Just A Bagel Recipe
A bagel of your choice, toasted, with a side of cream cheese or hummus.
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Ingredients
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Bagel
Spreads (choose one)
Optional toppings
Method
Prepare bagel
- 1
Slice the bagel horizontally with a serrated knife so you have two even halves. If the bagel is pre-sliced, separate the halves gently.
- 2
Toast the bagel halves until golden and crisp to your preference (typically 2–4 minutes in a pop-up toaster or 4–6 minutes under a broiler). Watch closely if using a broiler.
- 3
Prepare spread
- 4
Cream cheese option
Spoon 2 tablespoons of cream cheese into a small bowl and stir briefly to soften if it's very stiff. Using a butter knife, spread evenly over the cut side of one or both toasted bagel halves.
- 5
Hummus option
Spoon 2 tablespoons of hummus into a small bowl and stir if needed. Spread evenly across the cut side of one or both toasted bagel halves with a knife or small spatula.
Assemble and garnish
- 6
If desired, add optional toppings: place sliced tomato and red onion on top of the spread, sprinkle capers and a pinch of everything bagel seasoning or za'atar, and finish with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- 7
Serve the toasted bagel halves on a plate with the chosen spread on the side if you prefer to dip instead of spreading. Enjoy immediately while warm.