Bagel with Cream Cheese Spread (Printable)

A toasted bagel layered with smooth cream cheese and optional fresh toppings for a simple start.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bagel

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

→ Cream Cheese

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

→ Optional Toppings

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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Cut the bagel horizontally into two even halves using a serrated knife.
02 - Toast both halves in a toaster or under the broiler until golden brown and crisp, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Using a spreading knife, evenly coat each toasted half with a generous layer of cream cheese.
04 - Top with any combination of sliced cucumber, tomato, smoked salmon, dill, capers, or red onion as desired.
05 - Enjoy immediately while the bagel is still warm.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in under 10 minutes, making it the perfect solution for mornings when you're running late but refuse to skip breakfast.
  • The warm bagel melts the cream cheese just enough to create this perfect creamy texture that tastes way more indulgent than it actually is.
02 -
  • The toasting step is non-negotiable; it transforms a soft bagel into something with actual texture and makes the cream cheese melt into the surface in a way that changes everything.
  • I discovered that room-temperature cream cheese spreads more evenly than cold, and adding a tiny pinch of cracked black pepper or fresh herbs instantly elevates it without extra ingredients.
03 -
  • The warm bagel melts cream cheese just right—spreading on a cold bagel leaves you with thick, uneven layers that never quite integrate.
  • A serrated knife and gentle pressure make all the difference when slicing; there's no need to saw aggressively or you'll crush the bagel instead of cutting through it.
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