Bagel With Cream Cheese Recipe
Make Bagel With Cream Cheese Recipe in just 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Bagel & Spread
Optional Toppings
Method
Bagel & Spread
- 1
Prepare bagels
If using pre-sliced bagels, separate the two halves. If whole, slice each bagel horizontally through the center to make two even halves.
- 2
Toast bagels
Place bagel halves cut-side up in a toaster or under a broiler. Toast until golden and edges are crisp, about 2–4 minutes in a toaster or 1–3 minutes under a hot broiler, watching closely to avoid burning. Remove when toasted to your preference.
- 3
Soften cream cheese (if needed)
If the cream cheese is very firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften for easier spreading. Alternatively, microwave 4 tbs in a microwave-safe bowl for 5–8 seconds and stir to even consistency.
- 4
Optional butter layer
If using butter, spread about 1/2 tablespoon on each warm bagel half first for a richer base. This is optional — skip if you prefer only cream cheese.
- 5
Spread cream cheese
Using a butter knife or spreader, evenly spread about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese on each toasted bagel half, covering the surface to the edges.
Optional Toppings
- 6
Add tomato
Place two thin tomato slices on two of the cream cheese–covered halves (or distribute as desired).
- 7
Add onion
Top the tomato (or cream cheese if not using tomato) with one or two thin rings/slices of red onion for bite.
- 8
Add capers and season
Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon capers per bagel half that has tomato/onion. Lightly season with a pinch of salt (about 1/8 tsp) and a grind of black pepper (about 1/4 tsp) over each topped half.
- 9
Finish with herbs
Scatter chopped chives over the cream cheese or toppings for fresh flavor. If serving open-faced, serve immediately. If assembling into a sandwich, place the remaining bagel halves on top and press gently.