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Freshly toasted bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers on a wooden board.

Bagel with Cream Cheese

Nothing beats the classic combo of a fresh, chewy bagel slathered with rich, creamy cheese! Whether you prefer it simple or loaded with toppings, this guide covers everything from making your own bagels to creative topping ideas.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4 bagels
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Pot for Boiling

Ingredients
  

Bagel Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt

Cream Cheese Spread

  • 2 cups full-fat cream
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  • Add the flour and salt, then mix and knead until a smooth dough forms.
  • Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces, shape them into balls, and poke a hole in the center to form bagels.
  • Boil each bagel in water for 1 minute per side, then transfer to a baking sheet.
  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  • For cream cheese, heat the cream in a pot, then add lemon juice and stir until curdled. Strain and mix with salt.
  • Let the bagels cool slightly, then slice and spread with cream cheese.

Notes

Try topping your bagel with smoked salmon, fresh vegetables, or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor!
Keyword Bagel, Cream Cheese