Ever find yourself staring into the fridge on a busy morning, willing a delicious and satisfying breakfast to magically appear? I’ve been there more times than I can count, usually with a few hungry kiddos waiting impatiently behind me. That’s exactly why I created these Maple Bacon Bagel Sliders. They’re the perfect solution for when you want something that feels special but comes together without any fuss. It’s that beautiful combination of sweet, savory, and totally crave-able that makes everyone at the table happy. So good.
Top Reasons To Make It
You’re going to love these sliders for so many reasons. First, they are incredibly quick to throw together. We’re talking about 20 minutes from start to finish, making them a hero for busy weekdays. They’re also a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding your family or setting up a breakfast buffet for guests, these little sandwiches disappear fast. And honestly, the flavor combo is just unbeatable. The sweet maple glaze on that savory bacon and creamy cheese? It’s a match made in breakfast heaven.
Ingredients
- 6 mini bagels, sliced in half: The perfect sturdy base for our sliders.
- 8 oz smoked turkey bacon: Gives you that classic smoky, savory flavor.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: For that sweet, sticky glaze we all love.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a little tang to balance the sweetness.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Makes the bagels creamy and rich.
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Brings a pop of fresh color and flavor.
- 1 cup fresh arugula: Adds a nice peppery crunch.
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, cut into quarters: Because everything’s better with melty cheese.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the turkey bacon in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until it’s crispy and cooked to your liking. Transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
- While the bacon cooks, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and chopped chives until well combined.
- Now, assemble your sliders! Spread a generous layer of the chive cream cheese on the bottom half of each mini bagel. Top with a few leaves of arugula, a piece of the cooked turkey bacon folded to fit, a drizzle of the maple glaze, and a square of cheddar cheese. Place the top half of the bagel on each.
- If you want your cheese a little melty and the bagels slightly warmed, pop the assembled sliders back onto the baking sheet and into the oven for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!
- Serve immediately while they’re warm and enjoy.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and cheese slices. Not a fan of arugula? Fresh spinach or even thinly sliced cucumber works great. And if you want to switch up the protein, try using sliced smoked turkey or even a fried egg. For a flavor twist, add a thin slice of apple or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning to the cream cheese layer. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These Maple Bacon Bagel Sliders are fantastic on their own, but they also love company. For a simple morning meal, pair them with a fresh fruit salad or some sweet watermelon cubes. If you’re building a bigger spread for a weekend brunch or breakfast buffet, they go perfectly alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy breakfast potatoes, and a pitcher of cold orange juice or coffee. They’re the ultimate savory breakfast centerpiece.
Storage & Reheating
These sliders are always best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I don’t recommend freezing them, as the bagels can get soggy when thawed. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the bagel is warmed through. This method helps keep them from getting too hard.
Breakfast Buffet Tips
Hosting a crowd? These sliders are a brilliant addition to any breakfast buffet. To make your morning smooth, you can cook the turkey bacon and mix the cream cheese spread the night before. Assemble the sliders just before your guests arrive and keep them warm in a low oven until you’re ready to serve. Set them out on a nice platter with a little bowl of extra maple glaze for drizzling. It’s an easy, impressive touch that makes everyone feel special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use regular bacon instead? Absolutely. If that’s your preference, just cook it according to package directions until crispy.
- What’s a good vegan substitute for the cream cheese? Any store-bought vegan cream cheese alternative will work beautifully here. I’ve found the plain, unflavored kinds work best.
- Can I make these ahead of time? You can prep the components ahead, but I highly recommend assembling them right before serving to prevent the bagels from getting soft.
- Are these good for quick breakfast ideas? Yes! They come together so fast and are a much more satisfying and healthy breakfast option than a sugary cereal bar.
