Monster Bagels with Cream Cheese Faces are the kind of playful recipe that brings out the inner kid in everyone and they’re quickly becoming a reader favorite at Fresh Leaf Recipes.
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Welcome to Fresh Leaf Rezepte!
Sam’s love for cooking began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where fresh ingredients and family meals sparked a lifelong passion. Over twenty years, Sam cooked in diners, bistros, and street food stalls around the world, learning not just recipes but the stories and cultures behind them.
Now, Sam brings you easy, everyday recipes like these Monster Bagels with Cream Cheese Faces, perfect for cozy mornings, Halloween parties, or silly weekend brunches with the kids.
Whether you’re prepping a fall-themed breakfast spread or just need a fun way to serve bagels, this recipe is quick, customizable, and delightfully spooky in the cutest way.
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Monster Bagels with Cream Cheese Faces
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Monster Bagels with Cream Cheese Faces are the ultimate playful breakfast—easy, spooky, and packed with fun. Whether for Halloween brunch or just a silly weekend morning, these bagels are fast, festive, and kid-approved.
Ingredients
- 3–4 mini or regular bagels (whole wheat or plain)
- ½ cup plain cream cheese (or flavored: pumpkin spice, chive, or strawberry)
- Sliced strawberries, kiwis, or apples (for tongues)
- Blueberries or olives (for eyes)
- Candy eyes or mini marshmallows
- Sliced cucumber or bell pepper strips (for hair)
- Optional: honey, jam, or peanut butter (for sticking toppings)
Instructions
- Toast the bagels lightly, then allow to cool slightly.
- Spread cream cheese generously over each bagel half.
- Insert a slice of fruit into the center hole as a “tongue.”
- Attach eyes above the hole using cream cheese as glue—use candy eyes, blueberries, or olives.
- Decorate the top with strips of bell pepper, cucumber, or mini pretzels as hair or eyebrows.
- Serve immediately with apple cider or a sweet fall treat.
Notes
Keep bagels cool before decorating to prevent melting. Let kids join in for creative monster designs. For a sweeter twist, swap cream cheese with chocolate spread or peanut butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Monster Bagels with Cream Cheese Faces
To make your monster bagels come alive, you’ll need basic ingredients plus a few fun add ons from the pantry or fridge.
Bagels and Spread:
- 3–4 mini or regular bagels (whole wheat or plain)
- ½ cup plain cream cheese (or flavored: pumpkin spice, chive, or strawberry)
Monster Face Fixings:
- Sliced strawberries, kiwis, or apples for tongues
- Blueberries or olives for eyes
- Candy eyes or mini marshmallows
- Sliced cucumber or bell pepper strips for hair
- Honey, jam, or peanut butter (optional adhesive)
All ingredients are easily swappable to match dietary preferences. For example, pair your monster bagels with these healthy pumpkin donut holes for a complete Halloween breakfast platter!
How to Make Monster Bagels with Cream Cheese Faces: Step by Step
These fun treats take less than 15 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how to build your bagel beasts:
1. Toast the Bagels (optional)
For a warm crunch, lightly toast the bagels. Let them cool a minute so the cream cheese doesn’t melt.
2. Spread the Base
Generously spread cream cheese over the cut side of each bagel half. This is your monster’s “skin.”
3. Add the Tongue
Slip a slice of strawberry or kiwi into the bagel hole to act as the tongue. You can also try apple slices for a crunchier bite.
4. Create the Eyes
Stick blueberries or candy eyes above the hole using a dab of cream cheese. For added silliness, stack slices on cucumber rounds for a “googly eye” effect.
5. Decorate with Hair or Eyebrows
Use thin bell pepper strips, mini pretzels, or cucumber slivers to create wild monster hair. A sprinkle of cinnamon or edible glitter adds a magical touch.
6. Serve Immediately
Serve with a glass of apple cider or warm milk for the ultimate fall breakfast. Or add them to your cheesecake banana pudding bites tray for a spooky sweet party snack.
Tips for Monster Bagel Success
Want your bagels to stand out on the brunch table? These tricks will help you get creative with confidence:
- Use Colorful Fruits: Think kiwis, strawberries, and purple grapes for a bright, playful look.
- Make it a Kid Project: Let little hands help with the decorating. It’s a great way to encourage creativity and healthy eating.
- Keep Cream Cheese Cool: If you’re working with decorative pieces, chill the bagels slightly before serving to hold everything in place.
Looking for more fall-themed ideas? Check out these apple-pumpkin streusel muffins for the perfect side.
Fun Variations to Try
These monster bagels are easily adaptable perfect for different dietary needs or just changing up the fun.
1. Gluten Free Monster Bagels
Use certified gluten-free bagels and pair with dairy free cream cheese for a completely allergen-friendly version.
2. Sweet Tooth Monsters
Swap cream cheese for nut butter or chocolate spread, and decorate with bananas, raisins, and pumpkin s’mores cookies on the side.
3. Monster Sandwiches
Make a full sandwich using deli meat, lettuce “hair,” and pickle “teeth.” They’re a great spooky lunchbox surprise.
4. Streusel-Topped Bagels
Sprinkle with cinnamon streusel and crushed nuts for a hybrid between bagel and muffin. Serve with brown sugar pumpkin loaf for fall flair.
Bonus idea: Let your monster bagels join a fall board with apple cinnamon bread and hot cider for an autumn brunch setup.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
While monster bagels are best fresh, here’s how to prep in advance:
- Make-Ahead Tip: Toast and cream the bagels the night before. Store toppings separately and assemble in the morning.
- Storage: Assembled bagels can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Candy eyes and fruit may bleed color use fresh before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze plain bagels (not decorated) for up to 2 months. Thaw and toast when ready to serve.
Pairing them with sweet sourdough pumpkin bread makes an easy make-ahead brunch.
Final Thoughts
Monster Bagels with Cream Cheese Faces bring joy to every fall morning. They’re simple to make, fun to decorate, and full of possibilities for creative expression. Whether you’re making them with kids or just surprising your brunch guests, they’re a guaranteed hit and a sweet start to the cozy season.
Can I use dairy-free cream cheese?
Yes! Use almond, coconut, or cashew-based spreads. They hold toppings well and taste great.
Are monster bagels good for Halloween parties?
Absolutely they’re kid friendly, easy to make, and customizable for spooky themes.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the components ahead, but assemble close to serving to avoid soggy toppings.
What’s a good side to serve with them?
Try fruit kabobs, yogurt parfaits, or fall treats like strawberry danish for a complete breakfast table.