Reheating frozen bagels is a great way to enjoy fresh, warm bagels whenever you want. Whether you have leftover bagels or buy pre-packaged frozen ones, proper reheating is important to make them taste fresh again. Here are several methods for reheating frozen bagels using common appliances.

Reheating Frozen Bagels in the Oven

The oven provides an easy, hands-off way to reheat frozen bagels evenly throughout.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove frozen bagels from packaging and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet.
• Bake the bagels for 10-12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. They should turn golden brown on the tops and bottoms.
• For a shinier crust, brush the tops of the bagels lightly with egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tbsp water) before baking.
• For warmer, softer results, wrap the baked bagels in aluminum foil for 5 minutes before serving.

Tip: Thaw the bagels slightly before baking for better consistency. Or bake them directly from frozen for a firmer texture.

Reheating Bagels in the Microwave

The microwave provides a super quick method to reheat frozen bagels in just a minute.

• Place frozen bagels on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer.
• Microwave on high in 30 second intervals until warmed through, flipping over halfway. This usually takes about 1 minute total.
• Wrap the microwaved bagel in a damp paper towel and microwave 10-15 seconds more for a moist, soft texture.
• Cut the bagels in half to help them heat faster and more evenly in the microwave.

Tip: Microwaved bagels won’t have the same crispy crust as oven-baked ones. Combine methods by microwaving first then toasting to crisp them up.

Reheating on the Stovetop

You can use your stovetop to reheat frozen bagels similarly to fresh ones.

• Slice the bagels in half and place them cut-side down in a lightly greased skillet over medium heat.
• Toast for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Flip and toast the other cut side.
• For a crispier crust, butter or oil the cut sides before toasting.
• Move the toasted bagel halves to a 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes to melt any cheese or warm fillings through.

Tip: Keep an eye on the bagels so they don’t burn. Lower heat if needed to achieve an evenly golden crust.

Reheating in the Air Fryer

An air fryer makes frozen bagels come out crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

• Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Cut bagels in half and place cut side up in air fryer basket.
• Cook for 3-5 minutes until tops are browned. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more to crisp cut sides.
• Brush bagel tops with butter or oil before cooking for a glossy, appetizing sheen.
• To just warm instead of crisping, reduce temperature to 300°F and cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway.

Tip: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Reheat bagels in batches for even cooking.

Troubleshooting Reheated Bagels

Follow these tips if your reheated bagels don’t turn out right:

• If too soft and doughy, try cooking at a higher temperature and flipping only once.
• If too dry or hard, cook at a lower temp and wrap in foil after cooking.
• If soggy, use a wire rack and toast cut sides down first. Avoid over-steaming.
• If unevenly heated, cut in half and use lower temp for longer time. Rotate tray.
• If tops brown too fast, cover with foil. Brush with egg wash after cooking instead.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Allow fresh bagels to cool completely before freezing in bags or airtight containers.
• For best quality, eat reheated bagels within 3-4 days. They will become stale and chewy more quickly.
• Frozen bagels last 2-3 months in the freezer before drying out. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Pre-slice bagels before freezing them for quicker, more even reheating.

Delicious Ways to Serve Reheated Bagels

• Make mini bagel pizzas by topping toasted bagel halves with sauce, cheese and toppings.
• Fill toasted bagel halves with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato and onion for a hearty snack.
• Top with peanut butter and banana slices for a sweet breakfast or snack.
• Use halved bagels as bases for breakfast sandwiches with eggs, cheese and meat.
• For dessert, toast bagels, spread with cream cheese and top with fruit or cinnamon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reheating Bagels

How can I reheat bagels without drying them out?

Wrapping them in damp paper towels or foil while reheating helps bagels retain moisture. Also let them come nearly to room temp before eating.

Can you reheat frozen bagels without thawing?

Yes, you can reheat frozen bagels without thawing first in the oven or microwave. Just allow a little extra time for them to heat through.

Should you slice bagels before freezing?

Slicing bagels before freezing helps them reheat faster and more evenly. It also prevents condensation from making them soggy.

How do you freshen up day old bagels?

Making day old bagels taste fresh again works best by toasting them to crisp them up. You can also sprinkle them with water before microwaving or oven heating.

What is the best way to reheat everything bagels?

Oven heating is best for an even reheat on everything bagels to melt the cheese and warm the fillings. Microwave just until cheese melts to avoid overcooking.

How long do thawed bagels last in the fridge?

Thawed, refrigerated bagels will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Be sure to use within that time or refreeze to prevent spoilage.

Delicious Bagel Recipes

1. Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Bagel

Ingredients:

• Bagel, sliced in half and toasted
• 2 eggs, scrambled or fried
• 2 slices cooked bacon
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• Salt, pepper and hot sauce (optional)

Directions:

1. Toast halved bagel until golden brown.
2. Cook bacon and eggs.
3. Place bacon and eggs on bagel bottom.
4. Top with cheese slice and bagel top.
5. Add salt, pepper and hot sauce if desired.

2. Lox and Cream Cheese Bagel

Ingredients:

• 1 bagel, sliced in half
• 3 oz smoked salmon
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp capers
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh dill, chopped

Directions:

1. Toast bagel halves until lightly browned.
2. Spread cream cheese on each half.
3. Top bottom half with smoked salmon, capers, onion and dill.
4. Add bagel top and serve.

3. Chicken Parmesan Bagel

Ingredients:

• 1 bagel, sliced in half and toasted
• 1 breaded chicken cutlet, cooked
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella

Directions:

1. Spread marinara sauce on bagel bottom half.
2. Place breaded chicken cutlet on top.
3. Sprinkle mozzarella over chicken.
4. Broil 1-2 minutes to melt cheese.
5. Add bagel top and serve warm.

Here are several specific model recommendations for reheating frozen bagels:

Microwaves:

1. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS – 1.2 cu. ft. 1100W with 6 cook settings
2. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN936B – 1.6 cu. ft. 1200W with Inverter Technology
3. Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL – 1.1 cu. ft. 1000W with 10 power levels
4. GE JES1656SRSS – 1.6 cu. ft. 950W with auto and time defrost
5. Farberware Classic FMO12AHTBKB – 1.2 cu. ft. 1000W with express cooking

Ovens:

1. Bosch Benchmark Series BOV5301UC – Electric single wall oven with convection
2. LG LDE4415ST – Electric double oven with EasyClean®
3. GE JB860SJSS – 30″ Free-standing electric convection range oven
4. Frigidaire FFEB2726TS – 27″ Electric single wall oven
5. Whirlpool WOS31ES7JS – Electric 30” single wall oven

Stovetops:

1. Frigidaire FFGF3054TS – 30″ gas stove with 5 sealed burners
2. GE JS760SLSS- 30″ electric smoothtop stove
3. Bosch NGM8056UC – 30″ gas stove with 5 sealed burners
4. LG LDG4315ST – 30″ gas stove with Probake convection
5. Whirlpool WFG505M0BS – 30″ gas stove with AccuSimmer burner

Air Fryers:

1. Cosori Air Fryer Max XL
2. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
3. Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven 7 in 1
4. Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
5. Chefman TurboFry 3.5 Liter/3.6 Quart Air Fryer

Reheating frozen bagels is simple with the right technique. Use the oven for evenly browned results or the microwave for speed. With the proper appliance and a few tips, you can enjoy warm, fresh-tasting bagels even when starting with frozen. Experiment to find the reheating method that suits your preferences and kitchen tools.