Here I’ll show you how to whip up a super easy and delicious bagel grilled cheese!
If you’re anything like me, you’ve got half a bag of bagels knocking around the cupboards at all times. There’s just no time that isn’t appropriate to eat a bagel! Anywho, if you’re looking for new ways to eat bagels, follow me…
Preparing a Bagel Grilled Cheese
As you can imagine, it’s a pretty straightforward process. My number one tip is squidging through the centre of the bagel once you’ve halved it. This makes room for the cheese and helps ensure it doesn’t spill into the hole or around the bagel as it fries. Meaning you can add more cheese without it just melting out into the pan 😋
What kind of bagel to use?
I recommend plain bagels. Because it’s going to have direct contact with the pan, any sort of seed or grain is likely to just burn.
What kind of cheese to use?
Here I use two different kinds of cheese:
- Cream cheese – This has a low melting point, so it ends up nice and gooey. Plus bagels and cream cheese are a match made in heaven!
- Cheddar – Adds a punch of flavour.
Process shots: add bagel to chopping board (photo 1), slice in half (photo 2), use your thumbs to press around the centre (photo 3), spread in cream cheese (photo 4), add cheddar (photo 5), pair bagel back together (photo 6).
Cooking a Bagel Grilled Cheese
You’re essentially cooking it as you would a regular grilled cheese. Just a couple of things to consider:
Low and slow
Because bagels tend to be thicker than bread, it’s going to take longer for the cheese to melt. As such, you’ll want to fry the bagel on a fairly low heat, just so the bagel doesn’t burn before the cheese melts.
Adding a lid
I like to add a lid onto the pan as it fries, just to circulate the hot air and help the cheese melt quicker. You can use any sort of lid from any pot, as long as roughly covers the pan and traps the air.
Process shots: add butter to pan (photo 1), stir to melt (photo 2), add bagel and fry (photo 3), flip and continue frying (photo 4).
Bagel Grilled Cheese FAQ
Can I use different kinds of cheese?
I like the combo of cream cheese and cheddar, but in reality, most types of melty cheese will work just fine (mozzarella, Monterey Jack, gruyere etc).
Do I have to add a lid to the pan?
It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does help. The main thing is low-medium heat, just to ensure the cheese melts.
Can I bake these instead?
I have baked these in the past and it does work. They’re just a little more crunchy (more on this in the recipe card below).
Serving a Bagel Grilled Cheese
These are perfect as they are or great with bacon or ham inside. I also love to serve with Tomato Soup (or Roasted Red Pepper Soup).
For another delicious bagel sandwich check out my Salmon Bagel Sandwich!
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this bagel grilled cheese shall we?!
How to make a Bagel Grilled Cheese (Full Recipe & Video)
Bagel Grilled Cheese
Equipment
- Pan with a Lid
- Plastic Spatula
- Bread Knife
- Cheese Grater
Ingredients
- 1 plain Bagel
- 1oz / 30g Cream Cheese (approx 2 tbsp)
- 1/3 cup / 35g Cheddar, grated
- knob of Butter
Instructions
- Halve the bagel, then squidge around the centre of each slice (see video below for reference).
- Spread the cream cheese in the bagel, then top with cheese. Gently press the cheddar into the cream cheese so it sticks. Pair both halves back together.
- Melt a knob of butter in a pan over low-medium heat. Once melted, add in the bagel then pop the lid on. Leave to fry for 4-5mins, then take off the lid and use a plastic spatula to flip the bagel.
- Place the lid back on and leave to fry for another 4-5mins, or until the cheese is gooey in the centre. If the bagel starts turning from deep golden to dark brown before the cheese melts, just lower the heat slightly.
Quick Demo
Notes
Your Private Notes:
Nutrition:
If you loved this Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe be sure to Pin it for later! Already made it or got a burning question? Give me a shout in the comments below!
Never thought of using bagel for this! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
You’re so welcome!