Swap The Cream Cheese On Your Bagel For This Greek Spread Instead - Tasting Table

Cream cheese often tops bagels, but tzatziki offers a Mediterranean alternative that provides a thick, creamy texture and brighter, herbaceous flavor. Greek yogurt forms the base of tzatziki, while cucumbers add a refreshing crunch and mint and lemon juice amplify freshness. Olive oil and garlic contribute an earthy, peppery finish. Many grocery stores carry tzatziki, and homemade versions are easy: crush garlic, mince mint and cucumbers, then stir ingredients until combined. Tzatziki pairs well with smoked salmon and red onions, and its minty, lemon-tinged profile balances salty and pungent toppings.

"Spreading anything other than cream cheese on a bagel may seem sacrilegious, but foregoing the standard choice for a bolder alternative is worth it. Cream cheese's tanginess is a welcome addition to bagels, but let's be honest - the obsession with putting the spread on a bagel is more about the texture. With its supremely mild taste, it's easy not to miss a swipe of cream cheese on the bread. Tzatziki provides a thick, creamy feel to the bagel, along with a blast of flavor."

"Greek yogurt makes up the majority of the sauce, so you can rest assured your breakfast will still have a velvety component. Cucumbers provide tzatziki with a refreshing flavor, with mint and fresh lemon juice amplifying the veggie. Olive oil and garlic complete the sauce with a peppery, earthy finish. Plenty of grocery stores carry the Greek dip, but it's super easy to whip up your own classic tzatziki sauce."

Read at Tasting Table