Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagel

These cream cheese stuffed garlic bagels are pure magic – a heavenly mashup of Korean garlic cheese bread meets your favorite LA bagel shop! Every bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy filling and buttery garlic-kissed crust. The best part? You can create this indulgent treat right in your own kitchen with just a few simple steps and ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bagels

• No fancy equipment needed – just a mixing bowl and basic ingredients
• Customizable sweetness levels in the cream cheese filling
• Perfect balance of creamy filling and garlicky crunch
• Works beautifully with homemade or store-bought bagels
• Makes an amazing companion to my favorite chicken dinner recipe
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Incredible make-ahead breakfast or brunch option
• Guaranteed to disappear at every gathering

I’ve tested this recipe countless times to get it just right, and let me tell you – the magic is in that signature cream cheese filling! It’s perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness from condensed milk that complements the savory garlic butter coating. While traditional Korean garlic cheese bread inspired this creation, I’ve adapted it specifically for bagels to create something truly special. The filling gets whipped until silky smooth, then piped into perfectly cut pockets in each bagel before the whole thing takes a luxurious dip in garlicky butter heaven. One bite and you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients Overview

Let’s break down everything you’ll need to create these incredible cream cheese stuffed garlic bagels! The magic happens in two parts – our dreamy filling and that irresistible garlic butter coating.

• Cream Cheese Filling:
  – 8 oz cream cheese (must be full-fat and softened to room temperature)
  – 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjustable for sweetness)
  – 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
  – Pinch of salt (brings out the tanginess)
• Garlic Butter Bath:
  – 1 cup melted butter (unsalted gives better control of saltiness)
  – 6 cloves minced garlic (fresh is best!)
  – ¼ cup fresh parsley
  – 2 tablespoons whole milk
  – 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (creates that silky texture)
  – 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  – ¼ cup grated parmesan
  – 1 large egg (room temperature)
  – ½ teaspoon salt

Just like my favorite lemon cake mix cookies, the quality of your base ingredients really matters here!

Success Tips & Tricks

Getting these bagels perfect is all about timing and technique! Here are my tested tips to ensure bagel success:

• Temperature Matters: Your cream cheese must be properly softened – about 1 hour at room temperature. Cold cream cheese will leave lumps!
• Garlic Timing: Prepare your garlic butter just before dunking. This prevents the butter from solidifying and eliminates the need for reheating. If you do need to reheat, use 15-second intervals on low power to prevent the egg from curdling.
• Filling Control: Similar to making my sausage and peppers, controlling your portions is key. Use a piping bag with a medium-sized tip for even filling distribution. If using a zip-top bag, cut a ½-inch opening.
• Sweet Spot: The sweetness level is customizable! Start with half the suggested sugar and condensed milk, then adjust to taste. You can even skip the sweetener entirely for a more savory profile.

Remember, the bagel cuts should be deep enough to hold filling but not so deep they split completely. Think of creating little pockets rather than full slices!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through making these amazing cream cheese stuffed garlic bagels! The process is straightforward when broken down into steps.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth
2. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
3. Mix until completely smooth with no lumps
4. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with corner snipped

Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

1. Melt 1 cup butter in a microwave-safe bowl
2. Stir in:
   • 6 cloves minced garlic
   • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
   • 2 tablespoons milk
   • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
   • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
   • ¼ cup grated parmesan
   • 1 beaten egg
   • ½ teaspoon salt

Assembly and Baking

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Cut 6 slits in each bagel, being careful not to cut through completely
3. Pipe cream cheese filling generously into each slit
4. Dip filled bagels in garlic butter mixture, letting excess drip off
5. Place on baking sheet and bake 11-13 minutes until golden
6. Garnish with extra parsley and parmesan

Recipe Variations

Different Bagel Options:

• Plain bagels work beautifully as a canvas for the flavors
• Everything bagels add an extra savory punch
• Onion bagels complement the garlic butter perfectly

Filling Variations:

• Mix in herbs like chives or dill for a savory twist
• Add crumbled bacon and cheddar for a breakfast version
• Try it with melted cheese instead of cream cheese

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve alongside your favorite pasta salad for a complete meal
• Cut into quarters for party appetizers
• Make ahead and reheat briefly in the oven when ready to serve

FAQs & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Oh my goodness, friends – these cream cheese stuffed garlic bagels are pure magic! Every time I make them, they disappear faster than I can say “seconds, please!” The way the cream cheese filling gets all warm and gooey, while the outside turns perfectly golden and garlicky… it’s just heaven in bagel form!

Remember, baking is all about having fun in the kitchen, so don’t stress if your bagels don’t look exactly like mine. Each one will be uniquely delicious! I’d absolutely love to see your creations – snap a photo and tag me on Instagram, or leave a comment below sharing how they turned out.

Happy baking, friends! And don’t forget – if you’re looking for more recipes that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing and your family smile, check out my recipe collection. There’s always room for more deliciousness in our lives!