Cream Cheese Everything Bagel Bites

What you’ll need

Let’s do this

1. 1

   Make the dough

   Mix the bread flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the lukewarm water and oil. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then cover and let rise for about 60 minutes, until doubled. Do not taste raw dough.

2. 2

   Prepare the filling

   Cut the cold cream cheese into 16 equal cubes, about 14 g each. Keep them refrigerated while the dough rises.

3. 3

   Fill and seal

   Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Using the shaping flour sparingly, flatten each piece into a 3-inch round. Place a cream cheese cube in the center, gather the dough around it, and pinch the seam tightly closed. Keep cheese off the seam so the dough can stick to itself.

4. 4

   Give the bites a short rise

   Line two 13 × 18-inch baking sheets with parchment and arrange 8 rounds on each, seam side down with 2 inches between them. Cover loosely and leave for 20 minutes. Set racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and heat to 400°F/205°C.

5. 5

   Top and bake

   Beat the egg with the tablespoon of water. Brush a thin layer over each bite and sprinkle evenly with the everything seasoning. Bake both trays for 18–22 minutes, rotating front to back and swapping rack positions halfway through. The bites should be evenly golden with fully baked bread around the filling. Cut one open if needed to check for gummy dough; allow extra time if needed.

6. 6

   Cool before eating

   Let the bites cool for at least 10 minutes before serving; the enclosed filling can be much hotter than the outside.