Bagel with Cream Cheese (Printable)

Warm toasted bagel slathered with creamy cheese for a satisfying breakfast

# What You Need:

→ Bagel

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

→ Cream Cheese

02 - 2–3 tbsp cream cheese (plain or flavored, such as chive, veggie, or smoked salmon)

→ Optional Toppings

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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the bagel in half horizontally to create two even halves.
02 - Place both bagel halves in a toaster or under a broiler and toast until golden and crisp, approximately 2–3 minutes.
03 - While the bagel halves are still warm, spread a generous layer of cream cheese evenly across the cut surface of each half using a spreading knife.
04 - Layer any desired toppings such as sliced cucumber, tomato, smoked salmon, fresh dill, capers, or red onion slices over the cream cheese.
05 - Serve the bagel immediately while still warm for optimal texture and flavor.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Its ready in under 10 minutes but tastes like something from a corner deli
  • The contrast between warm crispy bread and cool creamy cheese is pure morning magic
02 -
  • A room temperature bagel toasts more evenly than a cold one from the refrigerator
  • Spreading cheese on a hot bagel too soon makes it slide right off
03 -
  • Flip the bagel halves halfway through toasting for even browning
  • Whipping store bought cream cheese with a fork makes it lighter and easier to spread
Go Back