Everything-Bagel Focaccia Stuffed with Scallion Cream Cheese

This everything-bagel focaccia takes the classic dimpled bread and gives it a surprise inside: pockets of warm scallion cream cheese. The dough is soft and airy, the crust is deeply golden and covered with seeds, and every bite delivers a savory, creamy burst.

It's a brunch centerpiece that feels both familiar and exciting. The method is straightforward: make a simple yeasted dough, dimple it, pipe in the filling, and bake at a high temperature until the cheese blisters and the crust crackles.

This recipe turns a classic focaccia into a stuffed, seasoned showstopper. The dough is a basic enriched bread, dimpled deeply to create wells for a scallion cream cheese filling. A generous coating of everything bagel seasoning adds crunch and savory depth. The high oven temperature of 450°F ensures a crisp, blistered crust while the cheese stays molten and creamy.

The video shows the filling being piped into the dimples before baking, which is the key step. This focaccia is best served warm, torn or sliced, and it makes an impressive addition to any brunch table. The contrast of textures and flavors is what makes this recipe memorable.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The dimpling technique is essential here. By pressing deep indentations into the dough, you create natural pockets that hold the cream cheese filling during baking. The dough rises around the filling, trapping it inside while the exposed tops brown and crisp.

This method ensures that every slice has a visible, molten pocket of cheese, rather than the filling being absorbed into the crumb. The high heat of the oven also helps the cheese blister and caramelize at the edges, adding a savory, almost roasted flavor.

The everything bagel seasoning is more than a topping; it's a flavor and texture component. The combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt creates a crunchy crust that contrasts with the soft bread.

The seeds toast in the oven, releasing their nutty aroma, while the garlic and onion become savory and slightly sweet. This seasoning transforms a plain bread into a bagel-inspired experience, and it pairs perfectly with the tangy cream cheese filling.

Notes and substitutions

Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Low-fat versions can become watery when baked. Let the cream cheese soften completely before mixing, so it pipes smoothly. Scallions should be finely chopped to distribute evenly. You can substitute chives or a mix of fresh herbs for a different flavor. The dough is a standard focaccia dough; bread flour will give a chewier crumb, but all-purpose works well. If you don't have a stand mixer, knead by hand for 10 minutes.

The everything bagel seasoning can be store-bought or homemade. To make your own, combine sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and flaky salt. Adjust the amount to taste. The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons, but you can use more or less depending on preference. The baking pan should be well-oiled to prevent sticking and to help create a crispy bottom. A 9x13-inch pan is ideal; a larger pan will yield a thinner focaccia, and a smaller one will be thicker.

• all-purpose flour: bread flour for a chewier crumb
• scallions: chives or finely minced shallots
• everything bagel seasoning: a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt
• cream cheese: vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version

Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking pan
• piping bag or zip-top bag
• stand mixer with dough hook
• plastic wrap
• bench scraper