How To Turn A Block Of Cream Cheese Into The Most Amazing Bagel Schmear
How To Turn A Block Of Cream Cheese Into The Most Amazing Bagel Schmear
If you go through the effort of making homemade bagels, you might as well go all out and make a flavored cream cheese, too. It's the easiest, most fun way to take your beautiful dozen to the next level. Below are seven of our favorite variations. But we like to think of a block of plain cream cheese like a blank canvas. The flavor possibilities, both savory and sweet, are endless.
For each flavor you'll want to stir 4 ounces of of softened cream cheese in a small bowl until smooth, then add your choice of ingredients below and mix until incorporated.
Honey Walnut
1/3 c. finely chopped and toasted walnuts + 1 tbsp. honey
Any Berry
1/2 c. berries, lightly smashed + zest of 1/2 lemon
Lemon Poppy Seed
Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon + 2 tsp. poppy seeds + 2 tsp. honey
Jalape?o Popper
2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled + 1/2 c. shredded cheddar + 1 jalape?o, seeded and minced + 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
Za'atar
1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds + 3/4 tsp. dried oregano + 3/4 tsp. sumac + 1/2 tsp. dried thyme + 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
Cacio E Pepe
1/4 c. freshly grated Pecorino + 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan + 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Brown Sugar Cinnamon
3 tbsp. packed brown sugar + 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon + 1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract
The cream cheese limit does not exist.