, if Pinterest is more your style, you can save my recipes to your collection there. Happy bagel-making!

Everything Bagel Bites Recipe

A soft and chewy bagel bite stuffed with savory garlic chive cream cheese, all generously coated in everything bagel seasoning. These Everything Bagel Bites are perfect for a quick breakfast on the go and truly superior to anything you’ll find at a coffee shop!

Yield: 16 Bagel Bites

Ingredients

For the Bagel Dough

• 1 ⅓ cups (328ml) water, lukewarm
• 1 ½ teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
• 4 cups (520g) bread flour
• 1 Tablespoon (12g) brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons (10g) salt

For the Garlic Chive Cream Cheese

• 8 oz (1 block or 227g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 Tablespoon fresh or freeze-dried chives
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Water Bath

• 2 quarts (64oz) water
• ¼ cup (85g) honey

For the Toppings

• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon water)
• Everything seasoning

Instructions

1. Bagel Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, add the water then yeast, and give them a quick stir. Add the flour, then the brown sugar and salt. Mix on low speed until combined. Increase to medium speed and mix until dough is firm, smooth, and forms into a ball, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a large bowl greased with cooking spray or oil. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm spot, or at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 – 1 ½ hours.
3. Garlic Chive Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, chives, and garlic powder and mix until well combined. Divide the cream cheese mixture into 16 portions, about 2 teaspoons each, using a small cookie scoop. Refrigerate the balls of cream cheese while the bagel dough finishes proofing.
4. Shaping: Once the dough is ready, remove it from the bowl and gently press out any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 16 equal portions. You can eyeball this but a kitchen scale is recommended. Each dough ball should weigh about 2 ounces (approx. 53-54g).
5. Flatten each piece of dough with your hand and place one scoop of the cream cheese mixture in the center. Bring the corners of the dough together and pinch tightly to create a seam. Roll each piece of dough into a ball making a smooth top and the seam on the bottom. Pinch the bottom seam one last time, to ensure the cream cheese will not come out during baking.
6. Place the shaped bagel bites on 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats. Cover loosely with plastic wrap so they don’t dry out and allow the bagels to rest while preparing the water bath.
7. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
8. Water Bath: Bring the 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Stir in the honey. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
9. Gently add each bagel bite to the water bath in a single layer. Cook the bites in batches of 4-6, depending on the size of your pot, to avoid crowding. Boil for about 30 seconds on each side. Move the bagels back to the baking sheet as you pull them out of the water bath.
10. Topping & Baking: Brush the top and sides of the bagel bites with egg wash, using a pastry brush. Dip the tops in everything seasoning. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until golden brown, turning the pan halfway through.
11. Allow the bagel bites to cool slightly, and enjoy!

Notes

• Storing: These are best served fresh on the day they’re made but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Store cooled bagel bites in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, place in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-8 minutes. Cover with foil if the topping starts to brown too much.