When I first discovered everything bagel seasoning, I knew I had to find creative ways to use it beyond just bagels. That’s when these everything bagel cucumber bites were born – and honestly, they’ve become my go-to appetizer for every gathering since.
I remember the first time I served these at a summer barbecue. My guests were skeptical – cucumber bites? Really? But within minutes, the entire platter was gone, and everyone was asking for the recipe. That’s the magic of combining fresh, crisp cucumbers with the bold, savory flavors of everything bagel seasoning.
What makes these cucumber bites so irresistible is their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cool, refreshing crunch of cucumber pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy cream cheese mixture, while the everything bagel seasoning adds that familiar, comforting taste we all love. It’s like having a bagel with cream cheese, but in a much healthier, keto-friendly form.
I’ve been making my own everything bagel seasoning for years now, and I can’t believe how simple it is. Most people don’t realize that this trendy seasoning blend is just a combination of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, caraway seeds, and coarse salt. Making it yourself takes less than five minutes and costs a fraction of what you’d pay for pre-made versions.
These cucumber bites have saved me countless times when I needed a quick, impressive appetizer. Whether I’m hosting a dinner party, bringing something to a potluck, or just wanting a healthy snack, they never disappoint. The best part? They take only 10 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
I love how versatile this recipe is too. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of fresh dill to the cream cheese mixture, or swap out the Greek yogurt for sour cream depending on what I have in the fridge. The beauty of simple recipes is that they’re forgiving and adaptable to your preferences.
What really sets these apart from other cucumber appetizers is the cream cheese base. I’ve found that mixing softened cream cheese with a touch of butter and Greek yogurt creates the perfect creamy consistency that pipes beautifully and doesn’t slide off the cucumber. The addition of garlic powder and salt enhances the overall flavor without competing with the everything bagel seasoning.
Trust me, once you try these everything bagel cucumber bites, you’ll understand why they’ve become such a staple in my recipe collection. They’re proof that the best appetizers don’t need to be complicated – sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable flavors.
Recipe Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Everything Bagel Seasoning: | ||
| Poppy seeds | 1 tsp | Fresh preferred |
| Sesame seeds | 1 tsp | White or mixed |
| Dried minced garlic | 1/2 tsp | Not garlic powder |
| Dried minced onion | 1/2 tsp | Granulated works too |
| Crushed caraway seeds | 1/4 tsp | Optional but recommended |
| Coarse salt | 1/4 tsp | Sea salt or kosher |
| Cucumber Bites: | ||
| Medium cucumber | 1 | English cucumber works best |
| Cream cheese, softened | 4 ounces | Room temperature |
| Butter, softened | 2 tbsp | Unsalted preferred |
| Greek yogurt or sour cream | 2 tbsp | Room temperature |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp | Not minced garlic |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Everything Bagel Seasoning Start by combining all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Mix the poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, crushed caraway seeds, and coarse salt until well blended. This makes about 3 tablespoons of seasoning – enough for this recipe with some left over for future use.
Pro tip: Make a double or triple batch of this seasoning and store it in an airtight container. It keeps for months and is perfect for sprinkling on avocado toast, salads, or eggs.
Step 2: Prepare the Cucumbers Wash your cucumber thoroughly and pat dry. Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumber into 1/4-inch thick rounds. For a decorative touch, you can peel strips of skin lengthwise before slicing, creating a striped pattern on each round.
Place the cucumber slices on a paper towel-lined plate and lightly salt them. Let them sit for 5 minutes, then pat dry with another paper towel. This step removes excess moisture and prevents the toppings from sliding off.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, and salt. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be light and easily pipeable.
Pro tip: Make sure all your dairy ingredients are at room temperature. Cold ingredients won’t blend smoothly and may result in a lumpy mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip, or simply use a ziplock bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe a small dollop of the mixture onto each cucumber round, creating an attractive swirl.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch Generously sprinkle each cucumber bite with the everything bagel seasoning. Don’t be shy – the seasoning is what makes these bites special!
Serving Suggestions: Arrange the cucumber bites on a serving platter and serve immediately. These are perfect for cocktail parties, summer gatherings, or as a healthy afternoon snack. They pair wonderfully with white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or iced tea.
Storage Tips: While best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Store sliced cucumbers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and the cream cheese mixture can be made up to 3 days in advance. Only add the everything bagel seasoning just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from releasing too much moisture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cucumber Bites
The secret to exceptional cucumber bites lies in the details. First, choose the right cucumber – English cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin. If you’re using regular cucumbers, consider peeling them partially for easier eating.
Temperature control is crucial for the cream cheese mixture. All ingredients should be at room temperature for the smoothest consistency. If you forget to take them out early, you can soften cream cheese quickly by cutting it into small pieces and microwaving for 10-15 seconds.
For the most attractive presentation, use a piping bag with a star tip. This creates beautiful rosettes that look professionally made. If you don’t have a piping bag, a ziplock bag with the corner cut off works perfectly.
Delicious Variations
Mediterranean Style: Add chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, and a pinch of oregano to the cream cheese mixture.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the cream cheese base.
Herb Garden: Incorporate fresh chives, parsley, or basil into the cream cheese mixture.
Smoked Salmon Upgrade: Top each bite with a small piece of smoked salmon before adding the seasoning.
Vegan Version: Substitute the cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives, and use plant-based yogurt.
Make-Ahead Tips
These cucumber bites are perfect for entertaining because much of the prep can be done in advance. You can make the everything bagel seasoning weeks ahead and store it in an airtight container. The cream cheese mixture stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For best results, slice the cucumbers and prepare the cream cheese mixture the day before your event. Assemble the bites up to 2 hours before serving, but wait until the last minute to add the everything bagel seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought everything bagel seasoning instead of making my own? Absolutely! Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel seasoning is a popular choice. However, making your own allows you to control the salt content and customize the blend to your taste preferences.
Why are my cucumber bites getting watery? Cucumbers naturally contain a lot of water. To minimize this, lightly salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 5 minutes before patting dry. Also, add the seasoning just before serving, as the salt will draw out more moisture over time.
Can I make these dairy-free? Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives, plus coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long do these keep? These are best eaten fresh but will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep them covered to prevent the cucumbers from drying out.
What other vegetables work well with this topping? Try this cream cheese mixture and everything bagel seasoning on cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, or celery sticks for variety.
These everything bagel cucumber bites prove that the best appetizers are often the simplest ones. With just a few quality ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create something that looks elegant and tastes incredible. Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to sophisticated cocktail parties!
Everything Bagel Cucumber Bites
Ingredients
- Everything Bagel Seasoning:
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp dried minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried minced onion
- 1/4 tsp crushed caraway seeds
- 1/4 tsp coarse salt
- Cucumber Bites:
- 1 medium cucumber
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp butter softened
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream room temperature
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, crushed caraway seeds, and coarse salt. Mix well to create everything bagel seasoning. Set aside.
- Wash cucumber and pat dry. Slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place on paper towel-lined plate, lightly salt, and let sit 5 minutes. Pat dry with another paper towel.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, butter, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, and salt. Beat with electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer cream cheese mixture to piping bag fitted with star tip or ziplock bag with corner snipped off. Pipe small dollop onto each cucumber round.
- Generously sprinkle each cucumber bite with everything bagel seasoning. Serve immediately.
Notes
English cucumbers work best as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin
Can prepare components ahead: store sliced cucumbers up to 24 hours, cream cheese mixture up to 3 days
Add seasoning just before serving to prevent cucumbers from becoming watery
Store leftover everything bagel seasoning in airtight container for months
For vegan version, substitute with plant-based cream cheese, butter, and yogurt alternatives
