Have you seen the Calic Bagels from LA that are popping up all over social media? If you can’t make it to LA, don’t worry—you can make these scrumptious bagels right in your kitchen. Stuffed with a creamy cheese filling and topped with a rich garlic parmesan blend, these bagels are a delicious twist on the classic Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Bread. They’re the perfect way to level up your bagel game for the ultimate breakfast or brunch!
Ingredients:
- Plain Bagels: You can use fresh bagels from your local bakery or make your own at home. I tried using plain bagels from Costco, and they worked perfectly.
- Cream Cheese: Because what’s a bagel without cream cheese?
- Honey: Provides a touch of sweetness to the cream cheese filling.
- Butter: For a richness that only butter can provide.
- Olive Oil: Balances the richness of the butter and pairs well with garlic.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of thyme, rosemary, oregano and other spices for a slightly earthy and woody flavor.
- Dried Parsley: For a touch of color and freshness.
Instructions:
Prepare the Bagels: Make ½” deep cuts into the tops of the bagels, but don’t cut all the way through. This will create pockets for the cream cheese filling while keeping the bagels intact.
Don’t throw away the slits! You can toss them in the remaining garlic butter and toast them up to make a delightful, garlicky snack. They also can be added to a salad to be used as croutons!
Make the Garlic Topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, and dried parsley. Mix well and set aside.
Fill with Cream Cheese: Blend cream cheese with honey and a touch of heavy whipping cream, then spread the mixture into the cuts of the bagels using a butter knife or a piping bag for a smoother application.
Add Garlic Topping: Dip the tops of the bagels into the garlic topping mixture. Lay them on a baking pan lined with parchment paper or foil. Use a basting brush to apply any extra garlic topping for an even richer flavor.
Air Fry the Bagels: Cook in an air fryer preheated to 375°F for about 6 minutes or until the tops are golden and crispy.
Why These Bagels Are a Must-Try:
Quick and Easy: These homemade Calic Bagels are a breeze to prepare. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious and impressive treat ready in no time.
Versatile: Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a savory snack, or a unique brunch item, these bagels fit the bill with little hassle.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of creamy cheese filling and rich garlic parmesan topping makes each bite full of flavor and rich dimension. You also get hints of sweetness from the honey whipped cream cheese which oddly enough, pairs beautifully with the garlic and butter.
Budget-Friendly: Using store-bought bagels and simple ingredients, you can make a high-quality treat at home without breaking the bank.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these bagels on their own or pair them with your favorite sides. They’re great with a fresh salad, a bowl of soup, or even as a tasty addition to a charcuterie board. For a complete meal, serve with a side of bacon or sausages, fruit, and a hot coffee or tea.
These homemade Calic Bagels are sure to impress and satisfy. Try making them today and enjoy the taste of LA from the comfort of your home!
Calic Bagels
Ingredients
- 3 plain bagels
FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FILLING
- 5 oz plain cream cheese ½ block
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
FOR THE GARLIC TOPPING
- 3 tbsp butter melted
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Add cream cheese, honey, and heavy whipping cream to a bowl and whip until the texture is light and fluffy. If using a stand mixture, this should just take about 3-4 minutes.
- Make ½” cuts into the tops of the bagels for the cream cheese filling. Do not cut all the way through the bagel so the bagel remains intact.
- Add cream cheese filling into the cuts using a butter knife or by adding the filling into a piping bag or ziploc bag.
- In a medium bowl, add all the ingredients for the garlic topping and mix.
- Dunk the tops of the bagels into the garlic topping and lay them on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Use a basting brush to brush on additional topping.
- Air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes or until the tops are golden.
