How To Make Cream Cheese That’ll Put Your Bagel Store’s To Shame

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If you can’t imagine your life without bagels, you should really learn how to make your favorite bagel order at home. Whether you’re into savory or sweet cream cheese, it’s easy to make a tub of it yourself. So why not schmear your own bagels in the morning? Maybe you’re in the mood for walnut and honey cream cheese, or if you’re someone who loves tofu cream cheese, but you know your options will be limited at the bagel store, why not make your own flavored tofu spread at home? Here’s how you can spice up your own cream cheese.

Here’s how to make your own unique cream cheese:

1. Bring cream cheese or tofu cream cheese to room temperature.
2. Lay your plain cream cheese flat on a cutting board.
3. Add a layer of your favorite ingredients.
4. Use a spatula to fold the cream cheese over itself.
5. To make sure all of the ingredients are incorporated, run your finger across the top. You shouldn’t see any plain white streaks.

Sweet

When you’re in the mood for something sweet, a walnut and honey cream cheese will do the trick. Chop up some walnuts, give them a quick roast in the oven and mix in some cinnamon and nutmeg. When you spread a layer of this nut mixture over your cream cheese, drizzle a little bit of honey for some extra sweetness.

Spicy

For a sweet and spicy spread, try drizzling a little bit of hot honey into your cream cheese or tofu cream cheese. You can also try mixing in a tablespoon of the Middle Eastern chili paste harissa or a little bit of gochujang. For a lighter spice, try adding some red pepper flakes and paprika in there. To balance out the spice, it’s never a bad idea to throw in some freshly chopped herbs.

Savory

If you don’t care much about garlic breath, you can always mix in some crushed fresh garlic and a little bit of chopped scallion. If you like the taste of cooked garlic, roast it first, then spread it around. Add a little bit of salt and fresh black pepper to season it up. You can also go the extra cheesy route and crumble in a little blue cheese or feta with your roasted garlic to add an extra layer of flavor.

Fruity

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Find that bag of frozen berries in the back of your freezer and defrost away. Fold in a handful or so of some smashed berries with a little honey and you’ve got fresh berry cream cheese on your hands. You can also do a solo raspberry, strawberry or blueberry cream cheese if that’s what’ll make you happy. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or some lemon zest and a little bit of vanilla extract to give your schmear a zesty and sweet kick.

Herbed

Fresh herbs make a world of difference when you’re cooking. Especially when you’re counting on the herbs to flavor a blank canvas like cream cheese. Combine your room temperature cream cheese with some freshly chopped basil, tarragon, parsley, thyme, rosemary and any other herbs you have lying around. Add a pinch or two of salt, some freshly ground black pepper, a little lemon zest and you’re good to go. Try to spread the layer of herbs evenly so you don’t end up with a mouthful of parsley.

Veg-Heavy

Even though cream cheese isn’t exactly up there in the world of health, you can easily incorporate some fresh veggies into the mix. Slice some peppers, carrots, red onion, chives and celery and throw a bunch into your cream cheese. You’ll feel like you’re getting your dose of veggies plus your carb fix, all at the same time.

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