Print

Cheddar Cheese Bagel Recipe

4.5 from 81 reviews

This Cheddar Cheese Bagel recipe features soft, chewy bagels infused with sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for breakfast or a savory snack. The dough is made with yeast, eggs, and bread flour, boiled before baking to achieve that classic bagel texture with a golden, cheesy crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Mixture

  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast

Dough

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 and 1/2 cups bread flour (plus up to 1/2 cup additional for kneading)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

Boiling Water

  • 16 cups water
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Topping

  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp water
  • 1 and 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve 1 tsp of sugar into warm water heated between 110°F and 115°F. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top of the water mixture and let it stand for 10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare Dough: Whisk in 2 large eggs and 1 tbsp vegetable oil into the yeast mixture. Add 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp salt. Gradually stir in 2 cups of bread flour until smooth, then add another cup and continue mixing until dough is soft but not sticky.
  3. Knead Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. If sticky, add up to 1/2 cup more flour while kneading. Knead dough for 10 minutes using a folding and pressing motion until it springs back when poked.
  4. First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, turning once to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours.
  5. Shape Bagels: Punch down dough and knead 10 times. Divide into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 10-inch rope and form into a circle by pinching edges tightly to seal. Place bagels on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with towel, and let rise for 15 minutes.
  6. Boil Bagels: While shaping, bring 16 cups water and 2 tbsp sugar to a boil in a large wide saucepan. Add bagels four at a time to boiling water, cooking each side for 1 minute. Remove with slotted spoon and place on fresh parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Add Toppings: Beat 1 egg with 1 tsp water and brush on bagel tops. Sprinkle 1 and 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over tops.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake bagels for 20 to 25 minutes or until tops are golden brown and cheese is melted.
  9. Cool: Transfer bagels to cooling racks before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Water for yeast activation should be warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Do not add more than 1/2 cup extra flour during kneading to maintain proper dough texture.
  • Boiling bagels gives them the characteristic chewy crust.
  • Use parchment paper or lightly grease and flour baking sheets to prevent sticking.
  • Bagels can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Reheat bagels in the oven or toaster for best texture before serving.

Keywords: cheddar cheese bagel, homemade bagels, baked bagels, cheesy bagel recipe, soft bagels