Creamy Cheese-Filled Bagel Bliss!

I love making breakfast for my family, and one of our favorites is cream cheese-filled bagel balls. My kids go crazy for them, and I love that they’re so easy to make! They have a delicious, creamy center that’s surrounded by a crisp and chewy bagel exterior – and they make for a great start to the day.

Cream Cheese-Filled Bagel Balls Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup cream cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, cream cheese, egg, half-and-half, and bagel seasoning.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
• Grease a baking sheet and roll the dough into small balls.
• Place the balls onto the baking sheet and brush them with melted butter.
• Bake the bagel balls in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
• Remove the bagel balls from the oven and let them cool before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12
• Calories: 160,
• Total Fat: 6g,
• Saturated Fat: 4g,
• Cholesterol: 30mg,
• Sodium: 160mg,
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g,
• Dietary Fiber: 0g,
• Sugars: 0g,
• Protein: 5g

Variations of cream cheese-filled bagel balls

Experimenting with different variations of cream cheese-filled bagel balls is a great way to add a fun twist to this classic recipe. There are a few different ways to vary the ingredients and toppings for the bagel balls to create a unique flavor.

One way to vary the cream cheese-filled bagel balls is to experiment with different ingredients to add to the cream cheese filling. Incorporating different fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or apples, can give the bagel balls a sweet flavor. For a savory twist, try adding shredded cheese, diced vegetables, herbs, or cured meats.

Another way to vary the recipe is to roll the bagel balls in different toppings. Instead of the traditional sesame or poppy seeds, try rolling the bagel balls in crushed nuts, panko bread crumbs, or shredded coconut. For a savory twist, roll the bagel balls in chopped herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or crushed chips.

With a few simple changes, these classic cream cheese-filled bagel balls can be transformed into a fun and unique snack. Whether you’re looking for a sweet or savory version, there are plenty of different ways to switch up the ingredients and toppings to create a delicious variation of this beloved recipe.

How to maximize the cream cheese filling inside the bagel balls

Start by cutting the cream cheese into cubes so that it’s easier to distribute throughout the bagel ball mixture.

• Once the cream cheese cubes are ready, add them to the bagel dough mixture and mix until the cubes are evenly distributed.
• Make sure the cubes are small enough so that the cream cheese won’t be too overwhelming for each bite.
• To ensure an even cream cheese-to-bagel ratio, shape each bagel ball with the same size and thickness so that the cream cheese is evenly distributed throughout each bagel ball.
• Finally, make sure to cook the bagel balls until they’re golden brown and the cream cheese is melted. This will ensure that the cream cheese is fully integrated into the bagel ball, maximizing the cream cheese-to-bagel ratio.

Benefits of making bagel balls vs. traditional bagels

Comparing the benefits of making bagel balls vs. traditional bagels can be broken down into three main categories: nutrition, convenience, and preparation time.

Nutrition:

• Bagel balls are typically smaller than regular bagels, so they’re a lower calorie option.
• Bagel balls can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cream cheese and vegetables, whereas traditional bagels are generally just bread.
• Since bagel balls don’t require as much bread, they can be made with a higher proportion of whole grains.

Convenience:

• Bagel balls are much easier to transport, as they’re smaller and more portable than traditional bagels.
• Bagel balls can be frozen and reheated, making them a great option for meal prepping.
• Bagel balls can be customized with different flavors and fillings, allowing you to get creative with your bagel creations.

Preparation Time:

• Bagel balls take less time to prepare than traditional bagels because they require less kneading and rising time.
• Bagel balls don’t require rolling out, which also cuts down on preparation time.
• Bagel balls are quicker to bake than traditional bagels, as they require less time in the oven.

Overall, bagel balls offer several benefits over traditional bagels in terms of nutrition, convenience, and preparation time. They’re a great option for those looking for a healthier, more convenient breakfast option.

Tips for meal planning with bagel balls

Tips for Meal Planning with Bagel Balls:

• Preparing Ahead of Time: Bagel balls can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To save time during the week, prepare a large batch of bagel balls on the weekend and store them in the refrigerator for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
• Freezing for Later: If you have a large batch of bagel balls that won’t be used right away, you can freeze them for up to a month. Place the bagel balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Store the frozen bagel balls in an airtight container or bag.
• Storing Bagel Balls: Store cooked bagel balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you are not planning on serving them within a week, it is best to freeze them for later.
• Meal Planning Ideas: Bagel balls make a great snack or meal. To make it into a meal, you can serve the bagel balls with a side of fresh greens and a vinaigrette dressing. You can also serve the bagel balls with a creamy dip such as hummus or a yogurt-based dip. For a more substantial meal, you can fill the bagel balls with other ingredients such as cooked vegetables or cheese.

Different ways to serve cream cheese-filled bagel balls

Cream cheese-filled bagel balls are a tasty and convenient snack option that can be served for any meal or even dessert. They are easy to make and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some different ways to serve cream cheese-filled bagel balls to satisfy a variety of cravings.

For a breakfast option, bagel balls can be served as-is or with a spread of butter, jam, or other condiment. They can also be served with a side of yogurt or fruit for a more complete meal. For a sweeter variation, add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

For lunch, bagel balls can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. They can be served with a side of salad, soup, or other side dish. To add a bit of crunch, serve them with a side of pretzels or chips.

For dinner, bagel balls can be served as an appetizer or side dish. They can be served with a side of vegetables, potatoes, or other side dish. To add a bit of flavor, try serving them with a sauce or dip.

For dessert, bagel balls can be served as-is or with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. They can also be served with a side of ice cream or other sweet treat. To make them even sweeter, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.

These are just a few of the different ways to serve cream cheese-filled bagel balls. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, cream cheese-filled bagel balls are sure to hit the spot.