People have enjoyed the iconic bagel with cream cheese for decades, especially in cities like New York. But did you know that certain communities have a specific name for this popular combination? In many Jewish-American delis, they call it a schmear. Whether you enjoy a plain bagel with a simple spread or a lox bagel stacked with toppings, exploring the rich history and variations of this beloved dish is definitely worth it.
This guide delves into the origins, cultural significance, and different ways to enjoy a bagel with cream cheese. We’ll also address frequently asked questions and provide insights on how to make this dish healthier while still enjoying its comforting flavors.
What is a Bagel with Cream Cheese Called?
In Jewish-American culture, a bagel with cream cheese is often referred to as a schmear. The word “schmear” is Yiddish, meaning “to spread,” and it became popular as Jewish immigrants opened delis and bakeries in cities like New York. Over time, schmear came to signify the act of spreading cream cheese on a bagel, and the term has stuck around ever since.
Though schmear is most associated with cream cheese, it can also be used to describe other spreads, including butter, jam, or even flavored cream cheeses. This term is especially prominent in Jewish-American communities, where bagels and delis play a significant role in local food culture.
How the Schmear Became Popular
The combination of bagels and cream cheese skyrocketed in popularity in New York during the early 20th century. Bagels were already a staple of Jewish cuisine, but when the availability of cream cheese increased in the 1920s, the two came together to create an unbeatable breakfast. Delis across the city began serving bagels with a generous schmear of cream cheese, and soon enough, it became a quintessential New York meal.
For more on the historical and cultural roots of this dish, check out this article on the history of bagels and lox.
The History of Bagels and Cream Cheese
The Origins of the Bagel
The bagel originated in Eastern Europe, particularly in Jewish communities in Poland. By the 1600s, it had become a popular bread known for its chewy texture and ring shape. When Jewish immigrants arrived in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought their bagel-making traditions with them. These traditions spread to cities like New York and Montreal.
Bagels quickly became a staple in Jewish bakeries across New York. They were sold as affordable, portable food. Their circular shape and dense, chewy interior made them ideal for spreading with toppings like butter, jam, and eventually cream cheese.
The Introduction of Cream Cheese
Cream cheese, however, originated in America. In the late 1800s, a New York dairyman named William Lawrence accidentally developed a method to make the rich, spreadable cheese. By the 1920s, Kraft began mass-producing cream cheese, making it widely available to the public.
The combination of bagels and cream cheese naturally gained popularity, especially in Jewish-American delis. Bagels, already a favorite breakfast option, became even more appealing with the addition of smooth, tangy cream cheese.
Popular Toppings for Bagels with Cream Cheese
While a plain bagel with cream cheese is satisfying on its own, many people love adding additional toppings to take the flavor to the next level. Here are some of the most popular options:
1. Lox (Smoked Salmon)
One of the most iconic pairings with cream cheese is lox, or smoked salmon. The rich, salty flavor of lox complements the creamy, tangy taste of cream cheese. This combination is particularly popular in Jewish-American delis and is often topped with capers, onions, and fresh dill for an added burst of flavor.
- Common Additions: Capers, sliced red onions, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Ideal Bagel Pairing: This classic combination is best served on a plain or everything bagel.
2. Capers, Onions, and Tomatoes
For a more savory option, capers, thinly sliced onions, and tomatoes are often added to a bagel with cream cheese. These toppings provide a briny, fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the cheese.
- Common Additions: For extra zest, some people add fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
- Ideal Bagel Pairing: Perfect on a sesame or poppy seed bagel.
3. Sweet Toppings
Not all bagel toppings are savory! Some people enjoy a sweeter twist by adding fruit, honey, or jam to their cream cheese. Fresh berries, figs, or a drizzle of honey are popular choices for those looking for something a little different.
- Common Additions: Strawberries, blueberries, fig jam, or cinnamon sugar.
- Ideal Bagel Pairing: Whole wheat or cinnamon raisin bagels complement sweet toppings beautifully.
For more topping inspiration, explore this guide on creative bagel toppings.
Regional and Global Variations of Bagels with Cream Cheese
Bagels with cream cheese represent quintessential New York, but people prepare and serve this dish in different ways around the world. The New York-style bagel and the Montreal-style bagel stand out as two of the most famous types, each offering its own distinct take.
1. New York Bagels
- Texture: New York bagels are known for their larger size and chewy texture. They are boiled before baking, which gives them a shiny, firm exterior with a dense, soft interior.
- Toppings: In New York, the classic schmear of cream cheese is often accompanied by lox, capers, onions, and other savory toppings.
2. Montreal Bagels
- Texture: Montreal bagels, in contrast, are smaller, denser, and sweeter. They are boiled in honey water before being baked, resulting in a slightly sweeter, crisper texture.
- Toppings: While Montreal bagels are often enjoyed with cream cheese, they are also commonly served with sweet toppings such as jam or honey.
Global Takes
- Japan: Bagels in Japan are often smaller and served with unique toppings like matcha cream cheese or azuki (sweet red bean paste).
- Europe: In some European countries, bagels are topped with a variety of cheeses, cured meats, or fresh herbs, offering a more savory take on the classic bagel and cream cheese.
Nutritional Value of Bagels with Cream Cheese
While bagels with cream cheese are undoubtedly delicious, they are not always the healthiest option, particularly if made with refined white flour and full-fat cream cheese.
Calories and Macronutrients
- Bagels: A standard plain bagel can contain between 250-300 calories, and if it’s made with refined flour, it offers little nutritional value beyond carbohydrates.
- Cream Cheese: Two tablespoons of full-fat cream cheese add about 100-150 calories, mostly from fat. Full-fat cream cheese is also high in saturated fats, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels if consumed in excess.
Healthier Alternatives
To make a bagel with cream cheese healthier, consider the following options:
- Whole Grain Bagels: These provide more fiber and nutrients than refined white bagels, helping to improve digestion and keep you fuller for longer.
- Reduced-Fat or Vegan Cream Cheese: These alternatives have fewer calories and less saturated fat, making them a healthier choice without sacrificing the creaminess.
For more insights into the health aspects of this dish, check out whether a bagel with cream cheese is healthy.
FAQs: Common Questions About Bagels with Cream Cheese
What is cream cheese on a bagel called?
In Jewish-American communities, for instance, people call it a schmear. Specifically, this Yiddish word describes the act of spreading cream cheese or other spreads on a bagel.
What is a bagel with lox and cream cheese called?
Similarly, it’s commonly known as a lox bagel. This classic Jewish deli dish typically features smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and onions.
Are there healthier alternatives to traditional cream cheese?
Yes, you can choose reduced-fat cream cheese or vegan cream cheese. Both options offer fewer calories and less saturated fat. Other healthy spreads include avocado or hummus.
What’s the difference between a New York bagel and a Montreal bagel?
New York bagels are larger and chewier. Montreal bagels are smaller, denser, and slightly sweeter because they’re boiled in honey water before baking.
Conclusion: The Beloved Bagel with Cream Cheese
A bagel with cream cheese—or a schmear—is more than just a breakfast option; it’s a cultural icon with deep roots in Jewish-American history. Whether you prefer a classic New York bagel with savory lox and cream cheese or a sweeter take with fruit and honey, the possibilities for enjoying this dish are endless. From its historical roots to modern variations, a bagel with cream cheese continues to be a beloved meal worldwide.
For more delicious recipes and food insights, explore Clara’s Delicious Recipes.