If you adore cozy comfort food that’s easy to make but delivers a flavor punch, you’ll fall head over heels for these Cheesy Spinach-Artichoke Bagels. Imagine toasty bagels layered with a creamy, cheesy, veggie-laden topping, then baked until irresistibly bubbly and golden. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or party appetizers, this dish is as crave-worthy as it sounds, offering all the gooey goodness of classic spinach-artichoke dip—delivered on a crisp, chewy bagel canvas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather just a handful of fridge and pantry staples for this recipe—each one brings a unique touch to the magic. From the freshness of spinach to the meltiness of cheese, and the zesty punch of artichoke, every element counts!
- Plain bagels: Sturdy and chewy, they serve as the perfect base and soak up every bit of cheesy topping.
- Frozen spinach: Thawed and drained well, spinach brings vibrant color and an earthy flavor.
- Canned artichoke hearts: Chopped for texture and a tangy twist that balances all the richness.
- Cream cheese: Softened to create an ultra-creamy, luscious spread that holds everything together.
- Sour cream: Adds a pleasant tang and a light, fluffy mouthfeel to the topping.
- Mayonnaise: Contributes richness and keeps the mixture decadent and moist.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The essential melter—expect plenty of those glorious cheese strings.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For that unmistakable nutty, savory edge and extra browning.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with spinach and artichoke.
- Salt: Just a touch to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Black pepper: Gives a little warmth and complexity without overpowering.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add these if you’re in the mood for a gentle heat kick.
How to Make Cheesy Spinach-Artichoke Bagels
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
First thing’s first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This lets you jump right into assembling while your oven heats and promises easy cleanup later—a definite win in my book.
Step 2: Mix Up the Cheesy Spread
Grab a medium mixing bowl and start combining your softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Give it a good whisk until the mixture is incredibly smooth and dreamy; this creamy base ensures every bite is indulgent.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Cheese
Time to fold in the thawed, well-drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, minced garlic, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together so each ingredient is distributed evenly—little pockets of artichoke or cheese are a delicious surprise in every bite!
Step 4: Build the Bagels
Arrange your bagel halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the spinach-artichoke mixture liberally over each half, spreading out to the edges for a generous, hearty topping on every bagel.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Pop the tray into the oven and let the magic happen for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for beautifully melted cheese and slight browning around the edges. For an even more irresistible finish, broil for another 1 to 2 minutes until gorgeously golden and bubbly—but keep an eye to avoid burning!
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Spinach-Artichoke Bagels cool just a minute or two so you don’t burn your tongue on molten cheese. Slice, share, and savor while melty and warm!
How to Serve Cheesy Spinach-Artichoke Bagels
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs—think parsley or chives—adds a fresh, vibrant burst of color and flavor. For a finishing touch, an extra dusting of Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes makes the bagels feel even more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
Balance out these rich Cheesy Spinach-Artichoke Bagels with something crisp—like a simple green salad or a platter of fresh veggies. They also pair wonderfully with a light soup (think tomato or vegetable) for an effortless, comforting lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these bagels into mini party bites by slicing each half into quarters or sixths, or stack them, open-faced, on a big platter for brunch. If you feel like switching things up, serve the cheesy topping as a dip alongside toasted bagel chips—no one will complain!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Spinach-Artichoke Bagels stay delicious covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Place them in an airtight container once completely cooled to preserve their flavor and texture—perfect for a grab-and-go treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked bagels for up to two months. Allow them to cool completely, wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. When cravings strike, just pull one out and reheat as needed—nothing beats a quick, cheesy snack on demand.
Reheating
For that just-baked taste, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bagels a little rubbery; the oven keeps everything crisp and gooey.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just steam or sauté the fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the cheesy mixture. You’ll need about the same amount as the frozen, chopped well.
Are there bagel flavors that work especially well?
Plain or everything bagels are fantastic bases for Cheesy Spinach-Artichoke Bagels. However, feel free to experiment—garlic, onion, or even sesame bagels add a lovely savory note that complements the topping beautifully.
Can I make these bagels gluten free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free bagels for a treat that’s friendly for everyone. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so no further adjustments are needed.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead for parties?
Definitely. You can prep the cheesy spinach-artichoke mixture in advance, store it in the fridge, and spread it over the bagels just before baking. Alternatively, bake them ahead and reheat right before serving for effortless entertaining.
What’s the best way to serve these for brunch gatherings?
Cut the bagel halves into smaller pieces for a fun finger-food setup, arrange them on a large platter with other brunch bites, and let guests help themselves. They stay melty and delicious even when slightly cooled, making them perfect for relaxed gatherings.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for your next go-to comfort snack or party appetizer, Cheesy Spinach-Artichoke Bagels will hit the spot every single time. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful filling and the toasty bagel bite, and don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than expected—happy baking!
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Cheesy Spinach-Artichoke Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 bagel halves
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Spinach-Artichoke Bagels are a delightful twist on a classic appetizer. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, they make for a perfect snack or party dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 plain bagels (halved)
- 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and drained well)
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts (chopped)
Cheese Mixture:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Add spinach, artichokes, garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Assemble: Place bagel halves on the baking sheet, spread the mixture evenly over each half.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted. Broil for extra browning if desired.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Notes
- These bagels can be made ahead and reheated in the oven.
- Try using everything bagels for extra flavor.
- The topping also works well as a dip if baked separately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel half
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
