Create the Ultimate Bagel Board in Less Than 10 Mins

We have covered some fun brunch recipes before, and today we are looking into possibly one of the easiest ones featuring our everything bagels! You might have seen similar recipes floating around on social media for the “butter board,” a trendy take on a more traditional charcuterie board. The idea is to use softened butter, spreading it across a wooden board and topping with various flavorful ingredients. It’s a terrific way to create something unique for your guests, or even your family. But if you’re like me, perhaps that amount of butter—especially in the morning—does not sound appealing, and your gut might appreciate something a little kinder to your health.

Let’s Go Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Since I wanted this to be a brunch board, we are using a plant-based cream cheese in lieu of butter. Featuring traditional toppings like lox and capers, this is a recipe that your guests are sure to appreciate. Now, all spreads need the perfect complement for scooping, so we are using our delicious grain-free, vegan, paleo friendly bagels. With these two additions, rather than an overload of saturated fats and calories, your nutrition intake consists of probiotics (if you are using Monty’s Dairy-Free Cream Cheese, which we highly recommend), fiber, and protein. Trust me, your gut microbiome will be much happier beginning your day this way!

Healthy Topping Options

In my version, I went traditional with lox, capers, scallions, red onion, and some everything but the bagel seasoning. But the great thing about this easy brunch recipe is that it is extremely versatile! If you are looking for other bagel board ideas  and want something a little sweeter for example, maybe whip your cream cheese and top with some figs, honey, or berries. Since it’s autumn, you can add some pumpkin to the cream cheese and sprinkle cinnamon and walnuts on top. A cream cheese board is, in my opinion, the much better version of the butter board concept.

Origins of This Viral Sensation

While the idea of these boards is to mimic charcuterie, they also bring to mind other forms of dining. A few years ago, a different viral trend surfaced: the “Table Dump Dinner.” People took this idea to the extreme with all different kinds of versions, but again, this form of communal eating has roots in many different cultures.

In Middle Eastern or Mediterranean feasts, many meals are shared around the table with dishes like hummus, pita, meats, and salads located centrally for everyone to take from. Kamayan—tagalog for “by hand”—is a traditional Filipino style of eating with no utensils, where foods like rice, seafood, and vegetables are placed on banana leaves and spread across the table. These methods of eating emphasize communal dining and connection. I believe this is a beautiful concept, which is why I wanted to share this recipe with you!

So make sure to order some bagels from one of the best gluten-free bread brands around, and connect with family and friends with this beautiful dish. And make sure to share with us what kinds of toppings you used!

Instructions:

1. Cut the bagels into thin slices, and then toast to desired crispiness. You can do pan fried with some extra virgin olive oil, in the air fryer at 390°F for 4-5 minutes, oven-baked at 350°F for 10 minutes, or in the toaster. Whichever method you prefer!

2. Grab a large serving platter or a cutting board. Spread a large portion of cream cheese on your platter, keeping it looking smooth for presentation purposes.

3. Top with Everything but the Bagel Seasoning, lox, capers, scallions, and red onions.

4. Place your crispy bagel slices in a bowl next to your cream cheese board so your guests can dip and enjoy at their leisure!

Check out one of our other bagel brunch ideas: Bagel Brunch