12/12/2025
December 12 - National Have a Bagel Day
National Have a Bagel Day is a holiday observed annually on the 11th day of December. This is a day that encourages everyone to enjoy their favorite type of bagel in the way that they like to make it.
Bagels have been around for approximately 800 years, although we’re not really sure what those original bagels were like. What we do know is that bagels are delicious straight out of the oven or toasted, especially when they’re smeared with cream cheese.
When celebrating this holiday people should be sure to not confuse it with Bagel Day, however, as that holiday is on the calendar in January and not December.
Everything Bagel Mac & Cheese
Prep 5 min | Ready in 45 min
Ingredients
3 cups (750 mL) cavatappi pasta
3 tbsp (45 mL) butter, divided
3 tbsp (45 mL) all-purpose flour
2½ tbsp (37 mL) Everything Bagel Mix, divided
2½ cups (625 mL) milk
4 oz. (125 g) grated sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup/250 mL)
4 oz. (125 g) cream cheese, cubed
½ cup (125 mL) panko breadcrumbs
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Cook the pasta in a pot of salted water according to the package directions; drain. Return the pasta to the pot.
Melt 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the butter in a saucepan. Sprinkle with the flour and 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the seasoning; whisk until combined. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, or until the mixture comes to a boil, then cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and add the cheeses, stirring until melted.
Remove from the heat. Combine the pasta and Mornay sauce in a greased 2-qt. (1.9-L) casserole.
Microwave the remaining 1 tbsp (15 mL) of butter in a small bowl until melted, 30 seconds. Mix in the panko and remaining seasoning. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the pasta
Bake, uncovered, 28–30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly
Yield:
6 servings
Nutrients per serving:
U.S. nutrients per serving: Calories 520, Total Fat 23 g, Saturated Fat 13 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Sodium 680 mg, Carbohydrate 57 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugars 6 g (includes 0 g added sugar), Protein 18 g
Cook's Tips:
Pasta Preference: We love cavatappi in this recipe, but you can try penne, rotini, or medium shells.
Cheesy Choices: Switch out sharp cheddar cheese for white cheddar, Gouda, Gruyere, or Parmesan.
Produce Perfection: Stir in 3 cups (750 mL) of your favorite cooked veggies when you stir in the pasta.
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