Super easy, 2-ingredient Bagel Schmear that whips up in less than 5 minutes! This cream cheese schmear is light, creamy and stays spreadable even right out the fridge.
What Is Schmear?
Schmear refers to cream cheese spread. It's usually associated with bagels, but you can also enjoy it on toast, in sandwiches, crackers or with veggies. If you're looking for a delicious homemade bagel recipe, be sure to check out my easy New York-Style Overnight Bagel recipe or Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels!
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♡ Why You Will Love This Bagel Schmear
- Extremely easy to make. The easiest recipe you'll ever make. There are only 2 ingredients and it whips up in minutes.
- Stays spreadable. There is no need to let this cream cheese spread come to room temperature before serving, as it's spreadable even when taken out of the fridge.
- Customizable. You can either leave it plain, or flavor it with chives, green onions, dill, jalapeños, everything bagel seasoning, lox, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, za'atar or fruit jams just to name a few.
Ingredient Notes
Here are some notes about the ingredients used for this Bagel Schmear. Quantities and full instructions are in the recipe card below!
- Cream Cheese Brick - Make sure you're using full-fat cream cheese brick. It will whip up creamier.
- Plain Greek Yogurt - I always have plain full-fat Greek yogurt in my fridge, but you can also use sour cream, creme fraiche or labneh. You can also use heavy cream or milk as well.
*See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Bagel Schmear
Here are step-by-step photos and instructions on how to make Bagel Schmear! Please find detailed instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Step 1. Add room temperature cream cheese and Greek yogurt (cold is okay) to a medium mixing bowl.
💡 Tip
Make sure your cream cheese brick is at room temperature. You can quick bring it to temp by cutting into small cubes and leaving it on the counter for 30 minutes.
Step 2. With a hand-held mixer, whip on high speed until smooth, light and fluffy. About 3 minutes. If desired, fold in chop chives, green onions, lox, dill, jalapeños, everything bagel seasoning, za'atar, ranch seasoning or fruit jams. The possibilities are nearly endless.
Step 3. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for about 5 days.
Substitutions & Variations
- Greek Yogurt - You can easily substitute with sour cream, creme fraiche or labneh. You can also add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream. I tested a batch with heavy cream and it whipped up nicely. You really can't go wrong with any of these ingredients.
- Add-Ins - You can keep your bagel schmear plain or mix in chives, scallions, dill, parsley, lox, smoked trout, jalapeño peppers, everything bagel seasoning, ranch seasoning, za'atar, fruit jams and so much more!
Key Equipment
- Electric mixer - You can use a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand-held mixer.
Storage
- Refrigerator - Store in an airtight container, in the fridge for about 5 days.
✨ Expert Tips
Use full-fat cream cheese. Full-fat cream cheese brick will whip up creamier and taste better.
Make sure you cream cheese is at room temperature. It will make it easier to whip and will be smoother. To quickly bring it to temperature, cut into small cubes and leave it out on the counter for 30 minutes.
The more Greek yogurt you add, the softer the bagel schmear will be. I find that 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, sour cream or heavy creamy is the perfect amount, but feel free to add more if you'd like it to be even softer.
FAQ
You sure can! You can even triple the recipe and make 3 different flavored schmears.
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📖 Recipe
Bagel Schmear
INGREDIENTS
- 8 Ounces (227g) Full-Fat Cream Cheese Brick room temp
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons Full-Fat Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream cold is okay
Instructions
- Add room temperature cream cheese and Greek yogurt (cold is okay) into a medium mixing bowl.8 Ounces (227g) Full-Fat Cream Cheese Brick1 to 2 Tablespoons Full-Fat Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
- With a hand-held mixer, whip on high speed until smooth, light and fluffy. About 3 minutes. If desired, add mix-ins such as, chives, green onions, dill, jalapeños, everything bagel seasoning, lox, fruit jams and so much more!
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for about 5 days. Enjoy!
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