These Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bagels are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for a quick meal or a savory snack. Loaded with cream cheese, spinach, artichokes, and two types of cheese, these bagels are baked to perfection and topped with a sprinkle of parsley and red pepper chili flakes for an extra kick. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in every bite!
Preparation Time:
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or thawed frozen, well-drained)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon red bell pepper chili flakes, plus more for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 bagels, halved
Directions:
- Prepare the Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella, chopped artichoke hearts, minced garlic, chopped parsley, red bell pepper chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare the Bagels:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the bagels in half and lay them out on a baking sheet.
- Assemble the Bagels:
- Spread the spinach and artichoke mixture evenly over each bagel half.
- Top each bagel half with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the bagels from the oven and sprinkle with additional chopped parsley and red bell pepper chili flakes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.
- Perfect as a party appetizer or snack.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the spinach is well-drained to prevent the mixture from becoming too watery.
- Lightly toast the bagels before adding the mixture if you prefer an extra crispy texture.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in protein from the cheese and cream cheese.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals from the spinach and artichokes.
Dietary Information:
- Contains dairy: Cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese are all dairy products.
- Contains gluten: Bagels are typically made from wheat flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bagels.
- Vegetarian-friendly: This recipe does not contain meat, making it suitable for vegetarians.
- Nut-free: This recipe does not contain nuts, making it suitable for those with nut allergies.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 3 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
- Sodium: 400 mg
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy to make.
- Delicious combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.
- Perfect for any meal or as a party appetizer.
Conclusion:
These Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bagels are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the rich flavors of spinach, artichokes, and cheese. Perfect for any occasion, these bagels are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Sauté it until wilted and drain any excess liquid before adding to the mixture.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to use any cheese you like, such as cheddar, feta, or Monterey Jack.
3. How do I prevent the bagels from getting soggy? Lightly toast the bagels before adding the topping to keep them crispy.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the spinach and artichoke mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the bagels when ready to serve.
5. Can I use fresh artichokes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh artichokes. Cook and chop them before adding to the mixture.
6. Can I add other toppings? Yes, you can add other toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted red peppers.
7. Are there any vegan alternatives for this recipe? You can use vegan cream cheese and shredded cheese to make this recipe vegan.
8. How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
9. Can I freeze the assembled bagels? Yes, you can freeze the assembled bagels before baking. Thaw and bake when ready to serve.
10. What can I serve with these bagels? Serve with a side salad, soup, or as part of a brunch spread.