Delicious Quiche Stuffed Bagels

This quiche stuffed bagel recipe transforms ordinary breakfast bagels into delicious savory treats filled with a creamy egg mixture, crispy bacon, and melty cheese that will revolutionize your morning routine. The combination of traditional quiche filling baked into sturdy bagel halves creates perfect handheld breakfast options that are as impressive to serve as they are delicious to eat.

I first created these stuffed bagels when hosting a brunch for friends, wanting something more substantial than regular bagels but easier to serve than a traditional quiche. Now they've become my signature dish that everyone requests when they visit for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

• Plain bagels: The sturdy base that holds all the delicious filling. Choose fresh bakery bagels if possible for the best texture and flavor.
• Large eggs: The star ingredient that creates the custard-like filling. Farm-fresh eggs will give the richest color and flavor.
• Heavy cream and milk: This combination creates the perfect quiche consistency. The fat content ensures a silky, tender texture.
• Cooked bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture contrast. Thick-cut bacon works best for more pronounced flavor.
• Red onion: Provides aromatic flavor and slight crunch. Look for firm onions with tight, shiny skin for the freshest taste.
• Shredded cheese: Creates gooey pockets throughout the filling. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
• Fresh chives: Adds bright, mild onion flavor and beautiful color. Garden-fresh herbs will provide the most vibrant taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. Make sure all your ingredients are measured and ready before you start the assembly process.

Create The Quiche Mixture:

In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, and pepper until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. The whisking incorporates air into the eggs which helps them rise slightly during baking for a lighter texture.

Add The Flavorful Mix-Ins:

Gently fold in the crispy bacon pieces, finely chopped red onion, shredded cheese, and fresh chives. Distribute these ingredients evenly throughout the egg mixture to ensure every bagel gets equal amounts of these delicious add-ins.

Prepare The Bagels:

Arrange your halved bagels cut side up on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each one. The bagels should be fresh but not too soft, as they need to hold the filling without becoming soggy.

Fill The Bagel Centers:

Carefully pour the egg mixture into each bagel half, filling the center depression completely and allowing some to spill over onto the cut surface. The egg mixture will set during baking, creating a beautiful domed top.

Bake To Golden Perfection:

Place the filled bagels in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the egg filling is completely set and the tops are lightly golden. You may notice some puffing as they bake, which is perfectly normal.

Rest Before Serving:

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the quiche bagels to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the eggs to fully set and makes them easier to handle.

Pin it

The bacon in this recipe is what truly transforms these bagels into something special. I discovered this combination while experimenting with leftover bagels one Sunday morning, and the way the smoky flavor permeates through the creamy egg mixture creates the perfect balance. My husband now requests these every weekend, calling them "the ultimate breakfast sandwich."

Storage Tips

These quiche-stuffed bagels maintain their delicious flavor and texture for up to 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. To store, allow them to cool completely before placing in an airtight container with paper towels between layers to absorb any moisture. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, wrap each cooled bagel individually in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months.

Pin it

Easy Substitutions

This versatile recipe welcomes many ingredient swaps to match your preferences or pantry availability. Try spinach and feta for a Mediterranean twist, or substitute ham for bacon if preferred. Dairy-free alternatives work surprisingly well here too. Replace the heavy cream and milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, though the texture will be slightly less creamy. For vegetarian options, swap the bacon for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or plant-based bacon alternatives. Gluten-free bagels can be substituted without any other recipe modifications.

Serving Suggestions

These quiche bagels pair beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments that balance their richness. Serve alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a complete brunch. For a more substantial meal, add fresh fruit, crispy hash browns, or roasted breakfast potatoes. Consider setting up a dipping sauce bar with salsa, hot sauce, hollandaise, or herb-infused sour cream to let guests customize their experience. For special occasions, accompany with mimosas or a spicy Bloody Mary for a restaurant-quality brunch at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use flavored bagels for this dish?

Yes, flavored bagels like onion or everything bagels add extra depth of flavor to the dish.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the egg mixture and store it covered in the fridge. Assemble and bake the bagels when ready to serve.

→ Can I substitute bacon with another ingredient?

Absolutely, you can use sausage crumbles, ham, or even a vegetarian alternative like mushrooms.

→ How do I prevent the egg mixture from spilling off the bagels?

Place the bagels on a level baking sheet and pour the mixture slowly into the center of each bagel half.

→ What cheese works best in this dish?

Cheddar and Swiss cheese are great options, but you can experiment with your favorite melting cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.