📝 About This Recipe
Experience the quintessential New York deli classic right in your own kitchen with this elevated take on the everything bagel. Our signature veggie cream cheese is whipped to airy perfection and packed with crisp, colorful vegetables that provide a refreshing crunch against the savory, seed-crusted bagel. This dish celebrates the harmony of textures—toasted, chewy, creamy, and crisp—making it a sophisticated yet comforting start to any morning.
🥗 Ingredients
The Foundation
- 4 pieces Everything Bagels (high-quality, water-boiled style preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened, for toasting)
Hand-Whipped Veggie Cream Cheese
- 16 ounces Full-fat Cream Cheese (two blocks, softened to room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Carrots (finely grated and squeezed dry)
- 3 tablespoons Red Bell Pepper (minced very finely)
- 3 tablespoons English Cucumber (seeded and finely diced)
- 2 whole Scallions (white and green parts, thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives (minced)
- 2 small Radishes (finely minced for a peppery bite)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
Fresh Toppings
- 1 large Heirloom Tomato (sliced into thick rounds)
- 1/2 small Red Onion (shaved into paper-thin rings)
- 1 tablespoon Capers (drained)
- 1/2 cup Microgreens or Sprouts (for garnish and crunch)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Ensure your cream cheese is completely at room temperature; this is crucial for achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency without lumps.
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2
Prepare the vegetables: Grate the carrots using the fine holes of a box grater. Place the grated carrots in a paper towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy spread.
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3
Finely mince the red bell pepper, cucumber, radishes, and scallions. Aim for a 'confetti' size so the vegetables distribute evenly throughout the cheese.
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4
In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a stiff spatula to whip the softened cream cheese until it is light and airy (about 2 minutes with a mixer).
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5
Fold in the carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, radishes, scallions, and chives gently using a spatula.
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6
Season the mixture with garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix once more to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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7
Cover the cream cheese and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors of the vegetables to infuse into the cheese.
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8
Slice your everything bagels in half horizontally using a serrated bread knife to keep the crumb intact.
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9
Lightly butter the cut sides of the bagels. Place them cut-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven until golden brown and crisp.
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10
Remove the bagels from the heat. While still warm, spread a generous, thick layer of the veggie cream cheese (about 3-4 tablespoons per bagel) onto the bottom halves.
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11
Layer a thick slice of heirloom tomato on top of the cream cheese, followed by a few rings of shaved red onion.
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12
Sprinkle a few capers and a handful of microgreens over the top for a bright, acidic finish.
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13
Close the sandwich with the top half of the bagel, press down slightly so the flavors meld, and slice in half to serve immediately.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the best flavor, make the veggie cream cheese 24 hours in advance to let the aromatics fully develop. Always squeeze the liquid out of your watery veggies (like cucumbers and carrots) or your cream cheese will become runny. If you like a bit of heat, add a finely minced jalapeño (seeds removed) to the cream cheese mix. To get the perfect onion thinness, use a mandoline slicer for the red onion rings. If you can't find fresh everything bagels, you can use plain bagels and brush them with melted butter, then dip them into a jarred 'Everything Bagel' spice blend before toasting.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a hot, dark roast coffee or a fresh cold-brew to cut through the richness of the cream cheese. Serve alongside a side of fresh seasonal fruit or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Add a few slices of smoked salmon (lox) for an extra protein boost and a salty, smoky dimension. For a brunch party, serve the components 'deconstructed' on a large wooden board so guests can build their own. A chilled glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a spicy Bloody Mary makes the perfect beverage companion.