Cream Cheese Deluxe Bagel
We can appreciate what we have while finding new ways to make life our own.
Beyond the Ingredients
Why This Recipe Matters
There's nothing wrong with a simple bagel and cream cheese. It's familiar, satisfying, and perfectly good just the way it is. But add a little shallot, dill pickle, crispy bacon, and fresh chives, and something ordinary becomes a little more interesting. The original idea hasn't changed. You've simply made it your own.
Life often gives us opportunities to make similar choices. We develop routines, establish habits, and find ways of doing things that work for us. Over time, those familiar patterns can become so comfortable that we stop considering whether there's something else we'd enjoy or something different we'd like to experience.
But wanting something more doesn't mean what we already have isn't good enough.
We can appreciate the life we're living while remaining curious about what else might bring us enjoyment or satisfaction. Trying something unfamiliar, exploring a new interest, changing a routine, or making time for something we've always wanted to do doesn't require us to abandon everything that already works.
We also don't have to measure those choices by whether they lead to some extraordinary accomplishment. Enjoyment, curiosity, and personal satisfaction are worthwhile reasons to try something different.
The Takeaway
We don't have to change everything about our lives to make them more fulfilling. We can appreciate what we already have while continuing to discover what makes life meaningful to us.
What You Need
Ingredients
Serves 1 serving
How to Make It
Directions
- 1
Cook the bacon until crispy, then let it cool and finely dice it.
- 2
Finely dice the shallot and dill pickle, and finely chop the chives.
- 3
Add the cream cheese to a small bowl. Mix in the shallot, dill pickle, bacon, and chives until evenly combined.
- 4
Toast the bagel to your preferred level of doneness.
- 5
Spoon the cream cheese mixture generously onto both halves of the toasted bagel.
- 6
Serve immediately and enjoy.
From the Kitchen
Small Things That Matter
Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before mixing — it makes everything blend together much more easily.
The cream cheese mixture keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, so don't worry if you make too large a batch.
Dice everything as finely as you can — smaller pieces distribute more evenly and make every bite consistent.
An everything bagel is the natural pairing here, but asiago or sesame add their own character worth trying.
Variations & Additions
Make It Yours
- Add 1 tablespoon finely diced jalapeño for a little heat.
- Add 1/2 tablespoon fresh dill for an herby, bright finish.
- Use red onion instead of shallot for a bolder, sharper bite.
- Mix in 1 tablespoon shredded cheese — sharp cheddar or gruyère work especially well.
- Add up to a tablespoon of honey for a little sweetness.
- Add both honey and jalapeño for a sweet and spicy kick.
Watch It
Watch It Being Made
Video courtesy of Bigger Bolder Baking with Gemma Stafford
This video may not follow our recipe exactly. Ingredients, amounts, or steps can differ a little. Use it as a guide to see the techniques in action, and follow the recipe on this page for the details. All videos
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