Name: Bialy Bagels with Everything Seasoning and Whipped Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Jewish/American
Ingredients: ¾ cup warm water (110℉ / 180ml); 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; ½ tablespoon light brown sugar; 2¼ cups bread flour (270g); ¼ teaspoon onion powder; 1¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 large egg (for egg wash); Everything But the Bagel Seasoning (to taste); 12 oz full-fat cream cheese (cold); ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (60ml); Fresh chives or scallions (finely chopped, for garnish)

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 10 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a delightful twist to your usual bagel routine, you absolutely must try the Bialy Bagels with Everything Seasoning and Whipped Cream Cheese Recipe. This dish brings together the chewy, flavorful bialy—a cousin of the bagel famous for its open-faced center filled with savory onions—and pairs it with the punchy crunch of everything seasoning and the creamy, light texture of whipped cream cheese. Every bite sings with a perfect balance of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug in bread form. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a special snack, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable treat that you’ll be craving again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows multiple small white bowls and one white plate arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. From the top left, there is a clear glass jug filled with water, followed by a small white bowl containing dry yeast, a brown bowl filled with light brown sugar, and a larger white bowl heaped with white flour in the center. Below the flour bowl is a white plate with a block of cream cheese, next to it is a small white pitcher with cream or milk. To the bottom left, there is a green bowl with chopped green herbs, and a light beige cloth is partially seen near it. On the right side, there are three small white bowls arranged vertically containing salt, baking powder, and an everything bagel seasoning mix. Finally, a white bowl with two cracked eggs is placed on the bottom right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential. Each one plays a crucial role in building the rich texture and bold flavor that define these bialy bagels and the whipped cream cheese that tops them off beautifully.

¾ cup warm water (110℉ / 180ml): The perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it, ensuring your dough rises beautifully.
2 teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic agent that gives the bagels their lovely airy texture and rise.
½ tablespoon light brown sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to feed the yeast and balance the savory flavors.
2¼ cups bread flour (270g): The foundation of your bialy, providing structure and that wonderfully chewy bite.
¼ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor inside the dough, complementing the bialy’s classic profile.
1¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for flavor balance and improving dough texture.
1 large egg (for egg wash): Helps give the bialy edges a lovely golden shine and helps the seasoning stick.
Everything But the Bagel Seasoning: This seasoning brings a vibrant, crunchy burst of flavor that makes these bialys seriously addictive.
12 oz full-fat cream cheese (cold): The creamy base for making the whipped topping that perfectly contrasts the chewy bagel.
¼ cup heavy whipping cream (60ml): Whipped into the cream cheese to create a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
Fresh chives or scallions (finely chopped, for garnish): Adds a fresh, green pop of color and a subtle mild onion flavor on top of your cream cheese.

How to Make Bialy Bagels with Everything Seasoning and Whipped Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Begin by combining the warm water, active dry yeast, and light brown sugar in your stand mixer bowl. Give it a quick stir and then let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, signaling that your yeast is alive and kicking. This little starter step is crucial because it sets the stage for a light, airy dough.

Step 2: Mix the dough

Next, add the bread flour, onion powder, and kosher salt to the mixing bowl. Set your stand mixer to medium-low speed and mix for about 2 minutes. The dough will still be a bit lumpy at this point, but don’t worry—that’s where the magic begins.

Step 3: Knead the dough

Transfer your dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for a full 5 minutes until it transforms into a soft, smooth ball. This kneading develops the gluten, which gives your bialy that signature chewy texture.

Step 4: Let the dough rise

Place your dough ball into a greased bowl and roll it around to coat in oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and leave it in a warm spot. Give it 1 to 1½ hours to double in size—this is when your dough gains fluff and volume, perfect for that pillowy bialy bite.

Step 5: Shape the bialy bagels

After rising, preheat your oven to 425℉ (218℃) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the dough gently and cut it into six even pieces. Shape each piece into a taut ball by pulling edges underneath and rolling seam side down. Let them rest covered for 5 to 10 minutes to relax the dough.

Step 6: Form the bialy wells

Press each dough ball flat with your palm, then create a wide, shallow well in the center using your fingers. Make sure there’s about a ½ inch rim around the edge to hold in the delicious toppings and the characteristic bialy onion filling later on.

Step 7: Add egg wash and seasoning

Whisk the egg with a splash of water for the egg wash. Brush the edges of your formed dough with this wash to help your bialys develop a golden crust. Then generously sprinkle the edges with your Everything But the Bagel seasoning—this is where the flavor and that addictive crunch really come alive.

Step 8: Bake to perfection

Place your bialy bagels on the center rack of the oven. Quickly pour ¼ cup of water into the bottom of the oven to create steam, which helps develop a crisp, thin crust. Bake for about 10 minutes until they are lightly golden. When done, transfer them onto a wire rack to cool slightly.

Step 9: Whip the cream cheese

While the bialys are baking, whisk the cold cream cheese in a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add the heavy whipping cream as you continue to whip, giving the cream cheese a fairy-light, scoopable texture that’s pure indulgence.

Step 10: Assemble

Use a cookie scoop to dollop a generous mound of whipped cream cheese into the center of each warm bialy bagel. For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle finely chopped chives or scallions over the cream cheese. And that’s it—your Bialy Bagels with Everything Seasoning and Whipped Cream Cheese Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Bialy Bagels with Everything Seasoning and Whipped Cream Cheese Recipe

Six round bagels with a hole in the middle sit on a lightly browned baking paper. Each bagel is golden brown with a soft light beige texture and is topped with a mix of black, white, and toasted brown seeds and crumbs scattered over the surface and around the edges. The bagels appear evenly spaced in two rows of three over the paper. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like finely chopped chives or scallions add a beautiful pop of green color and a subtle oniony bite that complements the bagel’s savory notes. You can also experiment with a pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of honey for an unexpected yet delightful flavor twist.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fresh fruit salad or crisp cucumber slices to lighten the meal. A cup of your favorite coffee or a chilled glass of freshly squeezed orange juice turns this into a perfect breakfast or brunch spread that feels both comforting and special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, slice the bialys horizontally and arrange them on a platter alongside small bowls of additional whipped cream cheese, sliced smoked salmon, and avocado. Or turn them into open-faced sandwiches topped with tomatoes and radishes for a fun, colorful spin. The possibilities are endless and always delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bialy bagels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh longer, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap helps maintain moisture and flavor so you can enjoy them the next morning.

Freezing

If you want to keep your bialy bagels longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. The whipped cream cheese is best made fresh, but you can freeze plain cream cheese and whip fresh cream with it when thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the frozen or stored bialy in the oven at 350℉ (175℃) for 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it might make them gummy. Then add the freshly whipped cream cheese topping for the ultimate fresh-baked experience.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a bialy and a bagel?

Bialys are similar to bagels but unlike the classic bagel, which is boiled before baking and has a hole in the center, bialys are baked directly with a shallow well in the middle filled traditionally with cooked onions. This gives bialys a softer crust and a savory, onion-filled center.

Can I use flavored cream cheese instead of whipping my own?

You can, but whipping your own cream cheese with heavy cream lightens the texture and makes it more spreadable, enhancing the overall eating experience. Plus, the fresh whipped version tastes cleaner and pairs beautifully with the bold everything seasoning.

Is Everything But the Bagel seasoning necessary?

While it’s not strictly necessary, the crunched-up layers of sesame, garlic, onion, and poppy seeds in the everything seasoning are integral to the signature flavor profile of this recipe. It gives the bialy edges that extra zing and crunchy texture that makes them irresistible.

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Mixing by hand is totally doable. It will take a little extra elbow grease during kneading, but the dough will respond the same. Just ensure you knead long enough for a smooth, elastic consistency.

How soon should I eat these after baking?

These bialys are best enjoyed fresh and warm with the whipped cream cheese right after baking. However, if stored and reheated as recommended, they still taste fantastic for a day or two. The key is to add fresh whipped cream cheese close to serving time.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Bialy Bagels with Everything Seasoning and Whipped Cream Cheese Recipe enough if you’re craving something that’s both comfort food and a little adventurous. With its irresistible textures and bold flavors, it’s the perfect recipe to bring some excitement to your morning routine or weekend brunch table. Trust me, once you try it, these bialys will become one of your new favorites that friends and family ask for again and again.

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