Toasted Bagel with Cream Cheese (Print-Friendly)

Crispy toasted bagel generously layered with smooth cream cheese, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bagel

01 - 1 bagel, any variety (plain, sesame, whole wheat, etc.)

→ Cream Cheese

02 - 2–3 tbsp cream cheese (plain or flavored, such as chive, veggie, or smoked salmon)

→ Optional Toppings

03 - Sliced cucumber
04 - Sliced tomato
05 - Smoked salmon
06 - Fresh dill
07 - Capers
08 - Red onion slices

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Slice the bagel in half horizontally using a serrated knife.
02 - Toast both halves in a toaster or under a broiler until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes.
03 - Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on each warm bagel half using a spreading knife.
04 - Add any desired optional toppings, such as sliced cucumber, tomato, smoked salmon, dill, capers, or red onion.
05 - Serve immediately while the bagel is warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish
  • Endlessly customizable based on whats in your fridge
  • That perfect contrast between warm, crunchy outside and tender, steaming inside
02 -
  • A slightly under toasted bagel beats a burnt one every time. You can always toast more.
  • Room temperature cream cheese spreads like silk. Cold cream cheese creates bagel casualties.
03 -
  • Buy bagels in bulk and freeze them. They toast up straight from the freezer beautifully.
  • If your cream cheese is too cold, microwave it for 10 seconds. That tiny amount makes all the difference.
Go Back