These Everything Bagel Cucumber Bites are a fun and tasty snack! Fresh cucumber slices are topped with cream cheese and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.
I love how easy these bites are to make. They are perfect for a party or just a quick munch. Plus, who doesn’t love that crunchy, savory flavor? 🥒✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumber: A large cucumber is great for bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can also use mini cucumbers or even zucchini for a change. Both options keep a nice crunch!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is perfect for this recipe, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese if you want a lighter or vegan option. Try adding herbs or spices to your yogurt for more flavor!
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This seasoning mix adds amazing flavor. If you can’t find it, you can easily make your own using equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. You can even add some crushed red pepper for a little heat!
How Do You Get the Perfect Cream Cheese Spread?
The key to an easy spread is to ensure your cream cheese is softened. Cold cream cheese can be hard to incorporate. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds until it’s just soft, but be careful not to melt it.
- Mix in lemon juice and garlic powder until smooth—this adds flavor and helps with consistency!
With these tips, your cream cheese will spread perfectly on the cucumber slices, creating delicious bites every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Everything Bagel Cucumber Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large cucumber
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning (store-bought or homemade mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and sea salt)
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as thyme or dill, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time. It’s quick to whip up, and you can chill it for an extra 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors. In total, you’ll be enjoying these bites in about 20-25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cucumber:
Start by washing the cucumber thoroughly to remove any dirt. Slice the cucumber into 1/2 inch thick rounds. You want them thick enough to hold the cream cheese but not so thick that they’re hard to eat. Set these slices aside.
2. Making the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork or a hand mixer to mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture will be the tasty topping for your cucumber slices!
3. Assembling the Cucumber Bites:
Now, take a spoon or a piping bag and place a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture onto each cucumber slice. Don’t be shy—give it a generous scoop! This will add a delicious creamy layer to each bite.
4. Adding the Everything Bagel Seasoning:
Once all the cucumber slices are topped with the cream cheese, sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning generously over them. This seasoning brings that iconic flavor and crunchy texture!
5. Final Touches:
If you want to add a pop of color and freshness, garnish each cucumber bite with a small sprig of fresh herb, like thyme or dill. These add a lovely touch and enhance the flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange your cucumber bites on a serving platter. For the best experience, let them chill in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld together. Enjoy these tasty and refreshing bites as a quick snack or appetizer!
These crunchy, creamy bites make a fresh and flavorful treat that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Vegetables Instead of Cucumber?
Absolutely! You can use bell pepper slices, zucchini rounds, or even cherry tomatoes as a base. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just slice the cucumber and assemble the bites shortly before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
What Should I Do with Leftover Cream Cheese Mixture?
If you have any leftover cream cheese mixture, it makes a great spread for bagels, crackers, or sandwiches! You can also use it as a dip for veggies.
How Long Can I Store the Cucumber Bites?
These cucumber bites are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just note that the cucumber may release moisture, which could make them a bit soggy.
