Prepare the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. Using a sharp knife, slice each cucumber into rounds about 1cm thick. You should get roughly 20-24 slices. Lay the slices in a single layer on a clean tea towel or paper towels, then sprinkle them lightly with a pinch of salt and leave for 5 minutes. You’ll notice tiny beads of water appearing on the surface — this is the cucumber releasing excess moisture, which stops your bites becoming soggy later.

Make the seasoned spread: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, and the finely chopped dill (if using). Stir with a spatula until the mixture is completely smooth and pale in colour — you should see no white streaks of cream cheese. The yoghurt loosens the spread just enough to make it pipeable without being runny.

Toast the seasoning (optional but transformative): If you have a minute, tip the everything bagel seasoning into a small dry frying pan over medium heat. Shake the pan gently for 30-45 seconds until the sesame seeds start to smell nutty and fragrant — the aroma will shift from raw to toasty, and you’ll hear a faint popping sound from the seeds. Remove from the heat immediately and pour into a small bowl to cool. This step deepens the flavour dramatically without adding any cost.

Pat the cucumber slices dry: After the resting time, you’ll notice the paper towels are damp. Gently press each cucumber slice with a fresh paper towel to remove any remaining moisture. The surface should feel dry to the touch, not slippery. This is the most important step for keeping your bites crunchy after refrigeration.

Assemble the bites: Using a small spoon or a piping bag, dollop about 1 teaspoon of the seasoned cream cheese mixture onto each cucumber slice. Spread it gently to the edges, leaving a tiny border. The cream cheese layer should be about 3-4mm thick — thick enough to hold the seasoning, but not so thick that it overpowers the cucumber’s fresh crunch.

Add the seasoning: Sprinkle the toasted (or untoasted) everything bagel seasoning generously over each bite. Use about ¼ teaspoon per slice — you want a visible, even coating that covers the cream cheese. Gently press the seeds into the spread so they stick. The finished bites should look studded with black and white seeds, with little flecks of dried garlic and onion.

Chill before serving (if time allows): Arrange the assembled bites on a plate or tray in a single layer and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This firms up the cream cheese, making the bites easier to handle and pack for meal prep. The cucumber will also become slightly firmer and colder, which makes the crunch more pronounced.