4-pack + Shmear Recipe

Name: Wise Sons Jewish Deli 24th Streets 4-Pack + Shmear Recipe
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 count plain bagels; 0 count everything bagels; 0 count sesame bagels; 8 oz plain cream cheese; 4 oz chive & onion cream cheese; 4 oz smoked salmon (lox) cream cheese or flavored spread; 2 tbsp capers; 0.25 cup thinly sliced red onion; 1 count sliced tomato; 2 tbsp butter (if toasting instead of shmearing); 1 tbsp fresh dill (optional); 4 count parchment paper squares; 1 count small airtight container (for shmear)

Inspired by Wise Sons Jewish Deli 24th Street

Time20m

Serves4

Make 4-pack + Shmear Recipe in just 20m. 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.

Bagels

4 count plain bagels

0 count everything bagels

0 count sesame bagels

Shmears (Assorted Cream Cheeses)

8 oz plain cream cheese

4 oz chive & onion cream cheese

4 oz smoked salmon (lox) cream cheese or flavored spread

Optional Add-ins & Garnishes

2 tbsp capers

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

1 count sliced tomato

2 tbsp butter (if toasting instead of shmearing)

1 tbsp fresh dill (optional)

Serving & Packaging

4 count parchment paper squares

1 count small airtight container (for shmear)

Method

Bagels

Select and prepare bagels

Choose four bagels of your preferred variety (plain, everything, sesame, etc.). If frozen, thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes. For a toasted pack, split each bagel horizontally with a serrated knife.

Optional toasting

If you prefer warm bagels, toast the cut sides in a toaster or under a broiler until golden (about 1–3 minutes depending on appliance). Alternatively, warm whole bagels in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.

Shmears (Assorted Cream Cheeses)

Portion shmears

Measure and portion the cream cheeses: 8 oz plain cream cheese, 4 oz chive & onion, and 4 oz smoked salmon-flavored spread. If the plain cream cheese is firm, let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften for easier spreading.

Smooth and mix (optional)

For an extra-smooth consistency, whip each portion with a fork or small whisk for 20–30 seconds. Mix in fresh dill to the plain or chive shmear if using (about 1 tablespoon).

Pack the shmears

Transfer each shmear to separate small airtight containers or put all into one divided container. Seal and refrigerate until assembly or delivery. Keep refrigerated if not serving immediately.

Optional Add-ins & Garnishes

Prepare garnishes

Thinly slice 1 tomato and 1/4 cup red onion. Rinse and drain 2 tablespoons capers. Place these garnishes in a small container to accompany the bagels and shmears.

Assemble for serving (optional)

To serve immediately, spread desired shmear evenly on each toasted or untoasted bagel half (about 2 tablespoons shmear per half, 4 tablespoons per whole bagel). Add tomato slices, red onion, and capers as desired.

Packaging & Serving

Package a 4-pack

Wrap each bagel in a parchment square to keep them from sticking and place them in a paper or cardboard box. Include the sealed shmear containers and a small garnish container. Label with contents and refrigeration instructions.

Storage and reheating

Keep the pack refrigerated if not consumed within 2 hours. Unopened assembled bagels (without perishable toppings) will keep in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Reheat toasted bagels briefly in a toaster oven or warm in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.