Everything bagels are one of those things that just hit the spot, right? That perfect mix of crunchy seeds, a little salt, and that garlicky, onion-y punch. Now, imagine capturing all that goodness—not in a bagel, but in a creamy, dreamy dip. Sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what this everything bagel dip with cream cheese is all about. It’s like having your favorite everything bagel, but in a dip form that’s perfect for parties, snacks, or just when you want something tasty without the carbs.
So, what is this dip really? At its heart, it’s cream cheese mixed with a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang, all tossed with that iconic everything bagel seasoning. You know, the mix of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried onion, garlic, and salt. It’s simple but packs a punch. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up and can be ready in under minutes if you’re in a hurry.
Let’s talk ingredients first. You’ll need about ounces of softened cream cheese (full-fat is best if you want that rich, velvety texture), and an equal amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt gives it a nice tang and makes it a bit lighter, which I personally love. Then, of course, the everything bagel seasoning. You can buy it pre-made, which is convenient, but making your own mix is surprisingly easy and lets you control the salt and garlic levels.
If you want to try making the seasoning yourself, here’s a simple blend that works perfectly: tablespoons of poppy seeds, tablespoon each of white and black sesame seeds, about ½ tablespoons of dried minced onion, the same amount of dried minced garlic (not garlic powder—trust me, it makes a difference), and half a tablespoon of kosher salt. Mix it all up and you’re good to go.
Now, the method. First things first, soften your cream cheese. I usually leave it out on the counter for a bit, but if you’re impatient like me, a quick 10- second zap in the microwave works wonders. Then, mix the cream cheese and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) together until it’s super smooth and fluffy. I like using a hand mixer here because it’s quick and gets a nice airy texture.
Next, fold in your everything bagel seasoning. Don’t just dump it in—gently fold it so the seeds and spices get evenly distributed without breaking down the texture. Cover it up and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This step is key because chilling lets all those flavors meld together and mellow out. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick stir and maybe sprinkle a bit more seasoning on top for that extra pop.
What I love about this dip is how versatile it is. Want to make it a bit healthier? Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt. Feeling fancy? Stir in some chopped smoked salmon to get that cream cheese and lox vibe. Or add fresh herbs like chives or dill for a fresh twist. If you’re a garlic lover, go ahead and add a little more minced garlic or even fresh garlic for a stronger kick. And if you want to spice things up, a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes does the trick.
When it comes to serving, the options are endless. Bagel chips are the obvious choice—they’re crunchy and keep the everything bagel theme going. Pretzel crisps or pita chips also work great, adding a salty crunch that pairs well with the creamy dip. For a lighter option, fresh veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots are perfect. And if you want something a bit heartier, toasted bread or crackers do the job nicely.
If you’re curious about nutrition, this dip is a bit indulgent but not too crazy if you enjoy it in moderation. A couple of tablespoons will give you around 110- calories, mostly from fat thanks to the cream cheese, but also a bit of protein and some carbs from the seasoning. Using Greek yogurt lowers the fat and ups the protein, which is always a bonus.
People often ask if you can make this dip ahead of time. The answer is yes, and it’s actually better if you do! Letting it chill for a few hours or overnight really lets those flavors come together. Just keep it covered in the fridge. Also, yes, store-bought everything bagel seasoning works fine if you don’t want to make your own. Just watch the salt content because some blends can be pretty salty.
If you’re dairy-free or vegan, you can try swapping out the cream cheese and sour cream for plant-based alternatives like cashew cream cheese or coconut yogurt, but fair warning—the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same. Also, freezing this dip isn’t a great idea because the texture tends to get grainy when thawed.
To wrap it up, this creamy everything bagel dip with cream cheese is one of those recipes that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re throwing a party, need a quick snack, or just want to impress friends with something a little different, this dip is a winner. It’s creamy, savory, a little tangy, and full of that everything bagel magic we all love.
Give it a try, experiment with your own twists, and enjoy! And hey, if you have your own favorite way to make this dip, I’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment or share your tips—because good food is always better when shared.
