In a small mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced cooked bacon, mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.

Take each sesame bagel and cut a wafer-thin slice off the base, making sure to leave the seeded side intact. Place the bagel seed-side-down. Carefully run a knife around the center of the bagel, making sure not to cut all the way through. Then, using your thumbs, gently but firmly push the center of the bagel outward to create space for the filling.

Divide the prepared creamy bacon cheddar filling evenly among the hollowed-out bagels, smoothing the filling to level off the tops. Arrange the stuffed bagels on a baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C/375°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is gooey and bubbling.

Once baked, carefully remove the bagels from the oven—the filling will be quite hot! Garnish the tops with the reserved bacon and a sprinkle of chopped chives. Serve immediately and enjoy.