Bagel with Cream Cheese (Printable)

Warm toasted bagel with creamy cheese spread and 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, such as chive, vegetable, or smoked salmon)

→ Optional Toppings

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

# Directions:

01 - Cut the bagel horizontally into two equal 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 - Apply a generous layer of cream cheese evenly on each warm bagel half using a spreading knife.
04 - Enhance with desired toppings such as sliced cucumber, tomato, smoked salmon, fresh dill, capers, or red onion slices.
05 - Present immediately while the bagel remains warm for optimal flavor and texture.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It takes less than ten minutes from slicing to eating, perfect for mornings when youre barely awake.
  • The contrast between crispy toasted edges and cool creamy cheese creates a texture you never get tired of.
  • You can dress it up fancy or keep it plain, and it works either way without judgment.
02 -
  • If you skip toasting, the bagel stays chewy but loses that crispy contrast that makes this worth eating.
  • Cold cream cheese tears the bagel apart when you spread it, so let it sit out or microwave it for ten seconds.
  • Broiling gives you more control than a toaster, but you have to watch it because bagels go from golden to charred in seconds.
03 -
  • Press down gently on the bagel while slicing to keep it from squishing and making an uneven cut.
  • If the cream cheese is too cold, scrape it with the knife edge to create thin curls that spread easier.
  • Toast the bagel darker than you think you should, the crisp edges are what make this better than just bread and cheese.
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