Description
Comfort meets gourmet in these spinach artichoke bagel melts, where creamy cheese and tender vegetables dance atop golden bagels. Melted provolone and herb-infused spread create a luxurious lunch that delivers pure satisfaction in every savory bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Bagel Base:
- 4 bagels (plain or everything)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Filling and Topping:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, creating an ideal environment for transforming ordinary bagels into crispy, cheesy delights.
- Slice bagels horizontally, creating two even halves that will serve as the perfect canvas for the creamy spinach artichoke topping.
- Brush each bagel half with olive oil, ensuring a golden, slightly crisp exterior when baked.
- In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, creating a smooth and flavorful base.
- Carefully fold chopped artichoke hearts and fresh spinach into the cream cheese mixture, distributing ingredients evenly.
- Generously spread the spinach-artichoke cream cheese mixture across each bagel half, covering the surface completely.
- Sprinkle a lavish layer of mozzarella cheese over the filled bagels, followed by a dusting of parmesan for an extra flavor punch.
- Transfer bagel halves to a baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven, baking for 12-15 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped chives for a bright, herbal finish if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm and gooey, enjoying the perfect blend of crispy bagel and creamy, cheesy topping.
Notes
- Select bagels with firm texture to prevent sogginess and maintain structural integrity during baking.
- For gluten-free option, replace traditional bagels with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower or almond flour bagels.
- Consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to reduce fat content while maintaining creamy consistency.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère or fontina for unique flavor profiles and enhanced melting properties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg