Bushra Griffith
Melting cheese on a bagel in the oven is a simple process. The best cheeses to use are those with a low melting point, such as cream cheese, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere. You can also use cheddar for a punch of flavor. It is recommended to slice the bagel 2/3 of the way up and push the center to the sides to make room for the cheese. You can then bake the bagel at 180C/350F for 10-15 minutes, or until the bagel is deep golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted. If you want to avoid the bagel drying out, you can brush it with garlic butter before baking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 180C/350F or 450 degrees |
| Baking time | 10-15 minutes or 5 minutes |
| Cheese type | Cheesestring, mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, provolone, reduced-fat shredded mozzarella, parmesan |
| Other ingredients | Butter, ham, tomato, herbs, garlic, parsley, fried onions |
| Method | Slice bagel, add cheese, bake, broil, grill, or fry |
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What You'll Learn
Oven temperature and timing
First, preheat your oven. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, but a good range seems to be between 350°F and 500°F (180°C and 260°C). For example, one source recommends baking at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, while another suggests a hotter oven at 450°F (232°C).
If you're using a conventional oven, a temperature of 500°F (260°C) is recommended by one source, who suggests starting with a cooking time of 5 minutes, checking after 3 minutes to ensure the bagel doesn't burn. This higher temperature may be more suitable if your bagel is cold and untoasted, as it will heat the bagel and melt the cheese more quickly, reducing the risk of drying out the bagel.
However, it's important to note that oven temperatures can vary, and the ideal time and temperature combination may require some experimentation. If your cheese is not browning, you can try increasing the temperature or cooking time. On the other hand, if your bagel is burning but the cheese isn't fully melted, you may need to lower the temperature, open the oven door momentarily to release some heat, or switch to a straight broil setting.
Additionally, the type of cheese you use will impact the melting process. Cheesestrings, for instance, are recommended by one source as they melt perfectly into a gooey, stringy texture without drying out the bagel. Other suitable cheeses include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, and cheddar, which adds a punch of flavor.
Finally, consider the toppings and fillings you plan to use. If you're adding ingredients like ham, bacon, or fried onions, they may impact the overall cooking time and temperature needed. It's important to keep an eye on your bagel to ensure it doesn't burn, and adjust the oven settings as needed.
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Cheese type
When melting cheese on a bagel in the oven, the type of cheese you use is important. Some cheeses melt better than others, and some have a lower melting point, meaning they will melt faster. You can use any type of melty cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gruyere.
Cream cheese is a good option for bagels as it has a low melting point, meaning it will melt quickly and easily, and has a gooey texture. It also pairs well with bagels, especially when combined with a stronger-flavoured cheese like cheddar, which adds a punch of flavour. You can also use Cheesestrings, which fit perfectly in the centre of a bagel and have a great gooey, stringy texture when melted.
If you are making an everything bagel, be aware that the seeds may burn in the oven, so it is recommended to use a plain bagel and brush with garlic butter to add flavour. You can also add herbs to your bagel melt for extra flavour.
For a more indulgent option, you can stuff your bagel with cheese. To do this, slice the bagel about two-thirds of the way up and use your thumbs to push the centre of the bagel outwards, making room for the cheese. You can then fill the cavity with cheese, add the top slice back on, and brush with garlic butter before baking in the oven.
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Bagel type
The type of bagel you use can affect how well your cheese melts and how your bagel cooks. For example, if you use a seeded bagel, the seeds may burn due to direct contact with the pan.
Regular bagels are recommended for this recipe, as they are brushed with garlic butter. However, you can use other varieties if you prefer, such as sesame-seeded or everything bagels. Everything bagels are seasoned and can add flavour to the sandwich.
If you are making an open-faced bagel, you can simply grill the bagel and melt the cheese on top. If you are making a closed bagel, you can melt the cheese on one half under the grill and then place the other half on top.
You can also slice the bagel about two-thirds of the way up and push the centre to the outside to make room for the cheese. This method can be used to stuff the bagel with cheese and is recommended for cheesestrings, which have a gooey, stringy texture when they melt.
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Additional toppings
Bagels are a versatile food, and there are endless possibilities for toppings. Here are some ideas for additional toppings to go with your melted cheese bagel:
Savoury Toppings
If you're looking for something savoury, try spreading some cream cheese on your bagel and topping it with sliced cucumbers. You can also add sliced tomatoes, creating a Caprese-style bagel with the addition of mozzarella cheese and pesto sauce. For a more substantial meal, turn your bagel into a pizza by adding sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, ham, sausage, bell peppers, and onions. If you're feeling adventurous, try spreading hummus on your bagel and topping it with veggies. Another option is to spread some peanut butter or nut/seed butter on your bagel and topping it with sliced avocado and eggs cooked to your preference.
Sweet Toppings
For those with a sweet tooth, consider spreading cream cheese on your bagel and sprinkling it with cinnamon and sugar, or combining it with honey. Fresh fruits such as strawberries, blackberries, and other berries also pair well with cream cheese. If you're craving something extra sweet, spread some Nutella or your favourite hazelnut spread on your bagel. Jams, jellies, preserves, and marmalades are also delicious options, especially when paired with cream cheese or peanut butter.
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Avoiding burning
To avoid burning your bagel, it is recommended to use a low to medium heat. If you are frying your bagel, a lid should be placed on the pan to help circulate the hot air and ensure the cheese melts before the bagel burns. If the bagel is browning too quickly, simply lower the heat.
When melting cheese on a bagel in the oven, it is best to use a temperature of around 350°F/180°C for 10-15 minutes. If the bagel is burning but the cheese is not yet melted, you can try lowering the temperature, opening the oven door, or switching to a straight broil.
If you are using a toaster oven, you can apply heat directly to the cheese to ensure the bagel does not dry out. If you are using a conventional oven, you can try placing the bagel on the top rack to achieve a similar effect.
To prevent burning, it is also important to consider the type of bagel you are using. Bagels with seeds or grains are more likely to burn, so plain bagels are recommended.
Finally, brushing the bagel with butter before placing it in the oven can help prevent it from drying out and burning.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to melt cheese on a bagel in the oven is to first slice the bagel about two-thirds of the way up and place the top slice to one side. Then, use your thumbs to push the centre of the bagel outwards to make room for the cheese. Finally, place the bagel in the oven at 180C/350F for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Cheesestrings are a great option as they fit perfectly in the centre of the bagel and have a gooey, stringy texture when melted. Other good options include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, and cheddar.
To prevent your bagel from drying out, brush it with butter before placing it in the oven. You can also try using a lower temperature and checking on the bagel frequently to ensure it doesn't burn.
