Bacon Bagel & Cheese Recipe
Make Bacon Bagel & Cheese Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Bagel & Cheese
Bacon
Finish & Optional
Method
Bacon
- 1
Prep
Remove bacon from refrigerator and lay strips out on a plate or cutting board to come closer to room temperature while you prepare bagels (about 5–10 minutes). This helps even cooking.
- 2
Pan-fry method
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tsp neutral oil if using (optional for lean bacon). When pan is hot, add bacon in a single layer without overlapping. Cook 3–5 minutes per side, adjusting time until bacon is crisped to your liking. Use tongs to flip. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
- 3
Oven-baked method (alternative)
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Arrange bacon in a single layer on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet (or directly on parchment-lined sheet). Bake 12–18 minutes depending on thickness and desired crispness. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Bagel & Cheese
- 4
Toast bagels
Split the bagels in half and lightly toast them in a toaster or under a broiler until edges are golden and surface begins to brown, about 2–4 minutes depending on appliance. Toast to your preferred crunch level.
- 5
Spread cream cheese
While bagels are warm, spread 2 tbsp of softened cream cheese on the cut face of each bottom half and 2 tbsp total on the top halves if you like extra creaminess (optionally reserve top halves unspread). The warmth will make the cream cheese slightly melty and easier to spread.
- 6
Assemble cheese
Place 2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese on each cream-cheese–topped bottom half while still warm so the cheddar softens slightly. If you prefer melted cheese, place assembled bottoms under a broiler for 30–60 seconds until cheese just starts to melt—watch closely.
Finish & Serve
- 7
Add bacon
Divide the cooked bacon evenly, placing 4 slices on top of the cheddar on each bagel bottom. If slices are large, fold once to fit.
- 8
- 9
Close and press
Place the top half over the bacon. Press down gently to compact. If you want the sandwich warm and the cheddar more melted, toast the whole assembled bagel sandwich in a hot, dry skillet over medium-low for 1–2 minutes per side, pressing slightly with a spatula, until cheese is gooey and exterior is golden.
- 10
Serve
Cut each bagel in half if desired and serve immediately while hot and crisp. Provide extra napkins.