Herbed Cream Cheese For Bagels
Herbed cream cheese for bagels offers a rich, tangy spread infused with fresh chives, garlic, thyme, and black pepper. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it pairs beautifully with toasted bagels, providing a flavorful, creamy addition to your morning table or snack platter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese, whipping cream, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor or blender.
- Process until smooth.
- Stir in chopped chives, dried thyme, and black pepper.
- Refrigerate to allow flavors to blend.
- Allow to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother consistency, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the chives with green onions or dill if you prefer a different flavor. Additionally, adjusting the garlic amount can tailor the dip to your taste. This herbed cream cheese also makes a great topping for crackers or as part of a veggie platter, similar to the flavors in Slammin Jammin Fruit Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this herbed cream cheese spread on toasted bagels for a delightful breakfast or brunch. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a side of smoked salmon for a complete meal. For a creative twist, try using it as a filling in wraps or sandwiches, or alongside Butter Muffins for a delicious brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover herbed cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to return to a spreadable consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Cream Cheese For Bagels contains roughly 81 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this herbed cream cheese in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this herbed cream cheese up to two days in advance. Just follow the recipe and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste when served.
What can I use this herbed cream cheese for besides bagels?
This herbed cream cheese is versatile! You can use it as a spread on sandwiches, a dip for fresh vegetables, or even a topping for baked potatoes. It also works well as a filling for stuffed mushrooms or as an accompaniment to crackers.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese can be used as a substitute in this recipe. However, it may result in a slightly different texture and flavor, so adjust accordingly by adding a bit more whipping cream to achieve the desired creaminess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).