PopUp Bagel operates on a distinctive premise within the bagel scene. Rather than the conventional method of slicing, spreading a schmear, and biting in, the idea is to tear into them and dip them straight into the schmear. While not a radical upheaval, it has clearly resonated with a broad audience. So much so that they’ve started teaming up with brands like Tabasco.
This schmear collaboration is, in fact, a joint venture among several parties. Content creator Keegan McManus brings his celebrated macaroni and cheese recipe to the table, paired with Tabasco’s original red pepper sauce. That spicy, cheesy cream cheese is then, naturally, scooped up with a torn bagel from PopUp.
PopUp Bagels x Tabasco Spicy Mac & Cheese Schmear
Pros: The PopUp Bagels x Tabasco spicy mac & cheese schmear blends PopUp Bagel’s cream cheese with sharp cheddar, white cheddar, and parmesan. A seasoned mix of spices and a dash of Tabasco sauce add savory depth and a touch of heat to the blend. It all comes together with solid execution, in my view.
There’s a noticeable kick to the schmear, but it doesn’t overwhelm the palate. The thought I dread the most is starting my morning with a bagel and cream cheese so intense that I’d need to down an entire gallon of milk before I could function for the day.
While not the main focus of this evaluation, it’s worth noting that the PopUp bagels themselves offer a sturdy base for this schmear. They’re hearty and savory—providing that carb-forward dimension that the schmear on its own doesn’t fully deliver (more on that later).
Cons: It’s hard to ignore that the spicy mac & cheese schmear doesn’t actually contain any mac. I find that omission disappointing. I don’t necessarily think it would have changed the overall rating, but the absence of actual macaroni components feels a little misleading. If the intention was simply a spicy cheese schmear, a name like a hot pepper cheese spread might have fit better, perhaps something akin to a pimento-cheese style spread.
This isn’t a failing of the schmear itself, but I can’t resist noting that the marketing angle—“our bagels are so unique because you rip and dip them”—feels a bit gimmicky. It’s just a bagel; you could tear and dunk it elsewhere too. The bagels may be excellent, but presenting the concept as the sole source of distinctiveness, rather than focusing on flavor, feels a bit gimmicky.
