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Cream Cheese Bagel Recipe

A crispy, creamy Cream Cheese Bagel with garlic confit, fresh herbs, and veal slices, an easy, flavor-packed brunch you can customize your way.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Breakfast/Brunch, Snack
Cuisine American, fusion
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet for crisping the bagel
  • Small blender or fork for whipping the cream cheese
  • Baking dish for roasting garlic confit

Ingredients
  

Group: For the Bagel

  • 2 whole bagels — halved
  • 1 –2 tbsp olive oil — ideally from garlic confit
  • 4 oz cream cheese — whipped or softened
  • 3 –4 cloves garlic — confit see below
  • 4 slices veal — thin cooked or deli-style
  • 1 tomato — sliced heirloom preferred
  • 1 tbsp fresh herbs — chives dill, or basil
  • Salt and pepper — to taste

Group: Garlic Confit (Optional but Recommended)

  • 1 bulb garlic — cloves peeled
  • ½ cup olive oil — enough to cover garlic

Instructions
 

Group: Garlic Confit (Make Ahead)

  • Add peeled garlic cloves to a small baking dish.
  • Pour olive oil over the cloves until just covered.
  • Roast at 250°F (120°C) for 45–60 minutes, until soft and golden. Cool before using.

Group: Bagel Assembly

  • Whip the cream cheese with 2–3 confit garlic cloves and a pinch of salt using a fork or blender. Taste and adjust.
  • Heat 1–2 tsp garlic confit oil in a skillet over medium.
  • Place bagel halves cut-side down. Press gently and cook until golden and crisp (2–3 minutes).
  • Spread whipped garlic cream cheese onto each half.
  • Top with veal slices, tomato, fresh herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Serve warm, with coffee or tea.

Notes

Nutrition (per serving)
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 550mg
📝 Notes
  • You can substitute whipped ricotta or vegan cream cheese if needed.
  • Store leftover garlic confit in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • To lighten it up, use half a bagel and extra veggies.