Name: Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ⅔ cup finely chopped artichoke hearts; ⅔ cup finely chopped spinach; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish; 1 garlic clove, minced; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus extra for garnish; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 bagels, halved

These Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bagels transform a beloved dip into a satisfying meal or appetizer. With melted cheese, savory artichokes, and vibrant spinach atop toasted bagels, this dish combines comfort food appeal with fresh flavors for a quick and impressive treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the beloved flavors of spinach artichoke dip and transforms them into a hearty, satisfying meal or appetizer. The creamy, cheesy topping melts perfectly over toasted bagels, creating a delightful contrast of textures. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, weekend brunches, or casual entertaining. These bagels also offer a creative way to incorporate vegetables into a meal that will appeal to even picky eaters. The versatility of this dish means you can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or as an appetizing starter for dinner parties.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese forms the rich, creamy base of the topping, providing a smooth texture and tangy flavor that holds all the other ingredients together.
Mozzarella cheese adds that irresistible stretch factor when melted, creating those picture-perfect cheese pulls while contributing a mild flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.
Parmesan cheese brings a sharp, nutty flavor dimension that deepens the overall taste profile of the topping and adds a wonderful umami quality.
Artichoke hearts deliver a tender texture and subtle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheeses, making this dish reminiscent of classic spinach artichoke dip.
Spinach contributes vibrant color, slight texture, and nutritional value, while its mild flavor works wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy components.
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous notes that brighten the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Garlic infuses the cheese mixture with aromatic depth and savory notes that enhance all the other ingredients.
Red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat that cuts through the richness of the cheeses and adds a pleasant warmth to each bite.
Bagels serve as the sturdy, chewy base for the topping, with their slightly crisp exterior providing the perfect contrast to the creamy mixture on top.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, artichoke hearts, spinach, ⅔ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper and mix until fully incorporated.
Place bagel halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Spread each half evenly with the spinach-artichoke cheese mixture. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until bagels are heated through and cheese is melted. Broil briefly if desired for extra browning.
Garnish with extra chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings (4 bagel halves) and takes about 22 minutes total to prepare and cook. The prep time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cook time of 12 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, making it suitable for a light meal when paired with a side salad or as a hearty appetizer for sharing.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Add Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and replace some of the mozzarella with feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
Everything Bagel Edition: Use everything bagels and sprinkle additional everything bagel seasoning over the cheese mixture before baking for extra flavor and texture.
Vegan Adaptation: Substitute plant-based cream cheese and vegan cheese alternatives, ensuring they’re varieties that melt well for the best texture.
Spicy Version: Double the red pepper flakes and add diced jalapeños to the mixture for those who enjoy more heat.
Herb Garden: Enhance the herbs by adding fresh basil, dill, or chives to the mixture for a more pronounced herbal profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover prepared bagels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked topped bagels for up to 1 month.
Refrigerating the Mixture: If you want to prepare just the spinach artichoke topping ahead of time, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days before spreading on bagels and baking.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated bagels in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the bagels tough.
From Frozen: To bake from frozen, place the topped bagels directly in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until thoroughly heated and cheese is bubbling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the cheese mixture. Use about 1/3 cup of frozen spinach (after thawing and draining) to replace the 2/3 cup fresh chopped spinach.

What type of bagels work best for this recipe?

Plain, everything, or savory bagels like onion or garlic work wonderfully. Avoid sweet varieties like cinnamon raisin or blueberry, as they won’t complement the savory topping as well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the bagels and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is there a good substitute for artichoke hearts?

If you don’t have or don’t enjoy artichoke hearts, you can substitute with roasted bell peppers, water chestnuts for crunch, or extra spinach. Each will change the flavor profile slightly but will still result in a delicious topping.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese works in this recipe, though the mixture won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Avoid fat-free cream cheese as it doesn’t melt as well and can become watery.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute gluten-free bagels for regular ones. The cheese mixture itself contains no gluten ingredients, making this an easy adaptation for those with gluten sensitivities.

What can I serve with these bagels to make a complete meal?

These bagels pair beautifully with a light green salad, a cup of tomato soup, or fresh fruit for a balanced meal. They’re also great alongside a brunch spread with eggs.

Can I use the broiler to finish these bagels?

Yes, after baking, you can place the bagels under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve a more golden, slightly crispy top. Just watch them closely as they can burn quickly.

What other cheeses could I use in this recipe?

Gruyère, white cheddar, or fontina would all be excellent substitutions for some or all of the mozzarella. Each brings its own flavor profile while still providing that desirable melt factor.

Can I turn this into a cold dip instead of a bagel topping?

Absolutely! Simply mix all the ingredients as directed but omit the bagels. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld, then serve with bagel chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bagels are the perfect marriage of convenience and comfort food. By transforming a beloved dip into a substantial meal or appetizer, this recipe provides a versatile option for any time of day. The combination of creamy cheeses, savory vegetables, and toasty bagels creates a satisfying bite that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re hosting friends for brunch, looking for a quick dinner solution, or simply craving something indulgent yet balanced, these bagels deliver on flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. Give them a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations to make this recipe your own special creation.

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bagels