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This hearty mini bagel breakfast slider recipe has been my weekend brunch savior for years. Perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests with minimal effort, these sliders combine all the classic breakfast flavors in fun, handheld bites.
I first made these bagel sliders when hosting an impromptu brunch for unexpected visitors. The delighted looks on everyone's faces as they bit into these little sandwiches convinced me to add them to my regular rotation.
Ingredients
- Mini bagels: Their compact size makes them perfect for sliders while the chewy texture stands up to the fillings
- Eggs: The foundation of our breakfast sliders providing protein and that classic morning comfort
- Bacon: Adds smoky crispness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy eggs
- Cream cheese: Creates a flavor barrier that prevents the bagels from getting soggy while adding rich tanginess
- Cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly and adds sharp flavor that complements the eggs and bacon
- Milk: Makes the eggs fluffier and more tender
- Chives: Fresh herbal notes that brighten the rich filling
- Seasoning mix: Transforms ordinary bagels into everything bagels with minimal effort
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat your baking dish with cooking spray. Make sure to cover all surfaces to prevent sticking which would tear the delicate bagels during serving.
- Beat the Eggs:
- In a large bowl whisk eggs and milk vigorously until the mixture becomes light and frothy. This incorporates air which will give you fluffier scrambled eggs. Continue beating for at least one full minute for best texture.
- Cook the Bacon:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and arrange bacon slices without overlapping. Cook until the bacon reaches your preferred level of crispness typically 5 to 7 minutes turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease but save about a tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- Pour your egg mixture into the skillet with bacon fat and immediately reduce heat to medium low. This gentle cooking prevents tough overcooked eggs. Stir occasionally with a spatula using broad sweeping motions to create large soft curds. When eggs are almost set but still slightly wet season with salt and pepper and fold in the chives.
- Assemble the Base Layer:
- Spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese on each bagel bottom. The cream cheese acts as a moisture barrier preventing soggy bagels. Arrange these bagel bottoms side by side in your prepared baking dish making sure they fit snugly.
- Layer the Fillings:
- Top each cream cheese covered bagel with a portion of your scrambled eggs. Break the bacon slices to fit and place on top of the eggs. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over all sliders ensuring good coverage.
- Add Bagel Tops and Seasoning:
- Place the bagel tops over the cheese layer. In a small bowl mix melted butter with dried onion granulated garlic sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Brush this mixture generously over all bagel tops which will create a golden crunchy flavorful crust.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are golden brown. The covered portion helps melt the cheese while the uncovered time creates the perfect bagel top texture.
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The dried onion in the topping mixture is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when I ran out of fresh onions one morning and now I actually prefer it this way. The flavor distributes more evenly and you avoid the sometimes harsh bite of raw onion.
Make-Ahead Options
These bagel breakfast sliders are perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the entire dish the night before cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning simply let the dish sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while your oven preheats then bake as directed adding about 5 minutes to the covered baking time. Alternatively bake the sliders completely allow them to cool then wrap individually in foil. They reheat beautifully in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or 30 seconds in the microwave.
Creative Variations
The beauty of these breakfast sliders lies in their adaptability. For a southwestern twist add diced green chilies and substitute pepper jack for the cheddar. Create a Mediterranean version with feta spinach and sun dried tomatoes. For vegetarian guests skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach. You can even go gourmet with smoked salmon capers and dill instead of bacon. Whatever combination you choose keep the cream cheese base which helps prevent soggy bagels.
Serving Suggestions
While these sliders are a complete meal on their own pairing them with complementary sides elevates the experience. Fresh fruit particularly berries or citrus segments adds a bright acidic contrast. A simple green salad dressed with light vinaigrette balances the richness. For brunches offer a variety of dipping sauces like maple syrup hot sauce or avocado cream. I like to serve them on a large wooden board allowing guests to grab their own which creates an inviting casual atmosphere perfect for weekend gatherings.
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Enjoy these irresistible bagel breakfast sliders as a weekend brunch centerpiece or a quick satisfying weekday meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders in advance and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Bake them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → What other fillings can I use?
You can customize the sliders with cooked sausage, ham, or even sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms as alternatives to bacon.
- → Can I use full-sized bagels instead of mini bagels?
Yes, full-sized bagels can work as a substitute. You may need to adjust the amounts of filling to suit their larger size.
- → How do I keep the bagels from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, ensure the scrambled eggs and bacon are well-drained of excess moisture or grease before assembly.
- → What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the sliders in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until they are warm and crispy again. This preserves the texture better than microwaving.