Here’s a simple, bakery-style recipe for Everything Bagel Bits — soft, chewy, and filled with warm cream cheese (optional) with that classic everything-bagel flavor.

Everything Bagel Bits

Ingredients

For the dough (quick version):

1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt

For boiling:

6 cups water
1 tablespoon brown sugar or baking soda

For the topping:

1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
Everything bagel seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

Optional filling:

4 oz cream cheese, cold and cut into small cubes

Instructions

Step 1: Make the dough

In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
Add flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead 3–5 minutes until smooth.
Cover and let rise about 45–60 minutes, or until doubled.

Step 2: Prep the filling (optional)

Cut cold cream cheese into small ½-inch cubes and keep chilled.

Step 3: Shape the bagel bits

Punch down the dough and divide into 16 pieces.
Flatten each piece into a small round.
If filling, place a cream cheese cube in the center and pinch dough closed tightly.
Roll into a smooth ball, seam side down.

Step 4: Boil the bits

Bring water and brown sugar or baking soda to a boil.
Drop dough balls in batches and boil 30 seconds.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Top and bake

Brush each dough ball with egg wash.
Sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown.

Serve

Serve warm as snacks or appetizers.
Great dipped in cream cheese, garlic butter, or ranch.

Tips

Seal filled dough well so cream cheese stays inside.
Boiling with baking soda gives them a deeper bagel flavor.
These freeze well; reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

If you want, I can give you a homemade everything seasoning mix or a cinnamon-sugar version too.