Bagel with Cream Cheese (Printable)

Warm toasted bagel topped with smooth, creamy cheese spread—perfect for quick breakfasts or light snacks.

# What You 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

# Step-by-Step:

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 Suggestions:

01 -
  • It transforms eight minutes of your morning into something that feels like a proper breakfast without any actual cooking
  • The contrast between warm crunch and cool cream creates that perfect first bite satisfaction
02 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese spreads so much more smoothly than cold from the fridge
  • Letting the bagel cool for just 30 seconds after toasting prevents the cheese from melting too quickly
03 -
  • If your bagel is slightly stale, sprinkle a few drops of water on it before toasting to revive the texture
  • Leftover bagels freeze beautifully—just toast them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute
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