Here is my favorite bagel cucumber bites recipe, with crisp cucumber rounds, creamy cream cheese spread, and toasted everything bagel seasoning on top for that perfect crunch.
These bagel cucumber bites are my go-to appetizer when I need something quick and fresh for parties. They disappear so fast that I’ve learned to make a double batch. Plus, they’re way healthier than regular bagels but still give you that satisfying bagel flavor we all love.
Why You’ll Love These Bagel Cucumber Bites
- Ready in minutes – These appetizers come together in just 10-15 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining or when you need a quick snack.
- Light and refreshing – The crisp cucumber base keeps these bites fresh and satisfying without being heavy, perfect for warm weather or when you want something lighter.
- Only 4 ingredients – You probably have most of these items in your fridge already, and the shopping list is super short and simple.
- Crowd-pleasing appetizer – The everything bagel seasoning gives these bites that familiar, savory flavor everyone loves, making them a hit at parties or gatherings.
- Healthy snack option – These bites are naturally low-carb and packed with protein from the Greek yogurt and cream cheese, so you can feel good about snacking on them.
What Kind of Cucumber Should I Use?
For these bagel bites, you’ll want to pick cucumbers that are firm and fresh with smooth, unblemished skin. English cucumbers are my top choice since they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin that doesn’t need peeling, plus they’re usually longer so you get more uniform slices. Regular cucumbers work just fine too, though you might want to peel them if the skin seems thick or waxy. When slicing, aim for pieces that are about half an inch thick – thick enough to hold the cream cheese mixture without breaking, but not so thick that they become hard to bite through.
Options for Substitutions
This simple appetizer is super easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Whipped cream cheese: Regular cream cheese works perfectly – just let it soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it’s easy to spread. You can also use neufchatel cheese for a lighter option.
- Plain Greek yogurt: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular plain yogurt will do the trick. You can also skip it entirely and just use a bit more cream cheese, though the mixture will be slightly richer.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: No everything seasoning? Make your own by mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt. Or try other seasonings like ranch powder, dill, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Cucumber: English cucumbers work best since they have fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers are fine too – just scoop out the seeds if they’re large. Cut them about ½ inch thick for the perfect bite-sized base.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when making cucumber bites is not removing the excess moisture from your cucumber slices, which can make your appetizer watery and cause the cream cheese mixture to slide right off.
Pat each cucumber slice dry with paper towels and consider salting them lightly for 10 minutes, then patting dry again to draw out even more water.
Another common error is cutting your cucumber slices too thin – aim for about 1/4 inch thick so they can hold the weight of the topping without breaking or bending.
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing with the Greek yogurt, as cold cream cheese will create lumps that are hard to smooth out, and don’t add the Everything Bagel Seasoning until just before serving to keep it from getting soggy.
What to Serve With Bagel Cucumber Bites?
These bagel cucumber bites are perfect as appetizers for a brunch spread or summer party, and they pair really well with other light finger foods. I love serving them alongside a fruit and cheese board with grapes, berries, and maybe some crackers for guests who want something a bit more filling. They also work great as part of a bigger appetizer spread with things like deviled eggs, pinwheels, or a simple veggie tray with hummus. Since they’re so fresh and light, you could even serve them as a healthy snack with some iced tea or sparkling water on a hot day.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These cucumber bites are best enjoyed fresh since cucumbers can get watery over time. If you need to make them ahead, store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before serving. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap to keep the toppings from drying out.
Make Ahead: You can prep the cream cheese mixture up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Slice your cucumbers the morning of serving and assemble the bites just before your guests arrive. This way everything stays crisp and fresh!
Serve: These bites are meant to be served chilled and eaten right away. The cucumbers will start releasing water after a few hours, so they’re not great for long-term storage. Think of them as a fresh, eat-now kind of appetizer that’s perfect for parties.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0-0 minutes |
| Total Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 8-10 g
- Fat: 25-30 g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 g
Ingredients
- 12 slices cucumber
- 1/2 cup creamy whipped cream cheese
- 2 tbsp plain greek-style yogurt
- 1 tbsp everything bagel blend
Step 1: Slice the Cucumber
- 12 slices cucumber
Cut the cucumber into 12 thin and uniform slices.
Arrange the slices on a serving platter, ready to be topped in later steps.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Yogurt Mixture
- 1/2 cup creamy whipped cream cheese
- 2 tbsp plain Greek-style yogurt
In a bowl, mix the whipped cream cheese and plain Greek-style yogurt together until smooth and well combined.
Once mixed, transfer the mixture into a piping bag or a zip lock bag with a small corner cut off for easy piping.
I find using a piping bag makes for a cleaner and more attractive presentation.
Step 3: Assemble the Cucumber Bites
- cucumber slices from Step 1
- cream cheese Greek yogurt mixture from Step 2
Carefully pipe or spread the cream cheese and Greek yogurt mixture (from Step 2) onto each of the cucumber slices (from Step 1), creating little mounds on top of each slice.
Be gentle to keep the slices intact.
Step 4: Finish with Everything Bagel Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Everything Bagel blend
Sprinkle the Everything Bagel blend generously over the topped cucumber slices.
For a more pronounced flavor, I like to add a pinch extra on a few pieces before serving.