Pin Monster Face Bagels are a playful snack bursting with color and crunchy veggies. They have become my secret weapon for kids’ parties and rainy afternoons. Each bagel is topped with homemade vegetable cream cheese and decorated to look like happy (or silly) little monsters—turning a basic bagel into a project everyone wants to join.
Whenever I set out the toppings and let my kids loose, the kitchen fills with giggles. Their favorite part is arranging candy eyes and making each monster look different. It is a creative way to get them excited about fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- Bagels: Choose fresh bakery bagels or use mini bagels for party-friendly snacks. Opt for plain so the toppings shine.
- Cream cheese: Go for full-fat for creaminess or dairy-free to make it vegan. Softened is best for easy mixing.
- Grated carrot: Adds color and sweetness. Pick firm, brightly colored carrots for best results.
- Red bell pepper: The flavor is mild and sweet. Choose peppers with glossy skin.
- Cucumber: Pick seedless or scoop out the seeds so the cream cheese stays smooth.
- Chives: Fresh chives lend a mild onion flavor. Snip just before mixing for best freshness.
- Garlic powder: Builds savory taste. Choose pure powder without additives.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste. Fresh ground pepper amps up the veggie flavors.
- Black olives: Sharp and salty, perfect for little monster eyes or funny mouths.
- Cucumber rounds: Crisp and cool for nose or eyes. Use thin slices for better stick.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy. Halve them for bright noses or other features.
- Red bell pepper strips: Use skinny strips for wild eyebrows or zigzag mouths.
- Shredded carrots: Perfect for goofy hair or crazy mustaches. Dry well so they do not water down the bagel.
- Baby spinach leaves: Mild and green, these work for wild hair or silly tongues.
- Candy eyes: Adds instant fun, especially if you want extra personality.
- Required kitchen tools: Use a sharp knife to make clean veggie shapes and a sturdy mixing bowl for smooth cream cheese.
Instructions
- Make Veggie Cream Cheese:
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese with grated carrot, red bell pepper, cucumber, chives, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix patiently until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture looks flecked with colorful veggies. Scrape the sides of the bowl often to get it all blended. The spread should be creamy and bright.
- Prepare Bagels:
- Use a sharp knife to cut bagels in half. Lay them cut side up on a clean serving plate. If you have mini bagels, slice them and arrange neatly so there is plenty of surface for decorating.
- Spread the Cream Cheese:
- With a spatula or spoon, scoop a generous dollop of veggie cream cheese onto each bagel half. Smooth it edge to edge so you have a thick, even layer. More cream cheese means toppings will stick better.
- Decorate with Monster Faces:
- Let kids join in for this step. Arrange vegetable slices to create faces. Try cucumber rounds or black olives as eyes and add candy eyes if you like. Cherry tomato halves or olive slices can be noses. Make mouths, eyebrows, or wild hair using bell pepper strips, shredded carrots, or spinach leaves. Press gently so all pieces stick to the cream cheese. There are no rules here—just have fun with shapes and colors.
- Serve or Store:
- For best texture and color, serve immediately. If prepping ahead, refrigerate decorated bagels for up to two hours. This keeps veggies fresh and cream cheese firm.
Pin My favorite touch is crunchy bell pepper strips—they always remind me of my kids’ wild monster inventions during Halloween. We once made a whole tray for a sleepover and the kids spent longer decorating than eating, which made for the sweetest memories.
Storage Tips
Once decorated, bagels should be served within a couple hours for best crunch and color. If storing, cover tightly and refrigerate for no more than two hours. Any longer can make veggies weep and bagels soggy. For leftovers, pop plain bagels and veggie cream cheese in separate containers—the kids can re-decorate tomorrow.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap plain cream cheese for plant-based if you are making vegan versions. Any favorite veggies work—radishes, sliced corn, or thin strips of zucchini add more color. If bagels are hard to find, English muffins or sturdy toast are good stand-ins for party snacks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these as a party centerpiece or afterschool snack. Put out extra toppings and let everyone make their own monster face. For smaller kids, use mini bagels for little hands. Try pairing with fruit skewers or veggie sticks to make it a meal.
Cultural and Seasonal Adaptations
Monster Face Bagels fit any season—swap in roasted pumpkin for Halloween or crisp apples for fall. In summer, use rainbow cherry tomatoes and sweet peppers. The playful monster idea is loved in American kitchens since kids embrace hands-on eating.
Pin Whip up a tray of Monster Face Bagels and watch the fun take over your kitchen. They are best enjoyed with wild giggles and extra veggie toppings!
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I make the veggie cream cheese?
Mix softened cream cheese with finely grated carrot, chopped bell pepper, cucumber, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- → Can I use mini bagels?
Yes, mini bagels work great for smaller portions or bite-sized snacks, especially for kids' parties.
- → How can I decorate the faces?
Use sliced cucumbers, olives, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, shredded carrots, spinach, and optional candy eyes to create fun expressions.
- → Is this snack suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian. For vegan options, substitute dairy-free cream cheese as needed.
- → Can kids help with making these bagels?
Absolutely! Let kids join in the decorating process for a creative and hands-on snack activity.
- → How far in advance can I prepare these?
They are best served fresh, but you can assemble and refrigerate them up to 2 hours before serving for best texture and freshness.