Olive-Cream Cheese Bagels
Olive-cream cheese bagels offer a delightful combination of creamy cheese, briny green olives, and soft, chewy bagel texture. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they appeal to those who enjoy savory, flavorful baked goods with a hint of richness and a touch of saltiness from the olives.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine scalded milk, softened cream cheese, butter or margarine, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches 115°F. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add dry yeast to the mixture and stir until dissolved.
- Let stand for 3 minutes.
- Add eggs and sliced green olives to the mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into equal portions and shape into bagels.
- Place bagels on a greased baking sheet or parchment-lined tray.
- Let rise until doubled in size, about 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bagels for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. You can substitute the green olives with black olives or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile. If you don't have scalded milk, using warm water can work, but adjust the yeast activation time accordingly. Knead the dough thoroughly for best results.
Serving Suggestions
These olive-cream cheese bagels are delightful served warm with a spread of cream cheese or butter. For a refreshing side, pair them with a Cucumber Salad (Very Tasty!) for a light meal. They can also be enjoyed with smoked salmon or a slice of avocado for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast them or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Olive-Cream Cheese Bagels contains roughly 293 calories, with 6g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1562mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, let it rise until doubled, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking.
What can I use instead of green olives?
If you don't prefer green olives, consider using finely chopped black olives or even a mix of herbs and spices for flavor. You could also try adding diced bell peppers for a unique twist.
How do I know when the bagels are done baking?
The bagels are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature; they should reach about 200°F (93°C) for optimal doneness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).