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How to Microwave Bagel With Cream Cheese

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Do you have leftover bagel with cream cheese on it? Soft and chewy bagel with smooth cream cheese is fabulous pairing that can never go wrong. 

It can be intimidating to toast bagel with cream cheese without burning or altering the taste. In fact, microwave bagels are actually a preferred method of warming compared to toasting for many people.

Can you microwave a bagel with cream cheese? Open up the bagel with cream cheese and place the pieces with the cream cheese side face up on a microwave-safe plate.

Set the appliance on high power for 10 seconds and check if the bagel is fully heated and continue for 10 second intervals until the cream cheese is slightly melted and the bagel reaches the desired warmth.

The microwave helps to soften the texture and make it more tasty. When creamy cheese is slightly melted, it absorbs into the bagel without burning the topping.

In this article, we are going to share step by step instructions to reheat a bagel with cream cheese in the microwave. Answered below are frequently asked questions including tips and guidelines to make any type of bagel with cream cheese taste fresh once again. 

Can I heat up a bagel with cream cheese?

Yes, you can heat up a bagel with cream cheese. Microwaving is recommended because toasting in a toaster may cause the cream cheese to burn inside the appliance.

Instead of sprinkling water to recover the bagel from staleness, the cream cheese actually can offer to make the bagel softer and more flavorful. 

The slightly runny cream cheese soaks into the bagel to restructure the starches in the bagel, make it easier to chew, and also eliminate the dried out texture. 

Can you put a bagel with cream cheese in the microwave?

Yes, you can put a bagel with cream cheese in the microwave. In fact, it is the recommended method instead of using a toaster oven to warm a bagel that has cream cheese on it.

Microwave prevents from burning, but also helps to soften the cream cheese which results in a delicious bagel that complement well together.

As a result, a warm bagel with gooey cream cheese is mesmerizing. 

However, it is best to serve immediately and do not let it sit for more than 2 hours once the cream cheese has been warmed. Cream cheese is considered a perishable food that should be kept cold or consumed immediately after heating.

How long to microwave bagel with cream cheese?

When the bagel already contains topping or spread such as cream cheese, it can become tricky to reheat and should not be microwaved for a long time.

In general, it is recommended to shorten the intervals for 10 seconds at a time, and check frequently. The concern being the cream cheese does not run over completely and make a mess of the bagel. 

If the bagel with cream cheese is frozen or stored in the fridge, consider heating 10 seconds at a time and do not exceed 45 seconds in total. For best results, it is wise to defrost the bagel first before warming up. 

No matter how bagel with cream cheese is stored, always use 10 seconds rule to avoid any unwanted mistakes that can easily destroy your favorite bagel.

Tips to microwave bagel with cream cheese

When reheating bagels in the microwave, it takes out all the moisture and leaves a hard and chewy texture. That is why it is recommended to microwave bagel with cream cheese to keep the moist intact. 

Use these tips to properly microwave bagel with cream cheese:

  • Warm the bagel with cream cheese by opening up the slice facing up to speed up warming up and evenly heat.
  • Use a microwave-safe plate to reheat any bagels with topping. 
  • Wrap with a damp paper towel or loosely cover the bagel to add moisture and revive stale bagels.
  • Adjust the power to high or medium heat, and stick to a short time to reheat.
  • Do not overheat the bagel with cream cheese to prevent from melting the topping and creating a mess. Furthermore, overcooking will alter the texture by making it chewy and doughy.

Best way to microwave bagel with cream cheese

The best way to microwave bagel with cream cheese is to follow along the cut line of bagel and open up so the cream cheese side is facing up on a microwavable plate.

Microwave on high power for 10 seconds at a time. Frequently check the bagel to see if it is soft and the cream cheese is slightly runny, and continue with another 10 seconds if needed.

The runny cream cheese start to smear into bagel, which creates a soft and fluffy bagel. As a result, you won’t need to worry about recovering stale bagels.

If you would like to prevent the cream cheese from melting, consider adding a glass with ½ cup of water inside the appliance, or cover loosely cover with a damp paper towel over the bagel.

Bagel with cream cheese in microwave

Microwaving Bagel With Cream Cheese: Conclusion

Microwaving is the most energy-efficient way to cook food faster than other methods. In addition, it can help to soften a bagel with cream cheese in under a minute.

Before microwaving a bagel with cream cheese, open up the inside so each half will heat faster than trying to heat up the entire bagel at once. 

The microwave time for bagel with cream cheese depends on the number of bagels, storage method, temperature, and wattage of microwave that you are using.

When bagels contain cream cheese, shorten the intervals to 10 seconds and do not exceed a total of 45 seconds. Check the doneness after each interval to see if the bagel has achieved the perfect texture and observe whether the cream cheese is too runny.

Cream cheese with bagel is best reheated in the microwave instead of using a toaster. The oven can create crispiness, but is dangerous to put cream cheese inside because it melts easily and potentially burns.