Bagels and Cream Cheese
Bagels and cream cheese are a classic breakfast combination beloved by many around the world, and it comes in many delicious forms. As with all breakfast meals, there are plenty of choices that can be added to the mix in order to make a truly unique breakfast. From adding fresh fruits and vegetables to creating savory spreads, there is plenty of potential to make breakfast with bagels and cream cheese a creative culinary experience.
Bagels are soft, chewy and come in a variety of flavors including everything, sesame, poppy, and garlic, just to name a few. Cream cheese is made from a mixture of fresh cream and milk and can be flavored with herbs and spices to make a delicious accompaniment to a bagel. When it comes to what to pair with these two ingredients, there are many options.
Pairing Cheese with Bagels
When pairing cheese with bagels, select a cheese that complements the flavor of the bagel. For example, a mild cheese such as feta or gouda will go well with an everything bagel, while a stronger blue cheese would be more suited to a sesame bagel. Spreads such as cream cheese can be flavored with herbs to add extra complexity to the flavor, or for a sweeter option, try a cheese spread such as raspberry and cream cheese.
Additions to Bagels and Cream Cheese
Adding vegetables and fruits to a breakfast plate featuring bagels and cream cheese is an easy way to make it a more balanced meal. Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes all make a great addition to a bagel with cream cheese. You can also add fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to increase the sweetness, or drizzle honey on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Spreads and Sauces
If you’re looking for something a bit more savory to pair with bagels and cream cheese, there are plenty of suitable spreads and sauces that can be used. Traditional condiments such as mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise can all add a flavor kick to a classic bagel with cream cheese combo. If you are looking for something more unique, try making a spread out of mashed green olives or cream cheese, artichokes, and capers.
Nut Butters
Nut butters, such as peanut butter and almond butter, can be a great addition to a bagel and cream cheese breakfast. Not only do they provide an extra dose of protein, but the nutty flavor can be the perfect complement to a creamy cheese or a sweet syrup or honey. Some nut butters also come flavored, adding an extra level of complexity to the meal.
Meat Options
Bagels with cream cheese make for a great savory meal when paired with the right type of meat. Bacon and smoked salmon go well with cream cheese, but if you’re looking for something lighter try placing slices of deli meat such as turkey or ham. These meats provide a higher protein content that packs a satisfying punch without packing on the calories.
Egg Options
Eggs are always a great breakfast option, and go extremely well with bagels and cream cheese. Poached eggs and fried eggs are an excellent addition, providing protein and a creamy yolk that may just be the icing on the cake of breakfast. Scrambled eggs are also a great option and can be cooked quickly and easily, and can easily be spiced up with ingredients such as bell pepper, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
Smoothie Options
Smoothies are an easy way to get some extra nutrition into a bagel and cream cheese breakfast. Try combining some fresh or frozen fruits with yogurt or milk and you’ve got yourself a delicious and healthy smoothie that’s packed with vitamins and nutrients. Just make sure to keep your smoothies on the lighter side, as going too heavy with the ingredients can lead to a filling breakfast that will leave you full for too long.
Toppings
If you’re looking for a more customizable option for your bagels and cream cheese, look no further than toppings. Try adding avocado slices or nut butter for a protein boost, or sprinkle on some fresh herbs for extra flavor. Adding nuts such as almonds or walnuts can add a crunchy texture, and a variety of seeds can add an extra layer of flavor.
Jams and Jellies
Jams and jellies are a classic topping for bagels and cream cheese, and can make for a sweet and savory combination. For the health conscious, there are a variety of options that are made with natural sweeteners such as honey and agave nectar. For a more traditional topping, try something like raspberry or grape preserves.
Savory Toppings
There are plenty of incredible savory toppings to pair with bagels and cream cheese. Try adding some sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus, or onions, or add some pickled or roasted peppers for an extra kick of flavor. Olives are also a great addition, and can be mashed or left sliced for some extra texture.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices can be a great way to add flavor and complexity to a bagel and cream cheese breakfast. Try adding some fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano or basil for a zesty flavor. A pinch of sea salt and black pepper can liven up just about any dish, or sprinkle on some spices such as paprika, chili powder or garlic powder for an extra dose of flavor.
