Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Everything Bagel Stuffing Delight?
It is a flavorful twist on traditional stuffing that uses everything bagels instead of regular bread, combined with bacon, vegetables, and whipped cream cheese.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the bagel cubes need to toast?
Toast the cubed bagels for approximately 20 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly dried out.
What type of bagels should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of everything bagels, which is about 3-4 large bagels, preferably day-old.
What kind of pan is recommended for this stuffing?
This recipe is designed to be baked in two greased jumbo doughnut pans for a unique presentation.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Dice 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook in a skillet until crispy and brown.
Should I save the bacon fat?
Yes, leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet to sauté the vegetables.
Which vegetables are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one medium diced yellow onion and three diced celery ribs.
How long should I sauté the onion and celery?
Sauté them in the bacon fat for approximately 5 minutes until tender.
What liquid base is used for the stuffing?
The base is a mixture of 2 cups chicken stock and 2 large eggs.
How is the cream cheese incorporated?
1/2 cup of whipped cream cheese is whisked into the liquid mixture, and additional cream cheese is used for serving.
How do I season the stuffing?
Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1-2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 2 large eggs.
When do I add the scallions?
Add 3 tablespoons of sliced scallions into the mixture before baking, and use the rest for garnish.
How long does the stuffing bake in the oven?
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
What should I do after removing the stuffing from the oven?
Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
How is the dish garnished for serving?
Top each portion with a dollop of whipped cream cheese, remaining scallions, and the reserved crispy bacon.
Can I use regular bread instead of bagels?
While you can use bread, the everything bagels provide the specific flavor and crunch that defines this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is described as a gourmet side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any large holiday gathering.
Can I make this vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon, use butter instead of bacon fat for sautéing, and substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock.
What is the texture of the finished stuffing?
It features a delightful crunch from the toasted bagels and bacon, balanced by a creamy, savory interior.
How many scallions should I slice?
Slice 6 tablespoons of scallions in total.
Do I need to toss the bagels while toasting?
Yes, toss them halfway through the 20-minute toasting period for even baking.
Is the cream cheese inside the stuffing whipped or block?
The recipe specifically calls for whipped cream cheese for a smoother integration.
Can I use store-bought everything bagel seasoning?
Yes, the recipe uses 1-2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning sprinkled on top.
What happens if I don't have doughnut pans?
You can likely use a muffin tin or a standard baking dish, though you may need to adjust the baking time.
Should the bagels be fresh?
Day-old bagels are preferred as they hold their shape better when soaked in the liquid mixture.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What is the main flavor profile?
The profile is savory, salty, and creamy, featuring garlic, onion, and sesame notes from the bagel seasoning.
Can I add extra bacon?
The recipe calls for 6 slices, but you can certainly add more if you prefer a meatier stuffing.