Savory Sausage & Cheese Bagels

Name: Savory Sausage & Cheese Bagels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 bagels
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups warm water; 1 cup cooked and crumbled sausage; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional); 1 tablespoon baking soda

Highlighted under: Cozy Classics

I absolutely love making these Savory Sausage & Cheese Bagels for breakfast! The combination of spicy sausage and gooey cheese is simply irresistible. Each bite is bursting with flavor, and they are surprisingly easy to whip up. I usually make a batch on weekends to last through the week; they store beautifully in the fridge. Whether toasted or fresh out of the oven, these bagels are a delightful way to kickstart the day or enjoy as a quick snack. You can even customize them with your favorite cheeses and seasonings for a personal touch.

Created by

Lara

Last updated on 2026-01-27T14:06:28.332Z

When I first made these Savory Sausage & Cheese Bagels, I was amazed at how such a simple recipe could yield such delicious results. I experimented with different types of cheese and spices, and ultimately settled on a mix of sharp cheddar and a little spicy sausage that really brought out the flavors. Keeping an eye on the sausage while browning it in the pan helped to enhance the overall taste of the bagels.

One invaluable tip that I learned along the way is to let the bagels rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the cheese to set, ensuring that each bagel maintains its shape and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding toppings like everything bagel seasoning before baking for an extra crunch!

Why You'll Love These Bagels
Hearty sausage flavor combined with melty cheese.
Perfectly chewy bagel texture that holds up to fillings.
Great for meal prep and easy to store!

Dough Preparation Tips

When mixing the ingredients for the bagel dough, be careful not to add the warm water too quickly. Gradually incorporating it allows you to control the dough's consistency. A good dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If you find the dough too wet after mixing, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired texture is achieved.

Kneading the dough for 5-7 minutes is essential for developing gluten, which gives bagels their characteristic chewiness. You’ll know you’ve kneaded the dough enough when it becomes smooth and elastic. To test, gently stretch a small piece; it should hold together without tearing.

Mastering the Bagel Shape

Shaping your bagels is an important step that can affect their texture. After punching down the risen dough, ensure to handle it gently to preserve the air bubbles created during proofing. Form each ball by tucking in the edges and rolling it against a clean surface to create surface tension, which helps bagels hold their shape during boiling and baking.

To create the hole in the center, use your thumb and gently push through the dough ball. Once shaped, let the bagels rest for a few minutes; this aids in creating that perfect chewy texture. If your bagels are too thick, they may not cook evenly, so aim for a consistent thickness across your bagels.

Flavor Variations and Storage

Feel free to experiment with the sausage in these bagels; while I love a spicy pork sausage, turkey or chicken sausage work wonderfully as leaner options. Additionally, you can customize the cheese—try pepper jack for heat, or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a unique twist.

For storage, these bagels keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through. You can freeze the uncooked shaped bagels before boiling; just ensure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Savory Sausage & Cheese Bagels:

For the Bagel Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups warm water

For the Filling

1 cup cooked and crumbled sausage
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)

For Boiling

1 tablespoon baking soda

Now that you have all the ingredients, let's move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the delicious Savory Sausage & Cheese Bagels:

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Form the Bagels

Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center to shape them into bagels.

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the crumbled sausage, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and chives. Spoon the mixture evenly into each bagel shape.

Boil the Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda. Carefully drop the bagels in batches and boil for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove and drain.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the boiled bagels on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Your Savory Sausage & Cheese Bagels are now ready to enjoy! Let them cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding herbs like oregano or basil to the dough. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack!

Boiling Your Bagels

The boiling process is really what sets bagels apart from other breads. By boiling the bagels in water mixed with baking soda, you not only help develop a glossy outer crust but also achieve that signature chewy interior. Keep the water at a gentle boil to prevent the bagels from falling apart; rolling boil is too aggressive.

Boil each bagel for 1-2 minutes on each side, ensuring they puff up slightly. Watch for signs like the bagels starting to float, which means they're ready to be removed. Make sure to drain them well before baking to ensure crispness.

Baking for Perfect Texture

Preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) is crucial for achieving that golden-brown crust. The high temperature helps create that wonderful contrast of a crusty exterior while keeping the inside chewy and soft. Keep an eye on the bagels as they bake, and turn the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even browning.

When they're done, the bagels should have a deep golden hue and feel firm to the touch. If you prefer them darker, a few extra minutes in the oven won't hurt, but be cautious not to dry them out. Trust your senses—the smell alone will guide you to perfection!

Custom Serving Suggestions

These Savory Sausage & Cheese Bagels are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your breakfast by adding spreads or toppings. A smear of cream cheese, a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, or even a fried egg on top can transform each serving into a satisfying breakfast sandwich.

For a fun twist during weekend brunch, consider pairing warm bagels with a side of spicy homemade salsa or avocado spread for an extra flavor kick. Their versatility means you can enjoy them anytime—whether as a busy weekday breakfast or as part of a leisurely weekend feast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze these bagels?

Yes, you can freeze the bagels before or after baking. Just ensure they are wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.

→ What kind of sausage works best?

I recommend using spicy sausage for a kick, but you can use mild or even vegetarian sausage based on your preference.

→ How do I reheat the bagels?

To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or oven for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.

→ Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before continuing.