Ah, mini bagels with cream cheese—what a simple yet delightful treat! Whenever I think about these little bites of joy, I can’t help but reminisce about Saturday mornings spent at my grandmother’s house. She would always whip up a fresh batch of bagels, the aroma wafting through the kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. To this day, I still feel that sense of warmth and comfort every time I make these mini bagels myself. They remind me of family, laughter, and lazy weekend breakfasts.
What I love most about this recipe is just how easy and budget-friendly it is! You can whip up a dozen mini bagels at a fraction of the cost of what you’d spend at a grocery store or café. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings or spreads, making them as fun and unique as you are!
What’s in Cheap Mini Bagels with Cream Cheese?
Let’s talk about the star players of this bagel extravaganza.
Flour: For this recipe, all-purpose flour does the job beautifully. It has the right balance of protein to create a chewy texture that everyone loves in a bagel.
Yeast: Active dry yeast provides that delightful rise. It’s the magic ingredient that makes everything bubbly and fluffy.
Sugar: Just a little bit of sugar gives our yeast something to munch on, helping to kickstart that rising action!
Salt: A must-have for flavor. Just a pinch goes a long way to enhance the taste of the bagels.
Water: Yep, plain old water is our liquid base. Just the right temperature is crucial to wake up those sleepy yeast particles.
Cream Cheese: The pièce de résistance! Cream cheese adds a luscious, creamy layer that puts a smile on anyone’s face. You can get plain, or get fancy with flavors—herb, garlic, or even fruit!
Is Cheap Mini Bagels with Cream Cheese Good for You?
Let’s face it; while mini bagels can be a delightful treat, they may not win the “most nutritious food” award. But that’s okay because we all deserve to indulge every now and then!
Flour: While refined flour does contain some carbohydrates, it doesn’t offer as many nutrients as whole grains. However, you can always swap it for whole wheat flour to sneak in some fiber and nutrients!
Cream Cheese: This soft cheese is delicious but should be enjoyed in moderation as it’s quite high in fat. If you’re looking to cut calories, consider using a low-fat cream cheese.
Overall, mini bagels with cream cheese can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed wisely. Pair your bagel with fresh fruits or veggies on the side, and you’ve got yourself a wholesome breakfast!
Ingredients for Cheap Mini Bagels with Cream Cheese (Serves 12)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
– 8 oz cream cheese (plain or flavored)
How to Make Cheap Mini Bagels with Cream Cheese?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy. This is how you know your yeast is awake and ready to go!
2. Next, add in the salt and slowly mix in the flour, one cup at a time. Once it’s all combined, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Perfect time to watch an episode of your favorite show!
4. After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball and use your finger to poke a hole in the center, creating a mini bagel shape.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then gently drop in the mini bagels—boil them for about 1 minute on each side.
6. Remove the bagels and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool slightly before slathering on the cream cheese. Enjoy!
Bagel Bliss: Tips & Variations
– Feel free to add toppings before baking! Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for added texture and flavor.
– For an even easier version, you could use pre-made bagel dough or even frozen mini bagels if you’re in a pinch.
– These bagels freeze beautifully! Just pop them in a freezer bag and toast when you’re ready for a mini bagel fix.
Trust me, you’re going to love making these mini bagels as much as I do! The best part? You can enjoy them at any time of day—breakfast, snack time, or an afternoon treat. I can’t wait for you to dive in! Please share how your mini bagels turn out, and don’t skip out on that cream cheese; it’s the cherry on top! Enjoy your baking adventure!