Bagel & Cream Cheese Recipe

Name: Magnolia's Veranda at Four Queens Bagel & Cream Cheese Recipe
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 pieces plain or sesame bagels; 6 oz cream cheese (full-fat or light); 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (optional for creaminess); 1 tsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp finely chopped chives (optional); 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch black pepper; 4 slices sliced tomato; 6 slices thinly sliced cucumber; 4 oz smoked salmon (lox); 1 tsp capers; 2 tbsp red onion, very thinly sliced

Inspired by Magnolia's Veranda at Four Queens

Time20m

Serves2

Make Bagel & Cream Cheese Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Bagels

2 pieces plain or sesame bagels

Cream Cheese Spread

6 oz cream cheese (full-fat or light)

1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (optional for creaminess)

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp finely chopped chives (optional)

1 pinch Celtic sea salt

1 pinch black pepper

Toppings (optional)

4 slices sliced tomato

6 slices thinly sliced cucumber

4 oz smoked salmon (lox)

1 tsp capers

2 tbsp red onion, very thinly sliced

Method

Bagels

Split and toast

Slice each bagel in half horizontally with a serrated knife. Toast the halves in a toaster or under a broiler until golden and crisp at the edges, about 2–4 minutes depending on your appliance. Remove and place on a plate.

If you prefer an extra-rich flavor, lightly butter each toasted half while still warm and let the butter melt for 30 seconds before adding the cream cheese.

Cream Cheese Spread

Soften and combine

If the cream cheese is chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes so it's easily spreadable. Place cream cheese and softened butter (if using) in a small bowl.

Whip to a spreadable texture

Using a fork or small whisk, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and slightly airy, about 1–2 minutes. This makes the spread easier to spread on the bagel and gives a lighter mouthfeel.

Season and finish

Stir in the lemon juice, chopped chives, pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a little more lemon or salt if desired. Transfer to a serving bowl or spread directly onto bagel halves.

Assemble & Serve

Spread cream cheese

Generously spread about 3 ounces (half of the prepared cream cheese) across the cut surface of each bagel half so both halves are evenly coated.

Add optional toppings

If using toppings, arrange them now: place 2 slices of tomato or 3 cucumber slices on each bottom half, top with 2 oz smoked salmon split between the two bagels, sprinkle 1/2 tsp capers over both, and add a few slivers of red onion. Season lightly with black pepper if desired.

Place the top halves on the assembled bottoms (or serve open-faced). Cut each bagel in half if sharing. Serve immediately while the bagel is still warm and the cream cheese is fresh.