Description

The Pickle Bacon Chopped Bagel lives firmly in the second category. A warm, toasted bagel piled high with a creamy, savory spread packed with crunchy dill pickles and crispy smoky bacon—it’s tangy, salty, rich, and wildly satisfying. Every bite hits that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, cool and warm.

Ingredients

Scale

The Base

1 everything bagel (or plain, sesame, or poppy)
⅓ cup whipped cream cheese

The Flavor Boosters

¼ cup finely chopped dill pickles
2 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional for Serving

Extra pickle slices or spears

Ingredient Notes & Smart Swaps

Everything bagel adds extra savory depth, but any fresh bagel works
Whipped cream cheese mixes easily straight from the fridge
- Block cream cheese works too—just soften first
Dill pickles only (not sweet) for that classic tang
Vegetarian option: Swap bacon for chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted mushrooms
Vegan option: Use plant-based cream cheese and bacon alternative

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

Place bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat. Cook, flipping occasionally, until deeply golden and crisp.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then chop.

Pro tip: Kitchen shears make chopping bacon fast and mess-free.

2. Make the Creamy Pickle-Bacon Spread

In a medium bowl, combine:

Whipped cream cheese
Chopped pickles
Chopped bacon
Fresh dill (if using)
Generous cracked black pepper

Fold gently until well combined.

Optional but amazing: Stir in 1 teaspoon pickle juice to amplify the tang.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Toast the Bagel

Slice the bagel in half and toast until golden and sturdy.

Tip: Toast it slightly darker than usual so it can support the creamy spread.

4. Assemble & Serve

Spread the pickle-bacon mixture generously onto the bottom half of the warm bagel.
Top with the other half, slice diagonally if desired, and serve immediately with extra pickles.

Notes

Everything on Everything: Add everything bagel seasoning to the spread
Brunch Upgrade: Top with a fried egg
Spicy Pickle: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce
Veggie Version: Swap bacon for roasted mushrooms or artichokes
Smoked Salmon Remix: Replace bacon with flaked smoked salmon + a pinch of red onion