Vibrant Beet Bagel Board

Elevate your breakfast or brunch experience with a show-stopping Breakfast Bagel Sandwich Board featuring a uniquely vibrant Beet Cream Cheese Spread. This creative DIY breakfast concept is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious and fun to assemble, making it the ultimate centerpiece for any gathering. Prepare to impress your guests with a spread that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful – a true “beet” to behold!

Celebrate with a Burst of Color: Introducing Beet Week!

We are absolutely thrilled to embark on a culinary journey in partnership with our cherished friends at Aunt Nellie’s, joining them in a joyous celebration of Beet Week! To mark this special occasion, we’re excited to present this delightful and highly impressive Breakfast Bagel Sandwich Board. Imagine the smiles on your guests’ faces as they encounter this vibrant, interactive breakfast display. It’s designed for everyone to customize their perfect bagel sandwich, selecting from a colorful array of fresh, delicious toppings. The undeniable star of this culinary show is our sensational Beet Cream Cheese Spread. Its rich creaminess and exceptional flavor are guaranteed to captivate taste buds and leave a lasting impression, proving that breakfast can truly be an art form.

The Heart of the Board: Our Irresistible Beet Cream Cheese Spread

At the core of this magnificent breakfast board lies the secret to its success: a homemade Beet Cream Cheese Spread that is nothing short of extraordinary. Pickled beets hold a special place in our hearts and pantry, cherished for their incredible versatility and distinct flavor. From gracing a sophisticated crostini with goat cheese to adding a zesty kick to a fresh salad alongside greens and grains, their ability to elevate any dish is undeniable. When we prepare build-your-own Mediterranean chicken bowls for family dinner, diced pickled beets are always a favorite topping, transforming a simple meal into an elevated dining experience.

What truly sets this Beet Cream Cheese Spread apart are the small, tender chunks of pickled beets. They contribute an incredible textural dimension and a unique tangy-sweet flavor that complements the creamy base perfectly. This spread isn’t just a condiment; it’s a flavor enhancer, a vibrant color addition, and a conversation starter. We are confident that once you taste it, this Beet Cream Cheese Spread will become a cherished recipe in your repertoire, just as it has in ours. Its unforgettable taste and stunning hue make it an essential component for any brunch or breakfast board.

A Legacy of Quality: Aunt Nellie’s Beets – A Family Favorite for Generations

When the craving for beets strikes, or when crafting recipes where beets are the star, my first and only choice is always Aunt Nellie’s jarred beets. They are a staple in our pantry, and their consistent, high quality is something we’ve come to rely on implicitly. It’s no wonder Aunt Nellie’s has proudly held the title of America’s favorite brand of jarred beets for over 90 years. This enduring legacy is a testament to their commitment to excellence and the delicious taste that brings families back for more, generation after generation.

Aunt Nellie’s commitment to quality extends beyond just their classic beets. Their extensive product line offers seven delicious varieties of jarred beets, ensuring there’s a perfect option for every palate and recipe. But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there; they also offer high-quality onions, a refreshing three-bean salad, and flavorful red cabbage. These versatile products are readily available in grocery stores across the United States, as well as conveniently online through major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, making it easier than ever to bring their goodness into your kitchen. For those seeking culinary inspiration, Aunt Nellie’s provides a treasure trove of recipe ideas, easily downloadable and printable directly from their user-friendly website. Discover new ways to enjoy these classic vegetables and create memorable meals for your loved ones.

Crafting Your Masterpiece: Ingredients and Essential Supplies

Creating a truly memorable Breakfast Bagel Sandwich Board is a delightful experience, and it all starts with selecting the right ingredients and having the necessary tools. Below is a comprehensive list to help you gather everything needed for this vibrant and delicious DIY breakfast feast. (For specific measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the full recipe section below.)

Ingredients for the Beet Cream Cheese Spread:

• Cream Cheese (16 ounces, softened): The foundation of our spread, providing a rich, smooth, and tangy base.
• Aunt Nellie’s Diced Pickled Beets (16 ounce jar, drained): The unequivocal star! These beets infuse the spread with its signature vibrant color and a perfect balance of tangy-sweet flavor, along with a delightful texture.
• Honey (2 tablespoons, plus extra for garnish): A touch of natural sweetness to beautifully balance the piquant tang of the pickled beets.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, zesty note that enhances all the flavors and keeps the spread incredibly fresh.
• Chopped Fresh Dill (1 tablespoon, plus extra for garnish): Contributes a refreshing, herbaceous aroma and taste, pairing wonderfully with the beets and other toppings, especially smoked salmon.
• Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasoning to round out and elevate the overall flavor profile of the spread.
• Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential seasoning to round out and elevate the overall flavor profile of the spread.

For the Bagel Sandwich Board:

• Assorted Bagels (10 bagels, e.g., sesame, everything, plain): Offer a delightful variety! Include mini and full-size bagels in different flavors, ensuring there’s something for everyone to build their ultimate sandwich.
• 6 Fruit Skewers made with:
  • Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets (12 total): These earthy-sweet and tangy beets are a fantastic addition to fruit skewers, providing a savory counterpoint that perfectly balances the bright, juicy sweetness of grapes and strawberries for a truly unique flavor combination.
  • Green Grapes (12 total): Crisp, sweet, and juicy, ideal for fruit skewers or simply as a refreshing side to the breakfast sandwiches.
  • Whole Strawberries (6 total): Bursting with sweetness and a hint of tartness, these berries complement the tang of the baby beets beautifully on the fruit skewers.
  • Wooden Skewers (6 total): For assembling the delightful fruit and beet skewers.
• Aunt Nellie’s Sliced Pickled Beets (8 slices, drained): Provide a tangy-sweet bite directly in the bagel sandwiches, enhancing the creaminess of the spread and adding an appealing contrast to crunchy vegetables like cucumber and onion.
• Capers (1/4 cup): Small but mighty, these tiny buds offer a salty, briny punch – a classic and indispensable addition to any bagel with lox.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning (2 tablespoons): A powerful flavor booster, adding an irresistible crunch and savory depth from garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds.
• Honey (2 tablespoons): For an additional sweet touch or drizzle.
• Cucumber (1 small, thinly sliced): Delivers a wonderfully crisp, cool, and refreshing crunch to your bagel creations.
• Red Onion (1/2, thinly sliced): Offers a sharp, pungent bite that brilliantly cuts through the richness of other ingredients, providing balance.
• Smoked Salmon/Lox (12 ounces, pre-sliced): A luxurious and essential component for an epic breakfast bagel sandwich, offering a silky texture and smoky richness.
• Radishes (5, thinly sliced): Add a delightful peppery crunch and a pop of vibrant color to the board.
• Avocado (1 small, thinly sliced): Provides a creamy, mellow texture and flavor, acting as a perfect counterbalance to the myriad of other textures and bold flavors on the board.
• Lemon (1 large, sliced into thin rounds): Not just for garnish; a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds essential brightness and zest to each bite.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs (5, halved): A fantastic source of protein, making the breakfast experience more substantial and satisfying.
• Bunch of Green Grapes: For extra freshness and snacking.
• Microgreens (1 cup): Offer a delicate, fresh finish and a subtle peppery note, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal of your sandwiches.
• Fresh Dill Sprigs (for garnishing): A beautiful and aromatic garnish that ties all the flavors together with its distinct fresh, anisy notes.

Essential Supplies:

• Food Processor: Crucial for achieving the perfect creamy yet textured Beet Cream Cheese Spread.
• Serving Bowl: For presenting your delectable cream cheese spread.
• 20″ Round Food Board or Large Serving Tray: The canvas for your beautiful bagel board masterpiece.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Breakfast Bagel Sandwich Board with Beet Cream Cheese Spread

Follow these simple steps to create a stunning and delicious breakfast spread that will be the talk of your next gathering. This guide covers everything from preparing the signature beet cream cheese to artfully arranging your board.

Instructions for the Beet Cream Cheese Spread:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the softened cream cheese, well-drained Aunt Nellie’s diced pickled beets, honey, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, kosher salt, and black pepper. Ensure the beets are thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture.
2. Process to Perfection: Pulse and process the mixture until it is mostly smooth. For an appealing texture and visual interest, allow a few small beet bits to remain visible. Scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Chill to Firm: Transfer the vibrant spread to a serving bowl. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial as it allows the spread to firm up, achieving that classic, delectable cream cheese consistency and ensuring all the flavors meld beautifully.

Assembling Your Stunning Bagel Board:

4. Center the Star: Place the chilled Beet Cream Cheese Spread in a prominent serving bowl at the center of your large round board or serving tray. Garnish generously with additional diced beets, a delicate drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped dill for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
5. Arrange the Bagels: Artfully arrange the assorted bagels in an inviting cluster along one side of the board, perhaps the top-left, making them easily accessible for guests.
6. Prepare Fruit Skewers: Create visually appealing fruit skewers by carefully threading the ingredients onto each wooden skewer in the following sequence: one Aunt Nellie’s baby whole pickled beet, one green grape, one whole strawberry, another green grape, and finish with a second baby beet. Repeat this process until you have a total of six delightful skewers.
7. Distribute Smaller Toppings: Place the prepared fruit skewers, Aunt Nellie’s sliced pickled beets, capers, everything bagel seasoning, and a small dish of honey into separate, charming small serving dishes. Arrange these dishes strategically around the remaining edges of the board, filling in gaps and adding visual interest.
8. Fan Out Fresh Elements: Elegantly fan out the thinly sliced cucumber rounds, vibrant red onion rings, delicate pre-sliced smoked salmon, crisp radish slices, creamy avocado slices, and bright lemon rounds in neat, overlapping clusters around the central bowl of beet cream cheese spread. Pay attention to color contrast and texture variety for a truly appealing display.
9. Fill in Gaps with Bulk Items: Generously fill any remaining open spaces on the board with halved hard-boiled eggs, a luscious bunch of green grapes, and a scattering of fresh microgreens. These elements add substance, color, and freshness.
10. Enhance with Seasoning & Dill: Lightly sprinkle the hard-boiled eggs and smoked salmon with a touch of everything bagel seasoning to boost flavor. For an aromatic finish, sprinkle the smoked salmon with additional chopped fresh dill.
11. Final Garnish: Tuck in small sprigs of fresh dill across various points of the board. This not only adds a beautiful green flourish but also subtly reinforces the fresh, herbaceous notes found in the cream cheese spread.
12. Encourage Customization: Invite and encourage your guests to embark on their own culinary adventure, building personalized breakfast bagel sandwiches using the delectable Beet Cream Cheese Spread and all the abundant, beautiful fixings you’ve provided.

Your Perfect Bite: How to Build the Ultimate Beet Cream Cheese Bagel Sandwich

While the board offers endless possibilities, here’s a classic combination that perfectly showcases the Beet Cream Cheese Spread:

1. Toast Your Bagel: Start by toasting your favorite sesame seed bagel to a golden crispness. A perfectly toasted bagel provides the ideal foundation for all the delicious toppings.
2. Spread Generously: Once cooled slightly, spread a lavish, thick layer of the vibrant Beet Cream Cheese Spread onto both halves of the toasted bagel. Don’t be shy – this is the star!
3. Layer with Freshness: Neatly layer thin cucumber slices for crispness, followed by luxurious smoked salmon, sharp red onion rings, and a scattering of briny capers.
4. Season and Garnish: Sprinkle a touch of chopped fresh dill and a pinch of everything bagel seasoning over your layered ingredients for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
5. Add Microgreens: Gently place a small handful of fresh microgreens on top to add a delicate finish, a whisper of freshness, and a beautiful visual appeal.
6. Assemble and Enjoy: Carefully close your sandwich. If preferred, slice it in half for easier handling and presentation. Now, take a moment to admire your creation, and then savor every single delicious bite!

Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Bagel Board

Ahead-of-Time Preparation:

One of the many benefits of a bagel board is its make-ahead potential. The Beet Cream Cheese Spread can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deepen and mingle even further. Most of your vegetables, such as cucumbers, radishes, and red onions, can be sliced a day beforehand. Store them in separate airtight containers or submerged in a little ice water (for cucumbers and radishes) to maintain their crispness. Hard-boiled eggs can also be cooked and peeled in advance, saving precious time on the morning of your event.

Styling and Arrangement:

The visual appeal of your bagel board is key to its “wow” factor. Think about balance and variety. Distribute colors evenly across the board to create an inviting panorama. Use small bowls or ramekins for wet ingredients like capers, sliced pickled beets, and honey to keep the board tidy and prevent flavors from mixing. Fan out sliced ingredients like cucumber, avocado, and radishes in neat, overlapping rows or circular patterns for an elegant presentation. Don’t forget height! A strategically placed bunch of grapes or a small stack of bagels can add dimension. Finally, the fresh dill sprigs are not just a garnish; they add a professional, herbaceous touch.

Customization and Dietary Considerations:

A bagel board is inherently customizable, making it perfect for diverse dietary needs. For vegetarian guests, ensure plenty of non-meat options like avocado, cucumber, tomato (consider adding fresh tomato slices!), hard-boiled eggs, and, of course, the beet cream cheese spread itself. For a vegan option, you could offer a separate plant-based cream cheese or hummus and ensure all other toppings are vegan-friendly. Consider adding a bowl of mixed greens or sprouts for extra freshness. Labeling dishes, especially if there are allergens, can also be a thoughtful touch for your guests.

Scaling Up or Down:

This board concept is incredibly flexible. For a smaller gathering, reduce the quantities of bagels and toppings. You might choose a smaller board or serving tray and focus on a curated selection of 4-5 key toppings. For a larger crowd, simply increase the ingredient amounts and consider using multiple boards or extending your display onto a long table. The key is to maintain variety and ensure there are enough options for everyone to build their ideal breakfast.

Join Our Community and Share Your Culinary Creations!

We absolutely adore seeing your culinary adventures! If you decide to recreate our beautiful and delicious Breakfast Bagel Sandwich Board, we would be incredibly thrilled to see your unique spin on it. Please don’t forget to snap a picture and share your masterpiece with us on Instagram. Tag both @thebakermama and Aunt Nellie’s @auntnelliesvegetables so we can admire your creativity. Your posts truly inspire us!

For even more delicious recipes, cooking tips, and a vibrant community of fellow food enthusiasts, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group on Facebook. It’s a wonderful space to connect, share your favorite recipes, and discover new culinary inspirations. We love seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the ideas we share. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!

xoxo,

This content is a sponsored collaboration, written by me, in partnership with Aunt Nellie’s. All opinions and the accompanying text are entirely my own. We extend our sincere gratitude for your continued support of the brands that make The BakerMama possible.