This Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread is pure breakfast joy in a bowl! With creamy, tangy cream cheese studded with bold, garlicky, oniony Everything Bagel Seasoning, it transforms any plain bagel—or honestly, anything you slather it on—into an absolute treat. Whether you’re prepping for a brunch party or just upgrading your weekday mornings, this spread is about to become your new obsession.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Brunch Upgrade: With just a couple of ingredients and almost zero prep required, Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread turns any meal into something special.
Addictive Flavor in Every Bite: The zesty, toasty, and slightly salty crunch of everything seasoning infuses rich cream cheese, giving you that bakery bagel shop taste at home.
Totally Customizable: Make it smoother, lighter, or bolder with easy ingredient swaps—it’s your spread, your way!
Perfect for Sharing (or Keeping for Yourself): Whip up a batch for gatherings, or stash it in the fridge for whenever a bagel craving strikes.

Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread is in its simplicity! Each ingredient is chosen to maximize flavor, spreadability, and that bakery-fresh vibe. Here’s what you’ll need and why every piece matters for the perfect bite.

Whipped Cream Cheese (16 ounces): The secret to ultra-spreadable, pillowy texture—no mixer needed! If using block cream cheese, you’ll just need to whip or soften it first.
Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend (3–4 tablespoons): This iconic mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion, and flaky salt brings all the flavor you love from classic everything bagels—feel free to adjust for extra oomph!
Heavy Cream or Half & Half (3–4 tablespoons, only if using block cream cheese): Just a splash loosens and lightens the mixture to achieve that whipped, airy consistency if you’re starting with the block variety.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread is endlessly customizable! Don’t be afraid to change things up—whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just feeling a little adventurous, there’s an easy variation for every palate.

Lighter Spread: Use Neufchâtel or a light cream cheese for a lower-fat but still super creamy version.
Dairy-Free & Vegan: Substitute your favorite plant-based cream cheese to make the spread vegan-friendly and lactose-free.
Spicy Everything: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a swirl of Sriracha for an extra kick.
Herb Explosion: Toss in chopped chives, dill, or parsley for extra freshness and color alongside the everything seasoning.

How to Make Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread

Step 1: Gently Combine Your Ingredients

In a medium bowl, add your whipped cream cheese and scoop in your Everything Bagel Seasoning. Using a spatula, fold the seasoning blend in gently so you don’t deflate that lovely texture. You want the seasoning to be evenly speckled throughout, but not over-mixed—a few streaks make it look extra homemade!

Step 2: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Transfer your spread to a lidded container or simply cover your bowl. Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour—this resting time is key! It allows the garlicky, toasty flavors from the seasoning to infuse the cream cheese fully, making every bite downright irresistible.

Step 3: Prep with Block Cream Cheese (Optional)

If you’re starting with block cream cheese, make sure it’s at room temperature first. Place it in your stand mixer with the whisk attachment, and begin beating on low, gradually increasing speed. Slowly drizzle in cream or half & half until the texture is light and airy—then fold in your everything seasoning as directed above!

Pro Tips for Making Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread

Softer Is Better: Let cream cheese come fully to room temperature before mixing for the dreamiest, fluffiest texture—no lumps allowed!
Balance Your Seasoning: Start with 3 tablespoons of everything seasoning, taste, and add more if you want that punchy flavor to really shine.
Don’t Skip the Chill: That hour in the fridge isn’t just for food safety—it lets the flavors bloom and prevents the spread from feeling gritty.
Go for Whipped Cream Cheese: If you want that classic deli spread vibe, whipped cream cheese saves work and delivers perfect spreadability right out of the tub.

How to Serve Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread

Garnishes

Top your Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread with a sprinkle of extra seasoning blend, a dusting of fresh chives, or even a few poppy seeds for added texture and color. This not only tastes fabulous but looks gorgeous on any brunch board or breakfast table.

Side Dishes

This spread loves classic accompaniments: fresh bagels (any flavor!), toasted English muffins, crisp crackers, or even thick cucumber slices for a lighter touch. For brunch, serve it alongside smoked salmon, fresh tomato slices, and eggs for a deli-style feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your platter by piping the Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread into mini pastry shells or swirl it in a decorative bowl topped with rainbow radishes. For parties, serve it as a dip with veggie sticks, or layer it in a jar for a pretty, portable snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to a week—just give it a gentle stir before serving if any separation occurs.

Freezing

Cream cheese spreads can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well—it’s usually best for spreading rather than dipping after freezing.

Reheating

You don’t need to reheat Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread, but if it’s a little too firm from the fridge, just let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften before serving—it will regain its creamy, dreamy texture in no time.

FAQs

Can I make Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead only deepens the flavors as the seasoning melds with the cream cheese. Store it tightly covered in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving fresh.
What’s the best way to get that whipped, airy texture at home?

Using whipped cream cheese is the fastest path to fluffy, scoopable spread, but if you only have block cream cheese, make sure it’s soft and use a mixer with a splash of cream or half & half to lighten it up.
Is there a homemade substitute for Everything Bagel Seasoning?

Definitely! Blend equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and flaky salt—add a pinch of caraway or cumin if you’re feeling fancy. Adjust quantities to taste and use just as you would store-bought mixes.
What else can I use this spread for besides bagels?

Get creative! Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread is fantastic on sandwiches, as a dip for chips or veggies, dolloped on baked potatoes, or even slathered in wraps and breakfast burritos for an unexpected flavor boost.

Final Thoughts

If you love a classic bagel shop flavor as much as I do, you absolutely need this Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread in your kitchen rotation. It’s simple, crave-worthy, and endlessly adaptable—so grab your favorite bagels and get ready to make breakfast (or any snack!) way more delicious!

Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 70 reviews

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups
Category: Spread
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread is a flavorful and easy-to-make spread that will elevate your breakfast or brunch. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy the classic flavors of an everything bagel in creamy spread form.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Ingredients:

16 ounces whipped cream cheese
3-4 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend
3-4 tablespoons heavy cream or half & half (only if using block cream cheese)

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Instructions

In a bowl, gently stir together the whipped cream cheese and the Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend. Mix until well combined.
Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Enjoy your Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Spread on your favorite bagel!

Notes

I recommend using whipped cream cheese for a smoother texture. If using block cream cheese, ensure it’s at room temperature and use a stand mixer for best results.
For block cream cheese, gradually add the heavy cream or half & half to achieve a smoother consistency.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 80
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg