Nothing beats a fresh, warm bagel, except one topped with an authentic, flavorful spread! After all, a bagel without schmear is like a joke without a punchline—just plain wrong! In fact, as per Statista Survey reports, studies show that nearly 75% of bagel lovers choose authentic spreads over ready-to-eat ones. Moreover, with the rise of plant-based options and artisanal ingredients, the possibilities are endless.
But to get any authentic spread right, you need hands-on the perfect recipe to make your breakfast (or any time snack) into a deli-worthy experience. Ready to take your bagels to the next level? This guide brings you tried-and-true, restaurant-quality bagel spread recipes that celebrate authentic flavors while keeping things easy and delicious. Let’s begin!
1. Classic New York-Style Cream Cheese Spread
Originating in the Jewish delis of New York City in the early 20th century, the Classic New York-style cream cheese spread is an essential pairing for bagels. It rose to popularity owing to its perfectly balanced flavor that gives a slightly tangy hit. What’s better? It’s not too sweet, not too sour, so it goes with both sweet and savory toppings. Here’s how you can get the perfect New York-style cream cheese spread:
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp whole milk or heavy cream
½ tsp salt
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, milk, and salt.
Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
2. Lox and Dill Cream Cheese Spread
This spread is inspired by the iconic lox and bagel, a staple of Jewish-American cuisine that dates back to the early 1900s and is the best seller at majority coffee shops. The spread includes bits of smoked salmon, fresh dill, and capers. This combination gives that smoky, briny flavor with a herbal aftertaste. Well, this authentic bagel spread recipe is sure to give your taste buds a treat.
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup smoked salmon, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp capers, drained
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.
Stir well until evenly mixed.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
3. Scallion Cream Cheese Spread
Scallion cream cheese spread became a deli favorite due to its mild oniony kick. This spread has a thick, creamy consistency with small, crisp bites of scallions. Popular in bagel shops across the U.S., it pairs exceptionally well with everything bagels or sesame bagels. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup scallions, finely chopped
2 tbsp sour cream
¼ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
Adjust seasoning if needed.
Refrigerate for an hour before serving.
4. Honey Walnut Cream Cheese Spread
If you’re a fan of sweet bagel spreads but don’t want anything overly sugary, honey walnut cream cheese is the perfect middle ground. It became popular in bagel shops in the 1900s, owing to the natural sweetness of honey paired beautifully with tangy cream cheese and chopped walnuts for that extra crunch. It’s especially great on cinnamon raisin or whole wheat bagels, making every bite feel like a treat without the guilt.
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp honey
¼ cup walnuts, chopped
½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Mix well until creamy.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
5. Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese Spread
Think of this as the savory cousin of classic cream cheese. Inspired by European herb-infused cheeses, this spread is packed with garlic, chives, parsley, and oregano for an explosion of flavor. If you love garlic bread or herbed butter, this is basically that but in spreadable, bagel-friendly form.
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
Stir until smooth.
Chill before serving.
6. Maple Bacon Cream Cheese Spread
Let’s be honest: bacon makes everything better. This bagel spread recipe is for those who love the classic sweet-and-savory combo. Texture-wise, it’s mostly smooth but with tiny, crispy bits of bacon in every bite. It pairs best with plain, cheddar, or even everything bagels, anything that can handle all that flavor.
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tbsp maple syrup
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients until fully incorporated.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. Hummus Bagel Spread
For anyone looking for a dairy-free option, hummus is a game-changer. Hummus has been around for centuries, originating in the Middle East, but its rise in popularity in Western diets made it a natural fit for bagels. The texture is thicker than traditional cream cheese, making it a great bagel spread recipe that pairs well with whole wheat or sesame bagels. Plus, it’s packed with protein, making it a great choice for a healthy breakfast. Let’s learn how to make it:
Ingredients:
1 cup chickpeas, drained
2 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp cumin
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
Add water if needed for consistency.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
8. Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread
Did you know strawberry cream cheese became popular when bagel shops looked to offer kid-friendly and dessert-like options? Well, that's true! The fresh strawberry bits add a juicy sweetness, while the cream cheese provides just enough tang to balance it out. It’s also a nostalgic favorite, many people remember having this as kids and still love to order now as a comforting, slightly indulgent breakfast choice.
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Refrigerate for an hour before serving.
9. Avocado Lime Bagel Spread
Avocado toast fans, this one’s for you. Inspired by Mexican guacamole flavors, avocado lime spread is the ultimate creamy + tangy option. The buttery richness of avocado goes perfectly with the zesty brightness of lime juice giving just the right amount of thickness in this bagel spread recipe. Since avocado has natural healthy fats, it’s a nutritious and dairy-free alternative. It pairs well with whole wheat or everything bagels and can be topped with chili flakes or radishes for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado, mashed
1 tbsp lime juice
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Mash the avocado with lime juice and spices.
Stir until smooth.
Use immediately for the best flavor.
10. Pimento Cheese Spread
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple with roots dating back to the early 1900s. It emerged as a fusion of Spanish-imported pimentos (a type of sweet red pepper) and processed cheese in the U.S. By the mid-20th century; pimento cheese became a Southern household favorite, often used in bagels, as a dip, or even as a topping for burgers. It’s commonly referred to as “the pâté of the South” because of its creamy, spreadable texture and tangy flavor. Here’s how to create this classic:
Ingredients:
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup diced pimentos
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
With these authentic, easy-to-make recipes, you can enjoy fresh, homemade flavors that enhance your bagel experience. Want to experience authentic New York bagels with deli-quality spreads without the hassle of making them at home? Visit Sclafani's New York Bagels & Sandwiches, your favorite sandwich shop! Enjoy freshly baked bagels, handcrafted spreads, and stacked sandwiches made with the finest ingredients. Stop by today and taste the difference!
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