Tasty Herb Bagel Chips With Cream Cheese Dip

The aroma of toasted bagels always transports me back to my childhood kitchen. My grandmother, a master of resourceful cooking, never let a single crumb go to waste. She’d transform day-old bagels into crispy chips, seasoned with whatever herbs she had on hand. We would snack on these simple creations while she told stories of her travels, each bite a comforting taste of home and her boundless creativity. This recipe is a tribute to her, a reminder that even the simplest ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly special.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 3
• Yield: 40-70 Bagel Chips
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Bagel Chips:

• 3 bagels, sliced into 5 to 7 thin slices
• 3-5 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon basil

For the Cream Cheese Dip:

• 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Equipment Needed

• Toaster oven or conventional oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Cookie sheet

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your toaster oven or a conventional oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven is properly preheated is crucial for achieving evenly crisp bagel chips.

2. Carefully slice each of the 3 bagels into thin slices, aiming for about 5 to 7 slices per bagel. The thinner the slice, the crispier the chip!

3. Cut each thin bagel slice into 4 pieces. This makes them perfect bite-sized snacks.

4. Lay out all of the cut bagel pieces on a plate or a clean work surface. This will make it easier to coat them evenly with the butter mixture.

5. In a mixing bowl, combine the flavorful spice blend: 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon basil.

6. Add the 3-5 tablespoons of melted butter to the spice mixture. Mix well until all the spices are fully incorporated into the melted butter.

7. Pour the butter mixture over the bagel pieces. Use your hands or a spoon to gently toss the bagel pieces, ensuring that each piece is coated with the fragrant butter mix. This step is essential for maximum flavor!

8. At this point, you can add a dash of salt if desired, to taste. Be mindful of the salt content of your bagels and butter, and adjust accordingly.

9. Transfer the bagel pieces to an ungreased cookie sheet, spreading them in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can prevent even crisping. You may need to bake in batches.

10. Bake for 5 minutes, then carefully flip the bagel chips over and bake for another 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy to the touch. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as oven temperatures can vary.

11. While the bagel chips are baking, prepare the cream cheese dip. In a separate bowl, combine the 6 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese with 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of paprika.

12. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the cream cheese dip is smooth and creamy. If the cream cheese is still too firm, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it further.

13. Once the bagel chips are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving bowl.

14. Serve the crispy herb bagel chips with the creamy cream cheese dip and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of melted butter. Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it develops a nutty aroma and golden-brown color.
• Experiment with different herb and spice combinations. Try adding onion powder, dried thyme, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• To ensure even crisping, slice the bagels as uniformly as possible. A serrated knife works best for this task.
• If your bagel chips aren’t crispy enough after the initial baking time, you can continue to bake them for a few more minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
• For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative for the dip.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these delightful herb bagel chips alongside the cream cheese dip as a snack, appetizer, or as part of a larger cheese and charcuterie board. They are also a fantastic addition to lunchboxes.

To store leftover bagel chips, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They will stay crispy for up to 3 days at room temperature. If they lose some of their crispness, you can revive them by briefly reheating them in a toaster oven or conventional oven.

The cream cheese dip should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will last for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	600.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	298 kcal	50%
Total Fat	33.2 g	51%
Saturated Fat	20 g	100%
Cholesterol	92.9 mg	30%
Sodium	812.1 mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate	60.3 g	20%
Dietary Fiber	3.5 g	13%
Sugars	0.8 g	3%
Protein	16 g	31%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Bagel Chips: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture for a spicier kick.
• Italian Herb Bagel Chips: Use an Italian herb blend instead of the individual herbs for a classic Italian flavor.
• Everything Bagel Chips: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the bagel chips before baking for that iconic flavor.
• Dairy-Free Dip: Substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative. You can also try a white bean dip or hummus for a different flavor profile.
• Sweet Bagel Chips: Use cinnamon-raisin bagels and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweet treat.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use different types of bagels for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different bagel flavors like sesame, poppy seed, or even whole wheat. The key is to slice them thinly for optimal crispiness.

Q: How do I prevent the bagel chips from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the bagel chips while they’re baking, especially during the last few minutes. Oven temperatures can vary, so adjust the baking time as needed.

Q: Can I make the cream cheese dip ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese dip a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
A: You can substitute bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice will provide the best flavor for the cream cheese dip.

Q: Can I freeze the bagel chips?
A: While you can freeze them, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh for the crispiest results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy creating and savoring these tasty herb bagel chips with cream cheese dip! This recipe is a wonderful way to elevate a simple ingredient into a delicious and satisfying snack. Feel free to adapt the herbs and spices to your own liking and don’t hesitate to share your creations. Pair these crispy chips with a refreshing iced tea or a crisp glass of white wine for the perfect afternoon treat. Happy cooking!