from Hero Bread™

What's in the Box?

Makes up to 10 bagels

2 packs Hero Bread™ Classic

Plain Bagels

2 quarts whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

3 oz white vinegar

Fresh dill

Fresh chives

Prepared horseradish

Strawberry jam

Clover honey

Nova lox

Cooked bacon

Non pareil capers

Pickled red onions

Cheese cloth

You’ll also need:

Kitchenware

Pot

Spatula

Strainer

Food processor or blender

Large mixing bowl

2-4 small mixing bowls

Thermometer (optional)

Customer Provided

Sea salt

Please watch the cook-along video above for best results.

Making the Cream Cheese

1. Line a fine-mesh strainer with a single layer of cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Make sure there’s enough space between the strainer and the bottom of the bowl so that when 8 cups of liquid are added, the bottom of the strainer doesn’t touch the top of the liquid.

2. In a saucepan, heat the milk, cream, and salt over medium-low heat until it simmers. There will be small bubbles around the rim and the milk in the center will be frothy. If you have a thermometer, the milk should register between 200 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove it from heat.

3. Now we’ll stir in vinegar and wait 4 minutes. Then pour it through the cheesecloth. Drain it for about 15 minutes.

4. Once it’s cool enough to handle, ring out any extra liquid.

5. Transfer the contents of the cheesecloth to a food processor – or blender if you don’t have one – and blend until you have a very smooth consistency, scraping down as needed.

Making the Mix-ins

6. Set all the ingredients for mix-ins in front of you. Finely chop the dill, chives, and lox.

7. Evenly divide the homemade cream cheese into four equal portions.

8. Using a silicone spatula, gently fold each flavor’s ingredients into its respective portion of cream cheese, ensuring a smooth and even mix.

Horseradish & Dill
This one has a bold and zesty flavor that perfectly balances heat and freshness. The horseradish brings a sharp, peppery bite with a subtle kick, while the dill adds a bright, herby freshness. Start with a teaspoon of horseradish and a tablespoon of dill. Add more to taste.

Bacon & Chive
A savory, smoky, and slightly tangy combo. The bacon brings a deep, rich smokiness, while fresh chives add a mild oniony sharpness that cuts through the richness. Start by adding 1 tablespoon of bacon and a tablespoon of chives. Add more to taste.

Strawberry Honey
Strawberries bring a bright, fresh sweetness with a slight tang, while the honey adds a smooth, natural richness with floral undertones. Add all of the jam. Add honey to taste.

Lox & Caper
The lox bring a silky, buttery texture with a delicate smokiness and subtle saltiness, while the capers add a pop of briny, lemony sharpness. Add all of the lox and a tablespoon of capers. Add more capers to taste.