Sweet & Spicy Morning Bliss: Hot Honey Butter Cream Cheese Stuffed Bagel Recipe

There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a bagel. But let’s be honest, sometimes the same old cream cheese spread can get a little… boring. That’s where this recipe comes in. We’re taking the classic bagel and cream cheese combo and kicking it up a notch with a homemade hot honey butter cream cheese filling that’s sweet, spicy, creamy, and utterly addictive. Imagine the chewy goodness of a toasted bagel giving way to a cool, tangy cream cheese infused with the warm spice of chili flakes and the golden sweetness of honey. Sounds amazing, right? Well, it is! This Hot Honey Butter Cream Cheese Stuffed Bagel recipe is surprisingly easy to make and will quickly become your new go-to breakfast (or brunch, or even a satisfying snack!).

This recipe is perfect for:

* **Weekend brunch:** Impress your friends and family with a unique and delicious bagel spread.
* **Weekday indulgence:** Treat yourself to a little something special on a busy morning.
* **Elevated bagel bar:** Add this to your bagel bar spread for a fun and customizable breakfast experience.
* **Hot honey lovers:** If you’re a fan of the sweet and spicy flavor combination, you’ll absolutely adore this recipe.

## What Makes This Recipe So Good?

Several factors contribute to the irresistible deliciousness of this stuffed bagel:

* **The Hot Honey Butter Cream Cheese:** This is the star of the show. The combination of cream cheese, butter, honey, chili flakes, and a touch of salt creates a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exciting.
* **Texture Contrast:** The chewy bagel, the smooth and creamy filling, and the slightly crunchy toasted exterior create a delightful textural experience.
* **Customizable Spice Level:** You can adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the heat level, making it perfect for any palate.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive flavor, this recipe is incredibly simple and quick to prepare.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

**For the Hot Honey Butter Cream Cheese Filling:**

* **8 ounces Cream Cheese:** Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and texture, but you can use reduced-fat if you prefer.
* **4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter:** Also softened to room temperature. The butter adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
* **2-3 tablespoons Honey:** Use a good quality honey for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount to your liking, depending on how sweet you want the filling.
* **1/2 – 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Chili Flakes):** This is where the heat comes from! Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste. For a milder flavor, you can remove some of the seeds from the chili flakes.
* **1/4 teaspoon Salt:** Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* **Optional: 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder:** Adds a savory depth to the cream cheese. Use sparingly, as it can easily overpower the other flavors.

**For the Bagels:**

* **2 Bagels:** Choose your favorite type of bagel! Everything bagels, sesame bagels, plain bagels, or even cinnamon raisin bagels all work well with this filling.
* **Optional: Everything Bagel Seasoning:** For sprinkling on top after toasting.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part – making the Hot Honey Butter Cream Cheese Stuffed Bagels! Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed delicious result:

**Step 1: Prepare the Hot Honey Butter Cream Cheese Filling**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Use an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer) or a sturdy whisk to beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. Add the honey, red pepper flakes (chili flakes), salt, and optional garlic powder to the bowl.
3. Mix everything together until well combined and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want it sweeter, add a little more honey. If you want it spicier, add a few more chili flakes.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cream cheese to firm up slightly, making it easier to spread.

**Step 2: Prepare the Bagels**

1. While the cream cheese mixture is chilling, prepare the bagels. Slice each bagel in half horizontally.
2. If desired, lightly toast the bagel halves in a toaster or toaster oven until golden brown and slightly crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

**Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Bagels**

1. Remove the hot honey butter cream cheese filling from the refrigerator.
2. Generously spread the cream cheese mixture onto both halves of each toasted bagel.
3. If desired, sprinkle the cream cheese with extra red pepper flakes or everything bagel seasoning for added flavor and texture.
4. Place the top half of the bagel over the cream cheese filling.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Serve the Hot Honey Butter Cream Cheese Stuffed Bagels immediately and enjoy the sweet, spicy, and creamy goodness! These are best enjoyed fresh, but the cream cheese can be made ahead of time.

## Tips for Success

* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Softened cream cheese and butter are crucial for creating a smooth and creamy filling. Take them out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you start.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the cream cheese can result in a runny texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Start with a small amount of red pepper flakes and add more to taste. Remember that the spice will intensify as the filling sits.
* **Toast the Bagels:** Toasting the bagels adds a nice crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy.
* **Make Ahead:** The hot honey butter cream cheese filling can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Feel free to add other toppings to your bagels, such as chopped nuts, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of extra honey.

## Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly customizable! Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:

* **Different Types of Honey:** Experiment with different types of honey, such as wildflower honey, buckwheat honey, or orange blossom honey, to add unique flavor notes.
* **Infused Honey:** Use a pre-made infused honey, such as lavender honey or rosemary honey, for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** If you don’t have honey, you can substitute maple syrup. Start with a smaller amount, as maple syrup is sweeter than honey.
* **Different Types of Cream Cheese:** Try using flavored cream cheese, such as chive and onion cream cheese or strawberry cream cheese, for a different flavor profile.
* **Vegan Cream Cheese:** For a vegan option, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
* **Add-Ins:** Incorporate other ingredients into the cream cheese mixture, such as chopped bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
* **Gluten-Free Bagels:** Use gluten-free bagels for a gluten-free option.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning Substitute:** If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning, you can make your own by combining equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and sea salt flakes.

## Serving Suggestions

This Hot Honey Butter Cream Cheese Stuffed Bagel is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

* **Serve with a Side of Fresh Fruit:** A bowl of berries, sliced melon, or a fruit salad pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy bagel.
* **Pair with a Cup of Coffee or Tea:** The flavors of the bagel complement a warm beverage beautifully.
* **Make it a Brunch Spread:** Include other brunch favorites, such as scrambled eggs, bacon, and pancakes, for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Cut into Smaller Pieces for Appetizers:** These bagels can be cut into smaller pieces and served as appetizers at a party or gathering.
* **Pack for a Picnic:** These bagels are easy to transport and make a great addition to a picnic basket.

## Storage Instructions

* **Leftover Cream Cheese Filling:** Store leftover hot honey butter cream cheese filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it soften slightly before spreading.
* **Assembled Bagels:** It’s best to enjoy the assembled bagels immediately. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bagels may become slightly soggy, so it’s best to reheat them in a toaster oven before serving.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
Yes, you can make the hot honey butter cream cheese filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also slice the bagels ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble the bagels just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
* **Can I freeze the cream cheese filling?**
Freezing cream cheese can change its texture, so it’s not recommended. The filling is best when made fresh.
* **How do I adjust the spice level?**
Start with a small amount of red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon) and add more to taste. Remember that the spice will intensify as the filling sits. You can also remove some of the seeds from the chili flakes for a milder flavor.
* **What type of honey should I use?**
Use a good quality honey for the best flavor. You can experiment with different types of honey, such as wildflower honey, buckwheat honey, or orange blossom honey.
* **Can I use a different type of bagel?**
Yes, you can use any type of bagel you like! Everything bagels, sesame bagels, plain bagels, or even cinnamon raisin bagels all work well with this filling.
* **Can I make this recipe vegan?**
Yes, you can use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and ensure that your honey is vegan-friendly (some honey production practices are considered non-vegan).

## Hot Honey Butter Cream Cheese Stuffed Bagel Recipe

This recipe is easily printable for all your culinary adventures:

**Yields:** 2 stuffed bagels
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 5 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
* 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened
* 2-3 tablespoons Honey
* 1/2 – 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Chili Flakes)
* 1/4 teaspoon Salt
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
* 2 Bagels
* Optional: Everything Bagel Seasoning

**Instructions:**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Beat until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and optional garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Slice each bagel in half horizontally.
5. Toast the bagel halves until golden brown.
6. Remove the cream cheese mixture from the refrigerator.
7. Generously spread the cream cheese mixture onto both halves of each toasted bagel.
8. Sprinkle with extra red pepper flakes or everything bagel seasoning, if desired.
9. Place the top half of the bagel over the cream cheese filling.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Conclusion

This Hot Honey Butter Cream Cheese Stuffed Bagel recipe is a game-changer. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy, and it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a unique brunch idea or a satisfying snack, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to experience bagel bliss! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using #HotHoneyBagel – we can’t wait to see your delicious masterpieces!