Are you throwing a bagel brunch? Do you need suggestions for improving lunches or snacks? Try these flavors of handcrafted cream cheese! Yes, you may purchase tubs from a store. However, creating unique deli-style spread flavors at home has an irresistibly fresh and artistic appeal. For a fantastic bagel brunch spread, whip up a few different flavors, or use it as a veggie dip for an appetizer or snack. Each one has so many applications that it’s difficult for us to choose a favorite.

Herb Cream Cheese

Try this handmade Herb Cream Cheese first, which is one of the popular flavors! Bright green chives, dill, and basil add stunning fresh flavor to the dish, which is accentuated by savory garlic. Making it at home is definitely worthwhile because it adds a unique touch to any snack platter. Or, prepare a batch to use for bagels or sandwiches all week long!

Ingredients:

• Cream cheese
• A mix of fresh herbs: chives, basil, or dill
• Garlic powder
• Dried dill
• Kosher salt
• Greek yogurt, milk, or sour cream

Instructions:

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened. Leave it out at room temperature for 1 hour, or place it on a plate in the microwave, cook 5 seconds, flip over the block of cheese and cook another 5 seconds. (If it’s not room temperature at this point, cook another few seconds, but air on the conservative side.)
• Chop the herbs. Mix everything together in a bowl, adding a little Greek yogurt, milk, or sour cream 1 tablespoon at a time if you’d like a fluffier, more spreadable texture (we used 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt).
• Whipped alternative: Make whipped cream cheese by adding ½ tablespoon of milk and whipping it in a food processor or stand mixer. Then add the chopped herbs and pulse until combined.

Strawberry Cream Cheese

On your bagel, do you enjoy a good sweet schmear? A delicious handmade strawberry spread is worth a try. Compared to the kind found in stores, the flavor is considerably more delicious. It has the ideal level of mild sweetness and is fruity and vibrant. You can spread it on toast or bagels, or even use it as a strawberry dip (delicious!). Alternatively, it works well as a component of a spread of homemade cream cheeses for a bagel breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce block cream cheese softened
• ¾ cup diced fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:

1. Make sure the cream cheese is softened. Leave it out at room temperature for 1 hour, or place it on a plate in the microwave, cook 5 seconds, flip over the block of cheese and cook another 5 seconds.
2. Place the diced strawberries and sugar in a food processor and blend until mostly combined, stopping and scraping as necessary. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, which will achieve a chunkier texture.
3. Add the softened cream cheese and pulse several times until fully combined with the strawberry mixture. Resist the urge to overwhip. Refrigerate until serving or up to 2 weeks. (The texture will be soft and spreadable right away; it firms up slightly upon refrigeration.)

Whipped Cream Cheese

What could possibly top cream cheese on a bagel? Whipped cream cheese!  With a rich, creamy texture, this fluffy, light variation of the traditional spread is even simpler to spread on bagels and toast. Both homemade and store-bought versions are options! If you prepare it at home, you can experiment with exciting seasonings to create various flavor combinations.

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce package of cream cheese softened
• ½ tablespoon milk
• Variation: 3 tablespoons chopped chives, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, or Herb Cream Cheese

Instructions:

1. Make sure the cream cheese for bagels is softened. Leave it out at room temperature for 1 hour, or place it on a plate in the microwave, cook 5 seconds, flip over the block of cheese and cook another 5 seconds. (If it’s not room temperature at this point, cook another few seconds, but err on the conservative side.)
2. Whip the cheese and milk in a food processor or a stand mixer for 1 to 2 minutes until light and fluffy. In a large food processor, you’ll need to stop and scrape a few times.
3. If desired, add the chives and seasonings for chive whipped cream cheese.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese

Make some homemade cinnamon cream cheese for bagels right away! With the perfect amount of sweetness and toasty flavor, this deli-style spread is warmly spiced. You may use it as a bagel schmear, toast spread, or a quick and simple dip for entertaining. It’s quite easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 block cream cheese, softened
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 to 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ tablespoon milk, optional (see notes below)

Instructions:

1. Make sure the cream cheese for bagels is softened. Leave it out at room temperature for 1 hour, or place it on a plate in the microwave, cook 5 seconds, flip over the block of cheese and cook another 5 seconds.
2. In a bowl, mix together with the cinnamon and powdered sugar, using 2 tablespoons for a lightly sweet spread or 3 tablespoons for a sweeter version. Alternatively, use a food processor to whip it together, which results in a lighter texture. Add ½ tablespoon milk for a more spreadable texture or if you’re planning to use it as a dip.
3. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Store for up to 2 weeks refrigerated.

Chive Cream Cheese

Make this homemade chive spread and try it! By combining it with garlic and onion to create an unforgettable savory spread, this dish highlights the exquisite freshness of this vibrant green herb. It’s perfect for weekday lunches or a lavish bagel brunch presentation for a gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or ½ tablespoon milk, to soften (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make sure the cream cheese for bagels is softened. Leave it out at room temperature for 1 hour, or place it on a plate in the microwave, cook 5 seconds, flip over the block of cheese and cook another 5 seconds. (If it’s not room temperature at this point, cook another few seconds, but air on the conservative side.)
2. Chop the chives. Mix everything together in a bowl, adding a little Greek yogurt, milk, or sour cream 1 tablespoon at a time if you’d like a fluffier, more spreadable texture (we used 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt).
3. Whipped alternative: Make whipped spread by adding ½ tablespoon of milk and whipping it in a food processor or stand mixer. Then add the chopped herbs and pulse until combined.