There’s something comforting about a bagel that’s perfectly toasted, spread with rich cream cheese, and topped with crispy bacon. Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels combine three breakfast favorites—bagels, bacon, and cream cheese—into one easy, satisfying meal. Whether you’re rushing out the door or planning a lazy weekend brunch, this recipe delivers a quick, delicious, and filling option that never disappoints.
The focus keyphrase here is Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels, and trust me, this recipe lives up to its name. Imagine biting into a warm, chewy bagel, the creamy tang of cheese melting against the smoky crunch of bacon. It’s indulgent, yes, but also surprisingly easy to pull together with just a handful of ingredients.
One of the best things about Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels is their versatility. You can enjoy them plain and simple, or load them up with extras like avocado, tomato, or a fried egg for a complete meal. They’re great for breakfast, but also make a hearty snack or quick lunch. Plus, you can customize them for picky eaters, making them a family favorite.
If you’re searching for a breakfast idea that’s quick, customizable, and downright delicious, Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels should be on your list. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe special and how you can master it in your own kitchen.
What Makes This Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels Recipe Special?
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Simple ingredients, big flavor – You only need a few pantry staples to create a rich, savory breakfast.
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Customizable to your taste – Add eggs, veggies, or different flavored cream cheeses to make it your own.
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Ready in under 15 minutes – Perfect for busy mornings when time is short.
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Kid- and family-friendly – Everyone loves the combination of bacon, bagels, and cream cheese.
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Great for meal prep – Make ahead, store, and reheat for grab-and-go breakfasts all week.
This recipe is not about complicated steps or rare ingredients. It’s about bringing together familiar foods in a way that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy. The trick is crisping the bacon just right and using fresh, good-quality bagels. A quick toast in the oven or toaster makes the bagels golden and slightly crunchy, the perfect contrast to the creamy cheese and salty bacon.
Ingredient Notes
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Bagels – Plain, everything, or sesame bagels all work. Use fresh bakery-style bagels if possible. For a lighter version, try whole wheat or thin bagels.
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Cream Cheese – Classic plain cream cheese is perfect, but flavored options like chive, garlic herb, or jalapeño add extra flair. Dairy-free cream cheese also works for dietary needs.
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Bacon – Thick-cut bacon crisps up beautifully and holds its texture inside the bagel. Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon strips can be swapped in.
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Optional add-ins – Sliced avocado, tomato, lettuce, or even a fried egg can turn this into a full sandwich-style bagel.
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Equipment needed – Toaster or oven for the bagels, skillet for the bacon. A microwave can work in a pinch, but stove-top bacon yields better flavor.
How To Make Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels
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Cook the bacon
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Place bacon strips in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat.
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Flip occasionally until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
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Tip: For less mess, bake bacon on a foil-lined sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes.
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Toast the bagels
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Slice bagels in half and toast until golden. A toaster or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes works well.
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Look for light browning and a slightly crunchy surface.
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Spread the cream cheese
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While bagels are warm, spread about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese on each half.
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Tip: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier spreading.
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Assemble the bagels
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Layer 2–3 slices of crispy bacon on the bottom half.
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Add any extras (avocado slices, tomato, or an egg) if desired.
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Top with the other half of the bagel.
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Serve immediately
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Enjoy while warm. Pair with coffee or orange juice for a full breakfast.
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Storage Options
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Room temperature – Best eaten fresh, but if left out, consume within 2 hours.
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Refrigeration – Store pre-assembled bagels wrapped in foil or in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Freezing – Freeze bagels (without veggies) individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven.
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Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 30–40 seconds.
Variations and Substitutions
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Breakfast bagel deluxe – Add a fried egg and sliced avocado.
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Spicy version – Use jalapeño cream cheese and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
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Vegetarian swap – Replace bacon with roasted mushrooms or grilled peppers.
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Low-carb option – Use keto bagels or lettuce wraps.
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Seasonal twist – In summer, add fresh tomato slices; in winter, pair with caramelized onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use flavored bagels for this recipe?
Yes! Everything, onion, or asiago cheese bagels taste fantastic with bacon and cream cheese. -
What’s the best way to cook bacon for bagels?
Oven-baked bacon is the easiest—less mess and even crispiness. -
Can I make Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then reheat before serving. Avoid adding watery veggies if storing. -
Can I freeze cream cheese bagels?
Yes, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly in the oven. -
What can I substitute for bacon?
Turkey bacon, plant-based bacon, or even smoked salmon work well. -
Why is my bagel soggy after reheating?
Likely too much moisture. Toast bagels before reheating and avoid watery toppings.
Conclusion
Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels are the kind of breakfast that makes mornings easier and tastier. With just a few simple ingredients and under 15 minutes, you’ll have a meal that feels comforting, filling, and endlessly customizable. Whether you make them for a quick weekday bite or a cozy weekend brunch, this recipe is one you’ll want to save and make again.
Try these Bacon Cream Cheese Bagels and share your twist—whether you add an egg, switch the cream cheese flavor, or keep it classic. Breakfast has never been this simple and satisfying.
PrintBacon Cream Cheese Bagels – The Breakfast You’ll Crave Every Morning
- Prep Time: 5min
- Cook Time: 10min
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
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2 bagels, sliced and toasted
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4 oz cream cheese (plain or flavored)
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4–6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
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Optional: avocado, tomato slices, fried egg
Instructions
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Cook bacon until crispy and drain on paper towels.
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Toast bagels until golden.
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Spread cream cheese on each bagel half.
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Layer bacon on top and add optional toppings.
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Close bagel and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 18g