Asiago Cheese Bagel Recipe – Soft, Chewy & Cheesy Homemade Bagels

The asiago cheese bagel recipe has always been one of my favorite baking experiences at home. I still remember the first time I tried this recipe the nutty aroma of Asiago cheese melting on top of freshly baked bagels filled my kitchen with a smell so irresistible that I couldn’t wait to taste them. The result was golden-brown bagels with a cheesy crust on the outside and a perfectly soft, chewy inside.

When I tasted them, the flavor felt bold yet balanced, cheesy but not overpowering. What makes this recipe truly special is that it combines the simplicity of bagels with the richness of Asiago cheese, turning an everyday snack into something gourmet. Whether you’re preparing breakfast for your family, making a quick snack, or hosting a brunch, these bagels will always impress.

The Fascinating History Behind Asiago Cheese Bagels

Bagels originated in 17th-century Poland as dense, ring-shaped bread popular among Jewish communities. Brought to America by immigrants, they soon became a breakfast staple. Asiago cheese, known for its nutty, sharp flavor, hails from Italy. In the late 20th century, bakeries began topping bagels with Asiago, creating the cheesy classic we enjoy today.

What is Asiago Cheese Bagel Recipe?

An Asiago cheese bagel is simply a classic bagel topped with freshly shredded Asiago cheese before baking. The cheese melts and bakes into a golden crust, giving the bagel a nutty, savory taste while keeping the inside chewy. It’s versatile you can enjoy it plain, spread it with cream cheese, or use it to build hearty breakfast sandwiches.

What Makes This Bagel Recipe So Special

You’ll love this recipe because it’s both easy to make and full of flavor. The chewy texture of homemade bagels paired with the crispy, cheesy topping makes every bite satisfying. Plus, baking them at home gives you complete control over freshness and ingredients—something store-bought bagels can’t match.

Equipment You’ll Need

To prepare this recipe at home, you don’t need anything fancy. Just gather a few kitchen essentials:

• Mixing Bowls for combining ingredients and preparing the dough.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons to ensure accuracy in the recipe.
• Stand Mixer (optional) helpful for kneading, though you can knead by hand too.
• Large Pot for boiling the bagels before baking.
• Slotted Spoon to lift bagels out of boiling water without excess liquid.
• Baking Sheet to bake the bagels evenly.
• Parchment Paper prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Cooling Rack allows bagels to cool without becoming soggy.

Ingredients of Asiago Cheese Bagel Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to make fresh Asiago bagels at home:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese (half for dough, half for topping)
• 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling water)

How to Make Asiago Cheese Bagel Recipe (Step-by-Step)

1. Activate the Yeast

To start, mix one cup of warm water, a tablespoon of sugar, and two and a quarter teaspoons of active dry yeast in a medium bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until the mixture turns foamy. This shows that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. Prepare the Dough

Next, prepare the dough by combining four cups of bread flour and one and a half teaspoons of salt in a large bowl. Slowly add the yeast mixture along with a tablespoon of olive oil. Stir everything together until a sticky dough begins to form.

3. Knead the Dough

Now it’s time to knead. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead for around 6–7 minutes on medium speed for the same result.

4. Add the Cheese

Once the dough is ready, gently knead in one cup of shredded Asiago cheese. Mix just enough so that the cheese spreads evenly throughout the dough without overworking it.

5. First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

6. Shape the Bagels

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into eight equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Use your finger to poke a hole in the center of each ball, then gently stretch it to form the classic bagel shape.

7. Boil the Bagels

The next step is boiling, which gives bagels their chewy texture. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in a tablespoon of honey. Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water, a few at a time, and boil each one for about 1–2 minutes per side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

8. Top and Bake

Finally, top and bake the bagels. Generously sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded Asiago cheese over each bagel. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving warm and fresh.

Nutrition Information of Recipe

(Per bagel, approximately)

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg

How to Serve This Recipe

You can enjoy Asiago bagels fresh out of the oven, plain or with a spread of butter. They pair wonderfully with cream cheese, hummus, or avocado. For a more filling option, slice them and make sandwiches with eggs, bacon, turkey, or smoked salmon.

Benefits of This Recipe

• High in protein thanks to the flour and cheese.
• Homemade freshness with no preservatives.
• Budget-friendly compared to bakery prices.
• Customizable you can add more cheese, herbs, or toppings.

FAQs

Q1: Can I put cream cheese on my bagel?

Yes! Cream cheese is one of the best spreads for Asiago bagels, adding creaminess that balances the cheesy crust.

Q2: Can I freeze Asiago cheese bagels?

Yes. Once cooled, wrap them tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven or toaster before serving.

Q3: What is the difference between Asiago bagels and plain bagels?

Asiago bagels are topped with cheese, giving them a nutty, savory flavor, while plain bagels have a neutral taste.

Q4: How do I keep bagels soft and chewy?

Boiling before baking locks in the chewy texture, while storing them properly keeps them fresh.

Q5: Can I make smaller versions for snacks?

Definitely. Just divide the dough into smaller pieces and reduce baking time slightly.

Final Thoughts on Asiago Cheese Bagels

Making fresh bagels at home may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, it becomes a fun and rewarding experience. The combination of chewy texture and crispy, cheesy topping makes these bagels truly stand out. Once you try this asiago cheese bagel recipe, you’ll understand why it has become such a favorite for breakfast and snacks alike. Homemade always beats store-bought, and this recipe proves it every single time.