Bagel with Cream Cheese Spread (Printable Version)

Toasted bagel with creamy spread and optional fresh toppings for a satisfying start.

# Ingredient List:

→ Bagel

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

→ 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 - Slice the bagel horizontally into two even halves.
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 on each warm bagel half.
04 - Place any desired optional toppings such as sliced cucumber, tomato, smoked salmon, dill, capers, or red onion on top of the cream cheese.
05 - Serve immediately to enjoy the bagel warm and fresh.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in under ten minutes but tastes like you actually spent time on breakfast.
  • Endlessly customizable depending on what's in your fridge and what mood you're in.
  • That perfect moment when warm toast meets cool, creamy cheese is exactly what your morning needs.
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting—a cold bagel is a different (sadder) thing entirely, and the warmth is what makes cream cheese melt into something luxurious rather than sitting thick on top.
  • The thickness of your cream cheese spread changes everything; too thin and you lose the creamy element, too thick and it overwhelms the bagel, so find your sweet spot on the second or third try.
03 -
  • If you're making this for someone else, ask about their preferences first—some people love a light spread and maximum toppings, others want cream cheese to be the star.
  • Keep flavored cream cheese at room temperature for thirty seconds before spreading if it's too cold; it'll glide on smooth instead of tearing the bagel apart.
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