Ingredients

For the Homemade Bagel Chips:

Bagels: 4 day-old bagels (Plain, Everything, Sesame, or Onion work best)
Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, extra-virgin
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground

For the Herbed Cream Cheese Spread:

Cream Cheese: 1 (8-ounce) package, full-fat, softened to room temperature
Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: 3 tablespoons
Fresh Chives: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
Fresh Dill: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
Garlic: 1 small clove, minced or grated on a microplane
Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon, fresh
Salt: ¼ teaspoon (or to taste)
Black Pepper: ⅛ teaspoon, freshly ground

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Part 1: Making the Crispy Homemade Bagel Chips

1. Prepare Your Oven and Bagels:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice the bagels into thin, uniform rounds, about ⅛-inch thick. The thinner the slice, the crispier the chip will be. Try to keep the thickness as consistent as possible to ensure even baking.

2. Season the Bagel Slices:
In a large mixing bowl, add the bagel slices. Drizzle the 3 tablespoons of olive oil over them. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on top. Use your hands to gently toss everything together, ensuring each bagel slice is lightly and evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

3. Arrange and Bake:
Spread the seasoned bagel slices in a single, even layer across the prepared baking sheets. It is crucial not to overlap them, as this will cause them to steam rather than crisp up. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your baking sheets.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-18 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through the cooking time. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as they can go from golden brown to burnt very quickly. The chips are done when they are dry to the touch, firm, and a beautiful golden-brown color.

5. Cool Completely:
Remove the bagel chips from the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Let them cool completely before serving or storing.

Part 2: Whipping Up the Creamy Herb Spread

1. Combine the Base:
In a medium-sized bowl, place the softened cream cheese and the Greek yogurt or sour cream. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, beat the mixture until it is completely smooth, light, and airy. Starting with softened cream cheese is key to avoiding lumps.

2. Add the Flavor:
Add the finely chopped fresh chives, parsley, and dill to the whipped cream cheese mixture. Add the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

3. Mix and Meld:
Stir everything together with a spatula until the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the spread. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the spread for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows all the flavors to meld and deepen.

4. Serve:
When you are ready to serve, transfer the herbed cream cheese spread to a serving bowl. You can create a decorative swirl on top with the back of a spoon and garnish with a few extra chopped chives. Serve alongside your platter of crispy, homemade bagel chips.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 280