Spinach-Cheese Bagel Bites

These spinach and cheese stuffed bagel bites are as easy to make as they are tasty.

Recipe Ingredients:

4 one-day-old bagels
4 ounces fresh spinach, stems removed, chopped (about 4 cups)
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/3 cup minced onion
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Split bagels in half horizontally. With a grapefruit spoon, hollow out some of the bread*.
3. Place spinach in microwaveable bowl; sprinkle lightly with water. Cover loosely and microwave on high until spinach is wilted, about 1 minute, 20 seconds. Remove and drain well.
4. Combine spinach, cheeses and remaining ingredients, except bagels.
5. Place bagel shells on foil-lined baking sheet. Place about 1/4 cup cheese mixture on each bagel.
6. Bake bagel until cheese has melted and edges are lightly toasted, about 8 to 10 minutes.
7. Cut each bagel half into quarters to make a total of 32 pieces.

Makes 32 appetizers.

*Bagel crumbs can be discarded or saved for use as bread crumbs or croutons.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of the American Dairy Association.