If you can’t resist that iconic everything bagel flavor—salty, crunchy, seedy, and absolutely savory—you’re going to fall head over heels for this Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread. It’s a speedy, flavor-packed upgrade that transforms basic cream cheese into an irresistibly scoopable, wonderfully textured spread you’ll want to heap on bagels, sandwiches, veggies, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursts with Classic Everything Bagel Flavor: Every spoonful delivers a symphony of garlic, onion, poppy, and toasted sesame seeds that instantly perks up your breakfast or snack.
- Takes Just Minutes to Make: With a couple of pantry staples and hardly any prep, this spread comes together in under five minutes (and tastes even better after a quick chill).
- Customizable Texture: Prefer whipped and airy or rich and creamy? You can tailor the spread to be just the way you love by choosing whipped or block cream cheese as your base.
- Versatile for Every Meal: This Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread is just as at home on a Sunday brunch bagel as it is dolloped onto snacks, sandwiches, or veggie trays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This classic Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread recipe keeps it delightfully simple so every ingredient can shine. Each one adds something special to the mix, from creamy tang to crunch and punchy flavor.
- Whipped Cream Cheese (16 ounces): Whipped gives you that ultra-light, airy texture with barely any work—perfect for effortless spreading on bagels or veggies.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend (3–4 tablespoons): It’s packed with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and a hit of flaky salt—all the signature flavors you crave in one spoonful!
- Heavy Cream or Half & Half (optional, 3–4 tablespoons): Only needed if you’re starting with regular block cream cheese—this loosens and fluffs up the cheese, making it extra spreadable and silky-smooth.
Variations
The beauty of this Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread is how easily it invites your own personal twist! Don’t be afraid to get creative with the seasonings or swap in dairy-free options to make it perfect for you.
- Add Extra Mix-Ins: Stir in finely chopped scallions, fresh herbs, or even crispy bacon for an extra boost of flavor and color.
- Lactose-Free or Vegan: Swap in your favorite plant-based cream cheese to make the spread completely dairy-free without sacrificing that crave-able flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bold, slightly spicy version that wakes up the palate.
- Lighten It Up: Substitute part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter texture that still feels rich and satisfying.
How to Make Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread
Step 1: Choose & Prep Your Cream Cheese Base
If you’re using whipped cream cheese, simply add it straight to your mixing bowl. For block cream cheese, be sure to let it come fully to room temperature—this makes it much easier to whip and will give you the dreamiest, smoothest spread.
Step 2: Whip (If Using Block Cream Cheese)
Place the softened cream cheese into your stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or use a sturdy hand mixer). Start on low to break everything up, then increase to medium-high and whip until light and fluffy. Drizzle in your cream or half & half gradually—just enough to make that rich cheese airy and spoonable!
Step 3: Stir in the Everything Bagel Seasoning
Now for the fun part! Gently fold the Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend into your whipped cream cheese. Stir just enough to marble the seasoning throughout—overmixing can break down the tender cheese and make it less fluffy.
Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle
Cover your bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This quick rest allows all those garlicky, oniony, toasty notes to infuse the cream cheese—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Pro Tips for Making Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread
- Room Temperature Magic: Always let block cream cheese fully soften before whipping—this ensures ultimate fluffiness and zero lumps.
- Seasoning Swirl: Gently fold the Everything Bagel Seasoning in by hand to keep the cheese airy and prevent the toppings from breaking down.
- Flavor Bloom: For the richest, most harmonious taste, don’t skip the chill—a quick hour in the fridge lets the seasoning melt into the cheese beautifully!
- Whipped vs. Block: Whipped cream cheese is ultra convenient, but starting with block cream cheese gives you more control over the final texture—choose your favorite!
How to Serve Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread
Garnishes
Top your finished spread with an extra sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning right before serving for even more crunch and visual appeal. For a gourmet touch, add cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives over the top—those pops of green look stunning!
Side Dishes
This Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread begs to be paired with a platter of bagels and sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or radishes. It’s also dreamy dolloped onto warm toast, served alongside scrambled eggs, or ready to rescue a wrap at lunchtime!
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop the spread into a shallow bowl and swirl with the back of a spoon for a rustic, artisan look. Or, pipe it into rosettes on a brunch platter for extra wow-factor. For snacking, offer with crackers and veggie sticks for a crowd-friendly dip—everyone will ask you for the recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh, creamy, and flavorful for up to one week. Just give it a gentle stir before each use to reincorporate any settled bits.
Freezing
You can freeze the spread for up to two months, but keep in mind the texture may become grainier after thawing. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and whisk briskly to bring it back together before serving.
Reheating
Although this spread is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, if it’s too firm straight from the fridge, let it sit out for 20–30 minutes to soften. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the cheese and change the texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it in advance gives the flavors even more time to meld—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
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Which type of cream cheese is best—whipped or block?
Both work wonderfully! Whipped is faster and gives you instant airy texture, while block cream cheese lets you control the richness and add just the right amount of cream or half & half for creaminess.
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Is Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread gluten-free?
Yes, the spread itself is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your Everything Bagel seasoning to ensure it doesn’t have any sneaky additives with gluten.
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What else can I use this spread for besides bagels?
So many things! Try it as a dip for veggies, a spread for sandwiches and wraps, in stuffed celery stalks, or even swirled atop baked potatoes for a savory twist.
Final Thoughts
If you love the flavor of everything bagels as much as I do, this Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread will become your new secret brunch weapon. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no effort, you can elevate breakfast—or any snack—into something worth sharing. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every delicious, savory scoop!
Print
Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Spread
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory delight of this Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread. With just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate your breakfast or snack time with this flavorful spread that pairs perfectly with your favorite bagel.
Ingredients
Whipped Cream Cheese:
- 16 ounces whipped cream cheese
Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend:
- 3–4 tablespoon Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend
Heavy Cream or Half & Half:
- 3–4 tablespoon heavy cream or half & half (only if using block cream cheese)
Instructions
- Combine Cream Cheese and Seasoning: In a bowl, gently stir together the whipped cream cheese and the Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend.
- Chill: Cover the mixture and place it in the fridge for an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Spread this delicious cream cheese on your favorite bagel and enjoy!
Notes
- If using block cream cheese, ensure it’s at room temperature before whipping it in a stand mixer. Gradually add cream or half & half for a smoother, creamier texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
