Bagel with Cream Cheese (Print version)

Toasted bagel paired with rich cream cheese and optional fresh toppings for a savory start.

# What you’ll need:

→ Bagel

01 - 1 bagel (any variety: plain, sesame, whole wheat)

→ Cream Cheese

02 - 2 to 3 tablespoons cream cheese (plain or flavored: chive, veggie, smoked salmon)

→ Optional Toppings

03 - Sliced cucumber
04 - Sliced tomato
05 - Smoked salmon
06 - Fresh dill
07 - Capers
08 - Red onion slices

# Steps:

01 - Cut the bagel horizontally into two halves using a serrated knife.
02 - Toast both halves in a toaster or under a broiler until golden and crisp, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Spread a generous layer of cream cheese evenly over each warm bagel half using a spreading knife.
04 - Layer any desired optional toppings such as cucumber, tomato, smoked salmon, fresh dill, capers, or red onion slices onto the cream cheese.
05 - Serve immediately while the bagel is warm to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.

# Cooking tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between warm, crispy toast and cool, creamy spread is honestly addictive—it's satisfying without feeling heavy.
  • You can make it in under 10 minutes but it tastes like you actually tried, which counts for something.
  • The canvas is completely yours; plain on Monday, everything-on-it by Friday.
02 -
  • Toasting the bagel is non-negotiable—it gives you that textural contrast that makes the whole thing work, plus it keeps the bagel from getting soggy when it sits.
  • Spread the cream cheese on the warm bagel, not the cold one; it distributes better and tastes less one-dimensional.
03 -
  • Buy your cream cheese a day ahead and let it soften at room temperature for 20 minutes before spreading—it'll be silky instead of chunky.
  • If you're making this for someone else, toast their bagel an extra 30 seconds; the char adds flavor that plain cream cheese appreciates.
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