These 10 Cream Cheese Spreads Are About to Transform Your Morning Bagel
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While your co-workers and yogi friends are steadfast on their juice cleanses and Paleo diets, you're committed to a more ambitious 2016 resolution — stepping up your brunch game. Elevate your weekend (and weekday!) bagel routine by whipping ho-hum cream cheese with pantry staples to create sweet and savory cream cheese spreads. Bag a baker's dozen and schmear away.
1. Pepperoni "Pizza Bagel"
Combine 1 (8-ounce) package room temperature cream cheese with 6 slices of diced pepperoni, and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese.
Bagel Pairing: Asiago or sun-dried tomato bagel.
2. Avocado Cream Cheese
Combine (8-ounce) package room temperature cream cheese with 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 ripe avocado, and squeeze of lemon juice.
Bagel Pairing: Whole-grain bagel.
3. Bagel and Lox Cream Cheese
Combine 1 (8-ounce) package room temperature cream cheese with 3 ounces diced smoked salmon and 1 tablespoon chopped dill.
Bagel Pairing: Rye bagel.
4. Blueberry Cheesecake Cream Cheese
Combine 1 (8-ounce) package room temperature cream cheese with 1/4 cup slightly smashed blueberries, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
Bagel Pairing: Blueberry bagel.
5. Southwest Cream Cheese
Combine 1 (8-ounce) package room temperature cream cheese with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 diced jalapeño pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped chives.
Bagel Pairing: Jalapeño bagel.
6. Prosciutto and Date Cream Cheese
Combine 1 (8-ounce) package room temperature cream cheese with 1/4 cup chopped dates. Schmear bagel and top with thinly sliced prosciutto.
Bagel Pairing: Cinnamon and salt bagel.
7. Cinnamon Nutella Cream Cheese
Combine 1 (8-ounce) package room temperature cream cheese with 1/4 cup Nutella spread and 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Bagel Pairing: Cinnamon raisin bagel.
8. Nutty Caramel Cream Cheese
Combine 1 (8-ounce) package room temperature cream cheese with 2 to 3 tablespoons caramel sauce. Schmear bagel and sprinkle with Maldon sea salt.
Bagel Pairing: French toast bagel.
9. Beet and Goat Cheese Cream Cheese
Combine 1 (8-ounce) package room temperature cream cheese with 4 ounces goat cheese and 1 roasted and diced beet.
Bagel Pairing: Onion bagel.
10. Chocolate Cream Cheese Spread
Combine 1 (8-ounce) package room temperature cream cheese with 3 tablespoons chocolate sauce. Schmear bagel and top with chocolate shavings.
Bagel Pairing: Raspberry bagel.