Bagels With Cream Cheese Recipe

Activate and mix

In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer bowl), combine warm water (about 105–115°F / 40–46°C), sugar and instant yeast. Stir and let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add vegetable oil. Add bread flour and salt. Mix with dough hook on low for 4–5 minutes until a shaggy dough forms, then increase speed and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth, stiff, and slightly tacky. If kneading by hand, turn onto a floured surface and knead 10–12 minutes.

First rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until about doubled, 45–60 minutes.

Divide and shape

Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces (about 110–120 g / 3.9–4.2 oz each). Roll each piece into a tight ball, then form bagels by either: (a) poking a hole through the center with your finger and stretching to create a 2-inch hole, or (b) rolling each piece into a rope and joining ends, pinching to seal. Place shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and rest 15–20 minutes to relax.

Preheat and prepare boiling water

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a wide pot of water to a gentle boil and stir in malt syrup or honey. The sweetener improves color and texture.

Boil bagels

Carefully lower 2–3 bagels at a time into the simmering water. Boil 1 minute on the first side, then flip and boil 30–60 seconds on the second side for a chewy crust (longer boiling = chewier, denser bagel). Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain briefly on a cooling rack.

Top and bake

Place boiled bagels on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water to make an egg wash; brush each bagel lightly. Immediately sprinkle desired toppings (sesame seeds, everything seasoning, coarse salt). Bake in preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, rotating halfway, until deep golden brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

Make the spread

While bagels bake, place softened cream cheese and softened butter in a bowl. Add lemon juice, chopped chives, salt and black pepper. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a container and refrigerate briefly if not using immediately.

Serve

Slice warm or cooled bagels in half horizontally. Spread 1–2 tablespoons of cream cheese on each half (adjust to taste). Serve immediately with extra toppings if desired.