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.
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Ingredients
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Bagel & Spread
Toppings (optional)
Method
Bagel & Spread
- 1
Slice and Toast
Slice the bagels in half horizontally if they are not pre-sliced. Toast the cut sides in a toaster or under a broiler until they reach your preferred level of golden brown and crispness (about 1–3 minutes in a toaster, 2–4 minutes under broiler).
- 2
Soften Cream Cheese
If the cream cheese is refrigerated and firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 8–10 seconds to make it spreadable. Stir briefly to ensure smoothness.
- 3
Optional Butter
If using butter, spread about 1/2 tsp of softened butter on each toasted bagel half for extra richness before adding cream cheese.
- 4
Spread Cream Cheese
Use a butter knife or small offset spatula to evenly spread about 2 oz (roughly 2 tablespoons per half) of cream cheese on each bagel half, covering the surface edge-to-edge.
Toppings (optional)
- 5
Assemble with Smoked Salmon
If using smoked salmon, arrange about 1 oz of smoked salmon on each cream cheese–topped half in gentle folds to create a light, even layer.
- 6
Add Vegetables and Capers
Distribute sliced tomato and red onion evenly across the bagel halves as desired. Sprinkle capers over the top (about 1/2 tablespoon per bagel).
- 7
- 8
Serve
Place the two prepared bagel halves on a plate. Serve immediately while the bagel is still slightly warm and the cream cheese is soft. Provide lemon wedges on the side if using.