Creamy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Bagels

Few comfort foods feel as indulgent and satisfying as Creamy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Bagels. Warm, chewy bagels filled to the brim with a rich, savory mixture of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon deliver everything we crave in a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, game day, weekend breakfasts, or a quick baked snack, these stuffed bagels strike the perfect balance between simple preparation and over-the-top flavor.

Unlike ordinary bagels with cream cheese spread on top, Creamy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Bagels take things a step further. The filling is tucked inside the bagel itself, creating a warm, creamy center that stays soft and luscious while the outside becomes lightly crisp and golden in the oven. Every bite delivers smoky bacon, tangy cheddar, and velvety creaminess wrapped in a sesame-crusted bagel.

This recipe is intentionally straightforward. There’s no yeast, no dough making, and no complicated steps—just smart technique and bold ingredients. It’s also incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize based on what you have in your fridge or the flavors you love most.

If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet easy baked bagel recipe that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen, Creamy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Bagels deserve a permanent place in your rotation.

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Why You’ll Love These Creamy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Bagels

There are plenty of reasons this recipe quickly becomes a favorite once you try it. From texture to flavor to flexibility, these stuffed bagels check all the boxes.

They’re rich and satisfying
The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and a touch of mayonnaise and sour cream creates a filling that’s smooth, tangy, savory, and deeply comforting.

Perfect for any time of day
Serve these Creamy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Bagels for breakfast, brunch, lunch, game day, or even as a late-night snack. They’re hearty enough to stand alone but also pair beautifully with lighter sides.

Minimal prep, big payoff
With just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe delivers bakery-style results with very little effort.

Great for entertaining
Stuffed bagels look impressive on a platter and are easy to portion, making them ideal for brunch spreads, holiday mornings, or casual gatherings.

Customizable
Once you master the basic method, you can easily switch up cheeses, add spices, or mix in extras like jalapeños or green onions.

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What Makes Creamy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Bagels Special?

At the heart of this recipe is contrast. The outer bagel remains chewy and lightly crisp, while the inside stays warm, creamy, and indulgent. Baking the bagels instead of toasting them allows the filling to gently heat without separating or drying out.

The filling itself is carefully balanced:

• Cream cheese provides a smooth, neutral base

• Sharp cheddar adds tang and depth

• Bacon brings salt, smoke, and texture

• Mayonnaise and sour cream enhance creaminess and prevent dryness

• Hot sauce (optional) cuts through the richness with subtle heat

Together, these ingredients create a filling that’s luxurious without being heavy, savory without being overpowering, and rich without feeling greasy.

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Ingredients for Creamy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Bagels

For the Creamy Bacon Cheddar Filling

• 7 oz cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 5 oz cooked bacon, cooled and diced into ½-inch pieces

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon sour cream (full-fat recommended)

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, to taste)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional, for garnish)

For Assembly

• 4 large sesame bagels

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Ingredient Tips for Best Flavor

Use room-temperature cream cheese
Cold cream cheese doesn’t mix well and can leave lumps. Let it sit out for 30–45 minutes before mixing.

Choose sharp cheddar
Mild cheddar tends to get lost in the richness of the filling. Sharp cheddar adds tang and depth that balances the creaminess perfectly.

Cook bacon until crisp
Soft or chewy bacon can make the filling greasy. Crispy bacon provides texture and holds up better when baked.

Full-fat dairy matters
Low-fat cream cheese or sour cream can separate when heated. Full-fat versions ensure a smooth, stable filling.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Creamy Bacon Cheddar Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, diced bacon, mayonnaise, sour cream, and hot sauce (if using). Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Mix thoroughly until smooth, creamy, and evenly combined. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.

If desired, reserve a small amount of bacon and chives for topping the bagels before baking.

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Step 2: Prepare the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a very thin layer off the bottom of each bagel. Keep the seeded top intact.

Place the bagel seed-side down. Carefully run the knife around the inside ring of the bagel without cutting through the outer edge. Using your thumbs, gently press and remove some of the interior bread to create a cavity for the filling.

Take care not to puncture the sides—this helps the filling stay inside while baking.

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Step 3: Stuff and Bake the Bagels

Divide the creamy bacon cheddar filling evenly among the hollowed bagels, pressing it gently into the cavity.

Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle reserved bacon and chives on top if desired.

Place the stuffed bagels on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden on top.

For extra color, you can broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.

Remove from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Bagels

• Don’t overbake: The goal is warm and creamy, not dry or stiff.

• Broil carefully: If using the broiler, stay nearby—it only takes seconds to burn.

• Even filling: Distribute filling evenly so each bagel has the same creamy center.

• Serve warm: These bagels are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

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Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered classic Creamy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Bagels, try these delicious variations:

Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Bagels
Add finely diced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños to the filling for heat.

Everything Bagel Version
Use everything bagels instead of sesame for extra savory flavor.

Garlic Lovers’ Bagels
Mix minced garlic or garlic powder into the filling.

Three-Cheese Stuffed Bagels
Combine cheddar with mozzarella and Monterey Jack for extra melt.

Breakfast Bagels
Add scrambled eggs to the filling for a heartier morning option.

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Serving Suggestions

Creamy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Bagels are rich, so pairing them with lighter sides creates balance:

• Fresh fruit salad

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette

• Tomato soup

• Scrambled eggs for brunch

• Roasted potatoes for a heartier meal

They’re also excellent on their own as a grab-and-go snack.

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Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator
Store leftover stuffed bagels in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bagels rubbery and the filling greasy.

Print

Estimated Nutrition (Whole Recipe, Approximate)

• Calories: 2500–2700 kcal

• Protein: 80–100 g

• Fat: 150–160 g

Values will vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used.

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Final Thoughts

Creamy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Bagels are the definition of simple indulgence. They take familiar ingredients—bagels, bacon, cheddar, and cream cheese—and transform them into something special, comforting, and undeniably crave-worthy. The creamy filling paired with the warm, chewy bagel creates a contrast that feels both nostalgic and elevated at the same time.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its versatility. You can keep it classic, turn up the heat, swap cheeses, or tailor it for breakfast, brunch, or snacking. It’s the kind of recipe that fits effortlessly into real life while still feeling like a treat.