Bagel with Cream Cheese

Theres something almost meditative about that first morning toast popping up, the scent of warm bread filling the kitchen before the days chaos begins. I started making bagels this way during college when my apartment had exactly two functional things, a toaster and a mini fridge. Now its my Sunday morning ritual, standing by the counter while the coffee brews, spreading cream cheese while everything bagel seasoning rains down on the cutting board.

Last winter my sister visited and watched me make these, commenting on how much cream cheese I was using. The next morning I woke up to find shed already toasted the bagels and put out exactly half the amount shed deemed appropriate, then stood grinning by the coffeemaker. We still argue about the proper ratio.

Ingredients

• Bagel: Fresh bagels from a local bakery will transform this entirely, but even grocery store ones work beautifully if toasted until properly crisp
• Cream cheese: Room temperature spreads like a dream, so take it out of the fridge while your bagel toasts
• Optional toppings: Smoked salmon and everything bagel seasoning make this feel restaurant worthy, but even just cucumber slices add a refreshing crunch

Instructions

Slice and toast:

Cut your bagel in half using a serrated knife, then toast until golden brown and crisp to the touch, about 2 to 3 minutes depending on your toaster

Spread the cream cheese:

While the bagel halves are still warm, spread about 1 to 2 tablespoons of cream cheese on each half, letting it melt slightly into the surface

Add your toppings:

Layer on sliced cucumber, tomato, smoked salmon, fresh dill, capers, red onion, or whatever combination speaks to you this morning

Serve immediately:

Enjoy while the bagel retains that perfect warmth against the cool, creamy cheese

Save

This simple breakfast carried me through countless early shifts at my first job, portable enough to eat during the commute but substantial enough to keep me going until lunch.

Making It Your Own

Experiment with different cream cheese flavors, from savory chive and onion to sweet strawberry honey, depending on your mood.

Timing Everything Right

Start toasting your bagel before you even take the cream cheese out of the fridge, that timing ensures the cheese will soften just enough to spread easily.

The Perfect Spread

Use the back of a spoon to create those swoopy restaurant style ridges in your cream cheese, which somehow makes it taste even better.

• Always use a serrated knife for clean bagel slicing
• Pop your cream cheese in the microwave for 10 seconds if its too cold
• Everything bagel seasoning works on just about any variety

Save

However you make it, this is breakfast on your terms.

Recipe FAQs

→ What types of bagels work best?

Any variety suits well, such as plain, sesame, or whole wheat, depending on personal preference.

→ Can I use flavored cream cheese?

Yes, options like chive, veggie, or smoked salmon add extra taste dimensions.

→ How should I toast the bagel?

Toast halves in a toaster or under a broiler until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes.

→ What are good optional toppings?

Consider sliced cucumber, tomato, smoked salmon, fresh dill, capers, or red onion for variety.

→ Are there dairy-free alternatives?

Plant-based cream cheese substitutes work well for those avoiding dairy.