Ingredients
Scale
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives (finely chopped, about 1 small bunch)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
For the Toast:
- 4 slices bread (sourdough, multigrain, or your favorite)
- 1-2 tablespoons butter (optional, softened)
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra fresh chives for topping
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese: Remove cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until completely softened. This is crucial for easy spreading and smooth texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the cream cheese for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt it – you want it soft and spreadable, not liquid.
- Prepare the chives: While the cream cheese softens, rinse your fresh chives under cold water and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Using a sharp knife on a cutting board, finely chop the chives into small pieces, about 1/8-inch long. The finer you chop them, the more evenly they’ll distribute throughout the cream cheese and the prettier your toast will look.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: Place the softened cream cheese in a small mixing bowl. Using a fork or small whisk, whip the cream cheese for 30-60 seconds until it’s light, fluffy, and smooth with no lumps. This step makes it much easier to spread and creates a luxurious texture. Add the chopped chives, salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Stir everything together until the chives are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – you might want more salt or pepper depending on your preference.
- Toast the bread: While you’re mixing the cream cheese, toast your bread slices. You can use a regular toaster, toaster oven, or toast them in a skillet. For toaster method: Toast until golden brown and crispy – you want good color and crunch. For skillet method: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of butter, and toast the bread for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. The skillet method adds extra richness and gives you more control over the toast level.
- Butter the toast (optional): If you’re using butter, spread a thin layer on each piece of toast while it’s still warm. This adds richness and creates a slight barrier that helps prevent the toast from getting soggy. Let the butter melt into the warm bread for about 30 seconds.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture: Using a butter knife or offset spatula, generously spread the cream cheese chive mixture onto each piece of toast. Don’t be shy – use plenty! Aim for about 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese per slice, spreading it all the way to the edges. The warmth from the toast will make the cream cheese extra creamy and delicious.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle additional fresh chopped chives on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. If desired, add a pinch of everything bagel seasoning, red pepper flakes, or flaky sea salt. Serve immediately while the toast is still warm and crispy.
Notes
- Room temperature is key: Cream cheese must be fully softened for easy spreading and the best texture. Plan ahead or use the quick microwave method.
- Customize the mixture: The cream cheese chive mixture can be adjusted to your taste – add more chives for stronger flavor, extra lemon juice for brightness, or garlic powder for savory depth.
- Toast level matters: Toast your bread until it’s genuinely crispy and golden. Lightly toasted bread will become soggy quickly under the cream cheese.
- Make it ahead: The cream cheese mixture can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before spreading.
- Scaling up: This recipe doubles or quadruples easily for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices of toast
- Calories: 312
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 485mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 52mg