Homemade Cheese Bagels Recipe with Cheddar for Breakfast Bliss

There’s something incredibly enticing about the aroma of freshly baked Cheese Bagels wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: a warm, chewy bagel, with a golden crust that crinkles slightly when you press it. And when you take a bite, it’s a gooey explosion of cheddar cheese goodness. Homemade cheese bagels are not just a meal; they’re a cozy embrace for your taste buds and an upgrade from any boring fast food breakfast.

Every bite of these delicious cheese bagels transports me to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would whip up something amazing every weekend. The way the dough came alive in her hands was mesmerizing, and I often tried to sneak a nibble of cheese when she wasn’t looking. Now, I’m here to share this love for homemade cheese bagels, making them perfect for any leisurely weekend breakfast or family brunch. So get ready to let the anticipation build as you make your very own cheesy creations!

Ingredients for Cheese Bagels

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cheese Bagels:

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons lukewarm water – Make sure the water is about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
1 tablespoon molasses – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the bagels.
2 teaspoons active dry yeast – Essential for helping the dough rise and create that signature bagel texture.
7 cups bread flour – This flour has a higher protein content, giving the bagels a chewier bite.
2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt – Balances the flavors in the dough.
Cornmeal for dusting – Prevents the bagels from sticking to the baking sheets and adds a nice texture.
1 ½ cups finely shredded cheddar cheese – The star ingredient that gives these bagels their cheesy deliciousness.

How to Make Cheese Bagels

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Cheese Bagels:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water, molasses, and active dry yeast. Whisk the mixture until the yeast is dissolved, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant. This is a crucial step because it gets your yeast energized and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the bread flour and kosher salt. Gradually combine the yeast mixture with the flour on low speed, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then increase the speed to medium, kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough is nice and stretchy.

Step 3: Let It Rise
Shape the dough into a tight ball and place it in a clean, lightly greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, which should take about 60 to 90 minutes. This step allows the dough to develop those delightful air pockets that make bagels so chewy.

Step 4: Shape the Bagels
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces, each weighing about 4 ounces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use your thumb to create a hole in the center and gently stretch it until the bagel is about 4 inches wide. Place them on baking sheets sprinkled with cornmeal and cover them again, allowing them to proof in the refrigerator for 12 to 18 hours. Yes, overnight for extra flavor!

Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with pizza stones on the racks. While the oven heats, fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Add a tablespoon of molasses to the boiling water until it turns dark brown. This adds to the flavor and color of your bagels.

Step 6: Boil the Bagels
Carefully remove the bagels from the refrigerator and gently place them into the boiling water. Boil each bagel for 30 seconds on each side, which helps to form a nice crust. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to cool for a minute before topping them with a generous sprinkling of cheddar cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake the Bagels
Transfer your boiled and cheese-topped bagels onto the hot pizza stones, leaving space between each one. Bake them for about 15 to 19 minutes until they’re golden brown and irresistible. Once they’re done, let them cool on a wire rack for a few moments before trying to restrain yourself from devouring them all at once.

These homemade cheese bagels are perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion and make for a delightful treat that will impress anyone you share them with. Slice them in half and slather on some butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread for that ultimate cheesy experience! Enjoy your baking adventure!

Perfecting Cheese Bagels Cooking Process

To achieve perfect Cheese Bagels, start by mixing your wet ingredients and letting the yeast activate. While the dough rises, prepare your baking sheets and preheat your oven. This sequence ensures everything is ready for a smooth transition from dough to golden-brown bagels.

Add Your Touch to Cheese Bagels

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack or gouda, to give your bagels a unique twist. You can also add spices like garlic powder or chopped herbs to the dough for an extra flavor boost that will have your taste buds dancing.

Storing & Reheating Cheese Bagels

For optimal freshness, store your Cheese Bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes for that just-baked texture.

Cooking these Cheese Bagels reminded me of a Sunday brunch with friends, where the smell of warm, cheesy dough filled the kitchen. Everyone was raving about the deliciousness, asking for the recipe, which made my heart swell with joy.

FAQs About Cheese Bagels

What are Cheese Bagels?

Cheese Bagels are a delightful twist on classic bagels, featuring a savory blend of bread and cheese. These bagels are made with ingredients like lukewarm water, yeast, and flour, and they shine due to the added cheddar cheese mixed into the dough. The result is a chewy, flavorful bagel with a cheesy crust that’s perfect for breakfast or any time snack. Plus, they are simple to make at home, giving you that café-quality taste without stepping out.

How can I customize my Cheese Bagels?

You can get creative with Cheese Bagels by experimenting with different cheeses or adding herbs and spices. For instance, consider mixing in creamy goat cheese or spicy pepper jack for a unique kick. You might also sprinkle garlic powder, onion flakes, or fresh chives into the dough for added flavor. Adding toppings like sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning before baking can also give your cheese bagels an extra crunch.

Can I freeze Cheese Bagels for later use?

Absolutely! Freezing Cheese Bagels is a great way to enjoy them later. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap. Place them in a zip-top freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to indulge, simply remove a bagel from the freezer and reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, and they’ll taste almost fresh from the oven!

What is the best way to store Cheese Bagels?

To keep your Cheese Bagels fresh, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, consider refrigeration for up to a week, though this can slightly change their texture. For the best rebake, you can also freeze them and reheat as needed, ensuring you always have a delicious cheese bagel on hand when the craving strikes.

Conclusion for Cheese Bagels

In summary, making Cheese Bagels offers a wonderful way to enjoy a homemade treat with gourmet flair. With the ability to customize flavors, freeze for later, and store properly, these delicious bagels provide both convenience and delight. Whether served at breakfast or as a savory snack, Cheese Bagels are sure to impress family and friends alike. So gather your ingredients and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Homemade Cheese Bagels Recipe with Cheddar for Breakfast Bliss

Indulge in cheesy goodness with these homemade cheddar bagels, perfect for any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Additional Time 12 hours hrs

Total Time 13 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bagels

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 301

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 2 cups lukewarm water (110°F or 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 7 cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt
• cornmeal for dusting
• 1.5 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment

• Stand mixer
• large pot
• Baking sheets
• pizza stones
• Wire rack

Method

 

1. Add warm water, 1 tablespoon molasses, and yeast to a small bowl and whisk until dissolved. Allow to sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. Whisk together flour and salt in a stand mixer bowl. Combine the water and yeast mixture with the flour on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Scrape down the sides, and increase speed to medium as needed until the majority of the loose flour is incorporated.
3. Increase speed to medium high and knead for 10 minutes until the dough is flexible and bouncy.
4. Roll the dough into a tight ball, place in a clean bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 60–90 minutes.
5. Prepare two baking sheets generously sprinkled with cornmeal.
6. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into pieces weighing 4 ounces each.
7. Roll each piece into a ball, push through the center to make a hole, and stretch the bagel to about 4 inches across. Place shaped bagels on the baking sheets, and cover with plastic wrap.
8. Allow bagels to proof in the refrigerator for 12–18 hours.
9. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) with pizza stones on racks for at least 30 minutes.
10. Fill a large pot halfway with water, bring to a boil, and add molasses until the water is dark brown.
11. Remove bagels from the refrigerator and gently place into the boiling water, boiling for 30 seconds on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and top each bagel with 2 tablespoons of cheddar cheese. Place on a wire rack to cool.
12. Transfer boiled bagels to the hot pizza stones, leaving space between them, and bake for 15–19 minutes until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bagelCalories: 301kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 10gFat: 4gSodium: 393mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1g

Notes

These bagels can be customized with different cheeses and spices for variety. Store in an airtight container for freshness.

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