Bagel with Cream Cheese (Printer-friendly)

Toasted bagel paired with creamy cheese and optional fresh toppings for a quick satisfying start.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Slice the bagel horizontally into two 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 over each warm bagel half.
04 - Enhance with desired toppings such as sliced cucumber, tomato, smoked salmon, fresh dill, capers, or red onion slices.
05 - Serve immediately while the bagel remains warm for optimal taste.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you can brew coffee, yet tastes deliberate and satisfying.
  • The warmth of the toasted bagel and cool spread create this perfect contrast that makes every bite feel intentional.
  • You can eat it plain or pile it high depending on your mood—it bends to what you need.
02 -
  • Toasting is non-negotiable—it's what separates a proper bagel breakfast from just eating bread with cream cheese on it.
  • Apply cream cheese to the warm bagel, not the cold one. The warmth changes everything about how it spreads and how it tastes.
03 -
  • Room-temperature cream cheese spreads smoother than cold, so pull it from the fridge a few minutes before you start if you have time.
  • If you're using toppings like tomato or cucumber, pat them dry first so they don't make your bagel soggy.
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