Description
These Stuffed Bagel Bites are a delightful snack featuring soft, chewy dough pockets filled with creamy cheese. Perfectly boiled in a sweetened baking soda bath and baked to a golden brown, they are topped with sesame seeds for that classic bagel crunch. Ideal for parties or a savory treat anytime.
Ingredients
Dough and Topping
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- 1 lb. store-bought or homemade pizza dough, room temperature
- Cooking spray
- 3 tbsp. light or dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- Kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- White sesame seeds or other bagel topping, for serving
Filling
- 1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, cold
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough Balls: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust with flour. Using a bench scraper, divide the pizza dough into 20 equal pieces, about 20 grams each. Roll each piece into a ball, then create an indentation with your thumb in the center and spoon approximately 2 teaspoons of cold cream cheese into it.
- Seal the Bites: Hold the dough ball in one hand and pinch the edges together with the other hand to fully enclose the cream cheese, making sure the filling is tightly sealed inside to prevent leaking during cooking. Place the sealed balls seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm area for about 30 minutes until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Boiling Water: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450°F. In a medium pot, bring water to a boil and stir in the brown sugar and baking soda to create a slightly sweet and alkaline boiling bath that helps form the shiny crust.
- Boil the Bagel Bites: Working in batches, gently drop the risen bagel bites into the boiling water. Boil each side for about 15 seconds until just golden brown, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the boiled bagel bites to a fresh parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Egg Wash and Seed Topping: Beat the egg in a small bowl until smooth and brush it over each boiled dough ball to help achieve a glossy finish. Sprinkle generously with white sesame seeds or your preferred bagel topping.
- Bake the Bagel Bites: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the bagel bites are deep golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is cold to make it easier to handle and keep its shape inside the dough during assembling.
- Do not overfill the dough balls to avoid bursting during boiling or baking.
- The boiling water bath is essential to achieve the classic chewy bagel texture and shiny crust.
- You can substitute cream cheese with other soft cheeses or add herbs for flavor variation.
- Allow the bagel bites to cool slightly on a wire rack to maintain their crisp crust.
