Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 mini bagels, sliced in half
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup chopped smoked salmon
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Toaster or toaster oven
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Place the bagel halves on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly crispy.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped scallions, chopped smoked salmon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on each toasted bagel half.
5. Place the bagel bites back on the baking sheet and bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cream cheese is slightly golden and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 17-19 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
Makes 12 bagel bites.
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 bagel bite):
Calories: 104
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 17mg
Sodium: 187mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of smoked salmon, you can use cooked bacon or ham.
- Instead of scallions, you can use chopped chives or red onions.
- You can use regular cream cheese or flavored cream cheese, such as herb and garlic or jalapeño.
Variations:
- Add chopped capers or dill to the cream cheese mixture for a different flavor.
- Use different types of bagels, such as everything bagels or sesame bagels.
- Top the bagel bites with sliced cherry tomatoes or cucumber for added freshness.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- You can make the cream cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- If you want a crispier bagel, you can toast it for a few extra minutes before adding the cream cheese mixture.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover bagel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the bagel bites in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the bagel bites on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, sliced cherry tomatoes, or cucumber slices.
Pairings:
These bagel bites pair well with a side salad or fruit salad for a light and refreshing meal.
Suggested side dishes:
Side salad or fruit salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cream cheese mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the bagel bites are not crispy enough, you can toast them for a few extra minutes before adding the cream cheese mixture.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store any leftover bagel bites in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
Bagels originated in Poland in the 16th century and were brought to the United States by Jewish immigrants in the late 19th century. Cream cheese became popular in the United States in the early 1900s and has since become a staple in many American households.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, savory, and slightly smoky.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these bagel bites as a light breakfast or brunch option, or as a snack or appetizer for a party or gathering.
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