Name: Rainbow Bagels with Cream Cheese
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 1 1/2 tsp salt; Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple); 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing); Water for boiling; 1 tbsp honey (optional, for boiling water); Cream cheese, for serving

Rainbow Bagels with Cream Cheese are a colorful and whimsical twist on the classic breakfast staple. These vibrant bagels, made by swirling together multiple shades of dough, are not only visually striking but also just as chewy and satisfying as traditional bagels. Paired with a smooth, lightly sweetened cream cheese, they bring a festive and joyful touch to any morning or brunch table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rainbow Bagels with Cream Cheese are perfect for anyone looking to brighten up their breakfast routine. The playful colors make them a hit with children and adults alike, while the chewy texture and rich cream cheese spread ensure that taste isn’t sacrificed for appearance. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to make an ordinary day feel more special, these bagels deliver both flavor and flair.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bread flour
Warm water
Active dry yeast
Granulated sugar
Salt
Food coloring (gel-based for vibrant colors)
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar (optional, for sweetened cream cheese)
Vanilla extract (optional)

Directions

Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy. Add flour and salt, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
Divide and color the dough: Separate the dough into equal portions, depending on the number of colors desired. Add a different food coloring to each portion and knead until evenly distributed.
Layer and twist: Roll each colored dough into ropes, stack them together, and twist gently to create a swirl effect. Form into bagel shapes.
Boil the bagels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and gently boil the bagels for 1–2 minutes per side. This step gives them their signature chewy texture.
Bake: Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes until golden.
Prepare the cream cheese: While the bagels cool, mix the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract if a sweet version is preferred.
Serve: Slice bagels and spread the cream cheese generously. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 bagels
Preparation time: 1 hour (including dough coloring and shaping)
Proofing time: 1 hour
Boiling and baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2.5 hours

Variations

Flavored cream cheese: Add crushed berries, cocoa powder, or cinnamon for different flavor profiles.
Savory twist: Skip the sweetener in the cream cheese and add chives, garlic powder, or sun-dried tomatoes for a savory spread.
Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free bread flour blend designed for yeast baking.
Mini rainbow bagels: Make smaller versions perfect for parties or kids’ snacks.
Stuffed bagels: Fill the dough with sweet jam or nut butter before shaping.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing: Freeze bagels individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating: Toast bagels in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes for best texture. Avoid microwaving as it may affect the chewiness.

FAQs

What makes rainbow bagels different from regular bagels?

Rainbow bagels are made by coloring the dough with vibrant food coloring and twisting the colors together before shaping and baking. They are visually unique but maintain the same chewy texture and taste as traditional bagels.

Can I use liquid food coloring?

Gel food coloring is recommended because it provides intense color without altering the dough’s consistency. Liquid food coloring may require more quantity and could make the dough too wet.

Do rainbow bagels taste different from regular ones?

The base flavor is the same as plain bagels unless flavorings are added. The rainbow effect is purely visual.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before coloring and shaping.

How do I prevent the colors from mixing too much?

Knead each colored dough separately and handle gently when twisting them together to maintain distinct color swirls.

Is it safe to use food coloring in bread?

Yes, gel food coloring approved for baking is safe to use in bread recipes. Use brands that are labeled as food-grade.

Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?

Absolutely. A stand mixer with a dough hook can save time and effort. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is elastic.

What’s the best way to serve rainbow bagels?

Serve with cream cheese, flavored spreads, or even use them for sandwiches to create an eye-catching meal.

Can I make these without boiling?

Boiling is a key step in achieving the classic chewy bagel texture. Skipping it will result in a softer, bread-like consistency.

How can I make the bagels sweeter?

Add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough and sweeten the cream cheese with powdered sugar or honey for a dessert-like treat.

Conclusion

Rainbow Bagels with Cream Cheese are a stunning and delicious way to turn a simple breakfast into a memorable experience. With their bold colors and satisfying chew, they are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting brunch, or just looking for a cheerful start to your day, this recipe is sure to impress both visually and taste-wise.