If you’re craving something savory to start your day, look no further than bagels with bacon and cheese. This perfect combo of crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a fresh bagel will make your taste buds sing. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly easy to put together for a quick breakfast or a lazy weekend brunch.
Start with your favorite bagel, whether you prefer classic sesame, everything, or a plain bagel, the soft, chewy texture is the perfect base for all the toppings. Toast them until golden brown, so they’re crisp on the outside while staying soft inside. The toasty bagel provides the perfect contrast to the warm, melty cheese and savory bacon.
Speaking of bacon, cook it to your preferred crispiness. Whether you like it slightly chewy or perfectly crisp, bacon adds a satisfying crunch and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft cheese and bagel. Feel free to use regular bacon, turkey bacon, or even prosciutto for a twist on the classic.
Next, the cheese, a good, melty cheese is essential. Cheddar works wonderfully here, with its sharp, rich flavor that blends beautifully with the salty bacon. Mozzarella, gouda, or even a smoky provolone would also make great alternatives. You can place a generous slice of cheese on top of the bacon before finishing the bagel under the broiler for a minute or two, until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
Assembling the bagel is where the magic happens. Layer the crispy bacon and melted cheese on your toasted bagel, and you’ve got a dish that’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. Add some fresh arugula or a few slices of tomato for a pop of freshness, or drizzle with a bit of hot sauce if you’re in the mood for a little heat.
Bagels with bacon and cheese are perfect for when you want something quick yet indulgent. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack, this combo never disappoints.
Ingredients
- 2 bagels
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 slices Cheddar Cheese
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the bagels in half horizontally.
- Place the bacon slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the oven and drain on paper towels.
- Place the bagel halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Top each bagel half with a slice of cheddar cheese and slice of mozzarella cheese.
- Place the baking sheet with the bagels and cheese under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the bagels from the broiler and top each half with 2 slices of bacon.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Uh, what’s a bagel? I thought that was a donut with holes haha. Can I make this with regular bread? 2/5
Just tried it, and my kids loved it! They usually don’t eat bagels but gobbled this up. Will make again!
These bagels are amazing! The bacon and cheese combo is everything. My family loved it.
I followed it exactly and the cheese didn’t get as bubbly as the picture I had in my head. Maybe I used the wrong mozzarella? Also my oven runs hot.
They were okay, but I think they need something more. Maybe some spices or toppings?
Wow. 4 slices bacon and all that cheese on just 2 bagels? That’s a heart attack in the best way. I ate one immediately and regretted nothing.
Too much cheese for my taste. Wouldn’t make again.
Honestly seems a bit overkill with both cheddar and mozzarella. But yeah… it worked, just messy. Would make again though.
Totally get you—cheddar + mozzarella is a lot, but it does make that melty, stringy situation. Messy is accurate though 😅 I’d still do it again too!
Pretty tasty, but 10 minutes for the bacon felt a little short? Mine needed more like 12–14 to get properly crisp. Other than that, the broiler step was perfect for bubbly cheese.
Totally agree—10 min is hit-or-miss depending on the thickness of the bacon. Mine was floppy at 10 too, I’d say 12-14 is safer. The broiler part really does make the cheese go bubbly though 😋
These are the best bagels ever! I added some avocado on top, and it was a game changer! 5 stars!
Bagels with bacon? Ugh, that doesn’t sound right…
Avocado sounds good! I’ll have to try that next time!
Bagels + bacon = breakfast of champions! Baltimore approve. 👍
Why on earth would anyone broil cheese? Isn’t that how you burn it? I just melted mine in a pan on the stove, way better.
Broiling cheese gives it that perfect crispy top! You gotta try it, it’s the best. I always do it for nachos too!
Burnt cheese is gross! Just use the stove, much easier. Who has time for broiling anyway?
These were dangerously good. The broiler step makes the cheese all bubbly and crispy on the edges—exactly what I wanted.
Yesss—crispy bubbly cheese is the best part. I love how the broiler gives it that browned edge instead of just melting flat. Definitely trying this!
Bacon on bread = yes.
Why broil after baking bacon? Just cook everything together—waste of time and dishes. But yeah, I ate it anyway.
I must’ve done something wrong. My cheese didn’t melt and it looked sad. 1/5.
I followed it mostly, but my bacon took longer than 10 minutes. Still turned out great and the bagel + bacon + cheese combo is unbeatable.
Simple enough, but I had to watch the broiler closely. Mine went from melted to a little too brown in like 90 seconds. Still tasty though!
Ugh, broilers are so unpredictable—90 seconds sounds about right for going from perfect to “oops.” Next time I’d probably broil closer to 2 minutes and keep the oven light on the whole time.
Nooo I bet your broiler was too hot 😅 Also why 350 then broil—seems like too much heat. I think I’d toast the bagels first then add cheese last, so it doesn’t burn.
Way too much meat for me 😅 but my roommate loved it. Bagels were hot and cheesy, and the bacon turned out properly crisp.
Bacon on top *and* cheese underneath? Honestly kinda genius. I’ll make it again.
Right?! The bacon on top gets all crispy, and the cheese underneath actually melts into everything. It’s like a messy breakfast sandwich but better 😄
I think using both cheddar and mozzarella might be overkill, but it totally melted nicely. The bacon was the star. 10/10 would do again.
Wow, easy and honestly looks fancy. My kids devoured them. I did add a tiny sprinkle of garlic powder and it was chef’s kiss.
These bagels are the bomb! I used pepper jack cheese instead. 🍳🥯
Broiler step scared me but I did it anyway 😅. Next time I’ll watch it like a hawk. Flavor is still amazing though!
I think this recipe might be missing something…maybe some seasoning? It just seems plain.
I agree! A sprinkle of garlic powder or some herbs would really elevate this dish. Can’t hurt to try!
Nah, I think they will taste fine like this. Bacon and cheese are overpowering enough!
I don’t get why folks put cheese on bagels. Isn’t that a crime in the bagel world? 2/5.
Looks good. Gonna try. Pls don’t burn it tho 😂
How do you broil? Is it like baking? I’m new to cooking.
This is basically breakfast pizza but on bagels. I don’t hate that at all. Super satisfying, especially right out of the oven.
These came out insanely good. The bacon got nice and crisp and the cheese turned all melty and bubbly—exactly what I wanted for brunch. Will make again!