Zabar’s Cream Cheese Spread Copycat Recipe
Have you ever noticed how a truly exceptional cream cheese spread can transform an ordinary bagel into something extraordinary? There’s something magical about the perfect balance of creamy texture and savory flavor that makes breakfast feel like a special occasion. This copycat Zabar’s cream cheese spread brings the iconic New York deli experience to your kitchen, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. The light, fluffy texture and delicious flavor will elevate your morning routine or impress guests at your next brunch.
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Why this recipe works
This copycat of Zabar’s cream cheese spread perfectly captures what makes the original special. Combining cream cheese with sour cream creates a lighter, more spreadable texture that’s never dense or difficult to spread. The addition of simple seasonings enhances the flavor without overpowering the creamy base. Unlike store-bought cream cheese straight from the package, which can be thick and challenging to spread, this homemade version is airy and smooth. The scallions add a mild onion flavor and fresh color, making this bagel spread delicious and visually appealing on any bagel or cracker.
Ingredients this easy cream cheese bagel spread
- Cream cheese – Forms the rich, tangy base of the spread (1 pound, room temperature)
- Sour cream – Creates a lighter, fluffier texture and adds subtle tanginess (1/2 cup)
- Salt – Enhances all flavors and balances the creaminess (1/8 teaspoon)
- Garlic powder – Provides a subtle savory note without overpowering (1/8 teaspoon)
- Scallions – Add fresh flavor, color, and texture to the spread (1/2 cup, chopped)
Step-by-step instructions
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Place cream cheese, sour cream, salt, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Stir ingredients together until well mixed and completely smooth.
- Fold in the chopped scallions until evenly distributed throughout the spread.
- Transfer to a serving dish or storage container.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.
This recipe originated from Molly O’Neal’s cookbook, The New York Cookbook. It features many New York City Restaurant Recipes and other famous dishes.
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Zabar’s Cream Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 1 pound cream cheese room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup chopped Scallion
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, salt, and garlic powder in a large bowl and stir until well mixed and smooth. Stir in the scallions. Serve on crackers or toasted bagel rounds. Makes about 4 cups
Nutrition
Ingredient Substitutions and Dietary Modifications
- Lower Fat Version: Use Neufchâtel cheese (⅓ less fat than regular cream cheese) and light sour cream
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based sour cream alternatives
- Herb Variations: Try adding chives, dill, or fresh basil instead of or in addition to scallions
- Vegetable Option: Add finely diced bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers for a vegetable cream cheese version
- Flavor Boosters: Add a teaspoon of everything bagel seasoning or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This cream cheese spread will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container. For the best flavor and texture, let the spread sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off. This makes it easier to spread and allows the flavors to become more pronounced. This recipe is not suitable for freezing as the texture will become grainy when thawed.
I’m a NYC native who lived around the block from Zabar’s for 15 years – in fact I moved to that apartment BECAUSE it was around the block from Zabar’s! I know that this recipe is 100% authentic and I’d testify about it on court if I have to! Seriously, I’ve enjoyed Zabar’s goodies for 45 years so I know: Zabar’s lists ingredients on the package, 👍 I live downtown in Chelsea now but can just hop on a subway to Zabar’s any time. I’ve tried scallion cream cheese at other gournet emporiums but none compares to Zabar’s. Same is true about many other items, lime hetring on cream sauce with onions. Never liked it as a kid but love it at Zabar’s 😋
Simple and delicious! Just like our local NY-style bagel shop in Mass.
Loved this spread!!! Thanks for posting this one!