Bagel And Cream Cheese Recipe

Name: Midnight Coffee & Cafes Bagel And Cream Cheese Recipe
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 units plain bagels (about 4.5–5 inch / 11–13 cm); 2 tsp unsalted butter (optional, for toasting); 6 oz full-fat cream cheese; 2 tbs milk or half-and-half (to loosen if needed); 1 tsp lemon juice (fresh); 1 tsp fine sea salt; 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 1 tbs chopped fresh chives; 3 oz smoked salmon (lox), thinly sliced; 2 slices thinly sliced red onion; 1 tsp capers; 2 slices tomato slices

Inspired by Midnight Coffee & Cafe

Time20m

Serves2

Make Bagel And Cream Cheese Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Bagels & Bread

2 units plain bagels (about 4.5–5 inch / 11–13 cm)

2 tsp unsalted butter (optional, for toasting)

Cream Cheese Spread

6 oz full-fat cream cheese

2 tbs milk or half-and-half (to loosen if needed)

1 tsp lemon juice (fresh)

1 tsp fine sea salt

1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

Optional Mix-ins & Garnishes

1 tbs Chopped fresh chives

3 oz smoked salmon (lox), thinly sliced

2 slices thinly sliced red onion

1 tsp capers

2 slices tomato slices

Method

Bagels & Toasting

Slice and prep

Using a serrated knife, slice each bagel horizontally into two even halves. Place cut sides up on a clean cutting board or plate.

Toast the bagel halves in a toaster, toaster oven, or under a broiler until the cut surfaces are golden and crisp (about 1.5–3 minutes in a toaster; under a broiler 1–2 minutes — watch closely).

If using butter: while the bagels are still hot, spread about 1 teaspoon butter on each toasted cut side so it melts into the surface.

Cream Cheese Spread

Soften and combine

If the cream cheese is very cold, let it sit at room temperature 15–20 minutes to soften for easier mixing. Place the cream cheese into a medium bowl.

Whip to spreadable consistency

Using a fork or small whisk, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add 1–2 tablespoons milk or half-and-half only if needed to reach a creamy, spreadable consistency. Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until fully incorporated.

Optional herb mix-in

If using chives, fold them into the cream cheese now. Taste and adjust seasoning — add an extra pinch of salt or a few more drops of lemon if desired.

Assembling & Garnishing

Generously spread about 3 tablespoons (or to taste) of the prepared cream cheese onto the bottom half of each toasted bagel.

Top with optional ingredients as desired: layer smoked salmon (about 1.5 oz per bagel half), a few slices of red onion, a sprinkle of capers, and a tomato slice. Alternatively serve plain with just cream cheese and chives.

Place the top half of the bagel on the assembled base, press lightly, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately while the bagel is warm and the cream cheese is cool and creamy.