Pioneer Woman Bagel Bombs

Pioneer Woman Bagel Bombs are warm, cheesy dough balls filled with savory cream cheese, ham, and sharp Cheddar—wrapped in pillowy dough and topped with everything bagel seasoning. Baked until golden and bursting with flavor, these little beauties are perfect for brunch spreads, freezer-friendly breakfasts, or a satisfying anytime snack that feels like it came straight from your favorite bakery.

Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Bagel Bombs Recipe

• Bakery-style at home. Fresh dough, melty cheese, and that iconic everything seasoning in every bite.
• Perfectly portable. Easy to grab-and-go for breakfast, school lunches, or road trips.
• Customizable fillings. Make them your own with your favorite meats, cheeses, or even a sweet twist.
• Make-ahead friendly. Bake a batch and freeze for homemade convenience.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/3 cup olive oil (plus more for greasing bowl)
• 1 1/4 cups warm water

For the Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups diced ham

Everything Bagel Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 1 1/2 teaspoons flaked sea salt
• 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried garlic flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Additional:

• 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling water)
• Nonstick cooking spray (for baking sheet)

How to Make Pioneer Woman Bagel Bombs

1. Make the dough. Sprinkle yeast over warm water and let it foam for 5 minutes. In a stand mixer or bowl, mix flour, salt, and olive oil. Add yeast water and mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Let it rise. Lightly oil a clean bowl, place dough inside, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
3. Prepare the filling. Mix cream cheese, Cheddar, and ham until well combined.
4. Mix the seasoning. In a small bowl, stir together all seasoning ingredients.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
6. Boil water. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water and the honey to a boil.
7. Shape the bombs. Divide dough into 16 equal pieces. Flatten each, place a tablespoon of filling in the center, and pinch closed to seal. Roll into smooth balls.
8. Boil the bombs. Working in batches, boil each bomb for 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheet.
9. Top and bake. Sprinkle each with everything seasoning and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

Expert Recipe Tips

• Use fresh yeast. Expired yeast won’t rise properly.
• Seal tightly. Pinch the dough well around the filling to avoid leaks.
• Don’t skip the boil. This creates that chewy, bagel-like crust.
• Chill the filling. If it’s too soft, a quick chill can make stuffing easier.

Recipe Variations

• Bacon & Scallion Bombs: Swap ham for crumbled bacon and add green onions.
• Pepper Jack & Jalapeño: Spicy cheese with a kick of heat.
• Pizza Bombs: Fill with mozzarella and pepperoni.
• Breakfast Bombs: Add scrambled eggs to the mix.
• Sweet Bombs: Use cinnamon sugar and a sweetened cream cheese filling.

Storage Instructions

• In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• In the Freezer: Wrap individually in foil and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Bagel Bombs

• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 30–60 seconds, or until warmed to your liking.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I use a different cheese in the filling?
  Absolutely. Try Swiss, mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack.
• How do I fix sticky dough?
  Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time while mixing until smooth and elastic.
• How do I keep them from bursting?
  Seal each dough ball well and avoid overfilling. Press edges tightly and boil gently.
• Can I skip boiling them?
  Yes—but the texture will be softer, more like a roll than a bagel.
• Can I use pre-made dough?
  Store-bought pizza or biscuit dough works in a pinch for shortcut versions.

More Pioneer Woman Recipe:

• Pioneer Woman Shredded Beef Tacos
• Pioneer Woman Navajo Fry Bread Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Focaccia Bread With Frozen Bread Dough Recipe

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 10g