Description
If you’ve never tried the magic that is spicy pickled garlic and herb cream cheese bagels, get ready to fall in love. This recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, spicy, and savory—everything you want in a breakfast or snack. The herb-infused cream cheese is whipped to perfection, and when combined with bold, spicy pickled garlic, it creates an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Herb Cream Cheese:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for extra creaminess)
For the Spicy Pickled Garlic:
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp honey (or sugar)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- ½ tsp mustard seeds
For the Bagels:
- 2 bagels (plain, everything, or whole wheat)
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil (for toasting)
- Optional toppings: sliced tomatoes, arugula, smoked salmon
Instructions
Step 1: Pickle the Garlic
- In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, honey, salt, red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, and mustard seeds. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add sliced garlic and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the garlic sit in the brine for at least 30 minutes (the longer, the better).
Step 2: Make the Herb Cream Cheese
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with chopped chives, parsley, and dill.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and olive oil. Stir until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Toast the Bagels
- Slice the bagels in half and toast them in a pan with butter or olive oil until golden brown.
Step 4: Assemble
- Spread a generous layer of the herb cream cheese on each toasted bagel half.
- Top with spicy pickled garlic (drain the excess brine before using).
- Add any extra toppings like tomatoes, arugula, or smoked salmon.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dig in and savor every bite of this creamy, tangy, and spicy delight!
Notes
- Make it ahead – The cream cheese and pickled garlic can be made in advance and stored for up to a week.
- Adjust the spice – Add more or fewer red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.
- Garlic intensity – The longer the garlic sits in the brine, the mellower its bite will be.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: No-cook, toasting
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel half
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg