Everything Bagel Pull Apart Bread

I have an obsession with bread. Now let’s mix that with one of my all time favorite breakfast foods: bagels!! As a child I would request plain bagels, nothin’ in it, nothin’ on it! I have since expanded my pallet and love a fresh, toasted everything bagel with cream cheese. This appetizer truly gives you the perfect bite every time. It is a labor of love but COMPLETELY worth it! I would recommend making when you have at least 4 people around but no judgment can serve 2!

Time: Very long… about 3 hours of dough rising, 40 mins of baking and 20-30 mins active. I promise it’s worth it!!

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ C all purpose flour
  • 1 C lukewarm water
  • 1 Tbsp.  honey
  • 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp active dry or rapid rise yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 6 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 Tbsps. of Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
  • 1 egg
  • 2 Tbsps. melted butter
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder

Directions:

  • Measure the flour into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
  • Combine the water, honey, oil and yeast and let sit for five minutes or until the yeast starts to foam.
  • Add the yeast mixture to the flour and mix on low speed for 5 minutes. The dough should be just a little sticky.
  • Turn the mixer off and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
  • Add the salt and mix on medium for six minutes.
  • Remove dough from mixer and work into a rough ball with your hands. Transfer to a well-oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for two hours or until doubled in size.
  • Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface, being gentle and trying not to work it too much. Pat into a rectangle and divide into equal portions about 30-36 pieces.
  • Take a portion of dough and flatten into a disc shape. Place about roughly a teaspoon of cream cheese in the center. Pinch the dough together to full encase the cream cheese, rolling each one in your hands to shape into balls.
  • Repeat with each dough portion. This is the labor of love!
  • Arrange balls slightly touching in a greased cast iron skillet (10 inch) or baking dish (8X8).
  • Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for one hour or until puffed and crowding the pan.
  • Beat the egg with 1 tsp of water and brush the tops of the dough lightly with the egg wash. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning very generously!!
  • Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. The tops will be a deep, golden brown
  • Because this needs more butter…combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and salt. Brush evenly over the top of the baked bread.
  • Eat on their own or dip in marinara sauce, butter, cheese dip, green chili queso or whatever your heart desires!
  • Now serve it up and there is no polite way to eat this so dig in and rip off a bite, or two or three…
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.