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Classic Korean-inspired cream cheese stuffed bagels combine the perfect contrast of crispy garlic exterior with a rich, tangy filling. Each bite delivers an ideal balance of textures and flavors, making these bagels an extraordinary breakfast or brunch centerpiece.
This recipe emerged from experimenting with Korean street food flavors at home. The combination of garlic butter and cream cheese transforms ordinary bagels into something truly special. After perfecting the technique, these quickly became a weekend tradition in our household.
Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese provides the rich, smooth base. Let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to balance the tanginess without making it overly sweet.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds silky texture and subtle caramel notes characteristic of Korean-style fillings.
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
Garlic Butter Components
- Unsalted butter: High-quality butter creates a rich, golden exterior.
- Fresh garlic: Finely minced for intense aromatic flavor throughout.
- Fresh parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herb notes.
- Whole milk: Creates the ideal consistency for coating.
- Mayonnaise: Helps stabilize the mixture and adds richness.
- Dried oregano: Provides complementary herb flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: Contributes savory depth and helps with browning.
- Fresh egg: Creates golden, glossy exterior.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors in the coating.
Preparation Method
- Cutting the Bagels:
- Make six even cuts across each bagel's surface, leaving bottom intact. This creates perfect pockets for filling.
- Adding the Filling:
- Pipe cream cheese mixture into each section using even pressure for consistent distribution.
- Coating Process:
- Dip filled bagels in fresh garlic butter mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Baking Instructions:
- Bake at 350°F for 11-13 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Final Steps:
- Garnish hot bagels with extra parsley and parmesan.
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These bagels have become a family favorite for special weekend breakfasts. Even those who typically avoid strong garlic flavors find themselves requesting seconds. The dramatic transformation from plain bagels to these stuffed delights never fails to impress guests.
How to Serve
Serve these bagels warm when the contrast between the crispy exterior and melted filling is at its peak. Time the baking to coincide with when you plan to eat.
Recipe Variations
Try different bagel varieties as your base. Everything bagels add extra seasoning while cinnamon raisin creates an interesting sweet-savory combination.
Storage Guidelines
Keep cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 48 hours. The butter coating helps maintain freshness.
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These stuffed garlic bagels represent the perfect fusion of Korean and American flavors. The combination of techniques transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable treat that creates moments of pure culinary joy around the breakfast table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of bagels?
- Of course! Plain bagels are excellent, but everything or garlic also adds great flavor.
- → What if I don’t have Kewpie mayonnaise?
- Regular mayo works perfectly too. Kewpie gives a tangy, rich flavor but isn’t mandatory.
- → Can I make these in advance?
- Absolutely! Assemble them up to the baking step, cover, and store in the fridge for no more than a day.
- → How should I keep leftovers fresh?
- Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them up in a 300°F oven for a few minutes before eating.
- → Is freezing an option?
- Yes, you can freeze them once baked and cooled. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready.