1. Introduction to the Recipe
If you’ve ever wished your morning bagel could somehow be fluffier, bolder, and more indulgent—look no further than these Everything Bagel Crusted Scallion Buns. They’re soft, savory buns made from bagel-style dough, rolled up with a rich garlic chive cream cheese, and generously coated in everything bagel seasoning. Think of them as the perfect fusion of a bagel, a Chinese scallion bun, and your favorite schmear—all in one hand-held, flavor-packed pastry.
Bagel dough, traditionally denser and chewier than typical bread, gets an upgrade here by rolling in tangy cream cheese laced with chives and garlic powder. The dough is then shaped like cinnamon rolls, boiled like classic bagels, brushed with egg wash, and topped with a generous layer of everything bagel seasoning. Once baked, the buns emerge golden, aromatic, and bursting with flavor and texture.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Enjoy them warm out of the oven for brunch, pack them for a picnic, or make a batch ahead and reheat for a quick weekday breakfast. If you’re curious about making your own bagels, you might also like this homemade bagel tutorial from King Arthur Baking. Or, for more savory buns, check out this scallion pancake roll-up idea, which inspired this recipe’s shape.
What makes these buns truly special is the contrast between textures: the chewy bagel exterior, the creamy center, and the crispy top layer of sesame, garlic, onion, and poppy seeds. The scallion bun swirl locks in pockets of cream cheese that melt and bubble during baking, offering both flavor and moisture.
Whether you’re entertaining brunch guests or meal-prepping for the week, Everything Bagel Crusted Scallion Buns are a guaranteed showstopper. Once you taste the first bite—with that classic bagel chew, warm herby filling, and crunchy topping—you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making buns like this all along.
2. Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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Everything Bagel Crusted Scallion Buns Recipe with Cream Cheese
Description
These Everything Bagel Crusted Scallion Buns feature garlicky cream cheese and bold flavor in every bite—a savory breakfast twist.
Ingredients
For the Bagel Dough
- 1⅓ cups (328ml) lukewarm water
- 1½ teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
- 4 cups (520g) bread flour
- 1 tablespoon (12g) brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons (10g) salt
For the Garlic Chive Cream Cheese
- 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon fresh or freeze-dried chives
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Water Bath
- 2 quarts (64oz) water
- ¼ cup (85g) honey
For the Topping
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Everything bagel seasoning (as needed—about ¼ to ⅓ cup)
Instructions
- Make the Bagel Dough
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine lukewarm water and instant yeast. Add bread flour, brown sugar, and salt. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic (8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer). Cover and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
While the dough is rising, mix softened cream cheese with garlic powder and chives. Set aside. You can refrigerate it slightly to firm it up for easier spreading later. - Roll and Fill the Dough
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Spread the garlic chive cream cheese evenly across the surface. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long edge. - Cut and Shape the Buns
Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal rounds. Place each swirl bun cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the water bath. - Boil the Buns
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring 2 quarts of water and honey to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and carefully boil each bun for 30 seconds per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the parchment-lined tray. - Top and Bake
Brush each boiled bun with egg wash and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. - Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the buns cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
For a softer crust, bake the buns at 400°F and tent with foil halfway through.
Use a serrated knife to slice the dough log cleanly without squashing the layers.
Want spicier buns? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or chopped jalapeño to the cream cheese.
These freeze well—see storage section for tips!
3. Advanced Techniques
Making a Tangzhong Starter for Softer Buns
If you prefer a softer texture than traditional bagel chewiness, incorporate a tangzhong (a pre-cooked flour paste). Mix 3 tablespoons water, 3 tablespoons milk, and 2 tablespoons flour over medium heat until thickened, then cool and mix into the dough. This hydrates the dough better and gives the buns a pillowy finish.
Use Bread Flour for Optimal Texture
While all-purpose flour works, using high-protein bread flour results in chewier buns with better structure. Bread flour supports the boil-and-bake process bagel dough requires and holds up well against the moist cream cheese filling.
Flavor Infusions in the Water Bath
Boost flavor subtly by adding a clove of garlic or a bay leaf to the water bath. While the traditional addition of honey adds a golden crust, you can also experiment with malt syrup or baking soda for different bagel-style finishes.
Double-Fill for Maximum Cream Cheese
For ultra-rich buns, add a small spoon of cream cheese in the center of each slice before baking, almost like a filling bomb. This makes them extra gooey and indulgent.
Proof Overnight for Better Flavor
After shaping, place the buns in the fridge overnight for a slow cold proof. This deepens the flavor of the dough and improves texture. Let them rest at room temp for 30–60 minutes before boiling.
4. Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Refrigerating for Short-Term Freshness
Store cooled buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave briefly before serving to revive the texture.
Freezing Instructions
Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave for 30–60 seconds or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes from frozen.
Avoid Soggy Bottoms During Storage
Let buns cool completely before storing. Lining the container with a paper towel helps absorb any residual moisture and prevents soggy bottoms.
Revive Leftovers with a Toaster Oven
To bring day-old buns back to life, slice and toast them face-up in a toaster oven. This crisps the exterior while warming the creamy center.
Pre-Shaping for Fresh Morning Buns
Shape the buns the night before, place them on a baking tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, boil, top, and bake for fresh-baked buns without the early-morning prep.
5. Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Vegan Variation
Use vegan cream cheese (like Kite Hill or Tofutti), plant-based egg wash (non-dairy milk with maple syrup), and ensure the everything seasoning is free from dairy (some blends include cheese powder). Dough can be made with olive oil instead of eggs.
Gluten-Free Option
Swap the bread flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend formulated for yeast baking. Add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum if not included in your blend. Note: gluten-free doughs are more delicate, so skip boiling and go straight to baking.
Low-Sodium Adaptation
Use a reduced-sodium everything seasoning or make your own without salt. Reduce the salt in the dough by half and substitute unsalted cream cheese. Add fresh herbs to boost flavor without salt.
Dairy-Free Substitutes
Choose a dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy milk for brushing the buns. Some options include almond-based or cashew-based spreads. These substitutions maintain the texture and flavor without lactose.
Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Twist
While the dough itself is carb-rich, consider using a keto bread dough made with almond flour and cheese. Fill with whipped cream cheese and bake without boiling. Sprinkle with a homemade keto everything topping using sesame, flax, and garlic powder.
6. FAQs About the Recipe
Why boil the buns before baking?
Boiling gives the buns that classic bagel chew and creates a shiny, golden crust. The honey adds mild sweetness and enhances browning. Skipping this step will result in softer, more bread-like rolls.
Can I skip the egg wash?
Egg wash helps the seasoning stick and gives the buns a glossy finish. If allergic or vegan, use a mix of non-dairy milk and maple syrup or olive oil as a substitute.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and shape the buns the night before, refrigerate them, and boil/bake the next day. You can also freeze the baked buns and reheat as needed.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Check that your yeast is active and that the water wasn’t too hot. Instant yeast works best when the dough is kneaded thoroughly and kept in a warm, draft-free area to rise.
Can I use store-bought bagel dough?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought bagel dough or pizza dough can be used. Just make sure it’s thick and elastic enough to hold the filling and withstand boiling.
7. Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Everything Bagel Crusted Scallion Buns combine the heartiness of a bagel, the indulgence of cream cheese, and the flair of a savory spiral bun—all in one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re hosting brunch, meal prepping breakfast, or simply looking for something special to bake over the weekend, these buns deliver on flavor, texture, and creativity.
They’re chewy yet soft, creamy yet crisp, bold yet balanced. The everything bagel topping adds crunch and spice, while the garlic-chive filling oozes richness into each swirl. And best of all? They’re fun to make, visually stunning, and guaranteed to become a new favorite for anyone who tries them.
From the boil-and-bake method to the inventive roll-up shape, every element of this recipe offers a little twist on tradition. And with all the possible dietary modifications and storage options, they fit seamlessly into almost any lifestyle.
So whether you’re a bagel lover, a brunch aficionado, or a home baker looking for something new—give these Everything Bagel Crusted Scallion Buns a try. You won’t regret it.