Bagels are more than just a breakfast staple they are a blank canvas for endless flavor possibilities. The right bagel toppings can transform a simple piece of bread into a gourmet meal, a healthy snack, or even a dessert. From the classic cream cheese bagel to innovative avocado creations, there’s no limit to how you can enjoy this beloved baked good.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best bagel toppings, from timeless favorites to modern, healthy, and even indulgent options. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, simple or creative, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to elevate your next bagel.
-
Gluten-Free Bagels: Everything You Need to Know About Wheat-Free Bagels
-
Bagel vs Bread: Definition, Differences, and Nutrition Comparison
-
Calories in Bagel: How Many Are in Different Types of Bagels?
Classic and Popular Bagel Toppings Everyone Loves
Cream Cheese Bagel: The Timeless Favorite
No topping defines bagels more than cream cheese. A cream cheese bagel is iconic, simple, and satisfying. Whether you go with plain cream cheese or flavored versions like scallion, strawberry, or herb-infused spreads, this topping remains one of the most popular bagel toppings of all time.
Lox and Schmear with Cream Cheese Bagel
For a true New York classic, nothing beats smoked salmon with cream cheese, often accompanied by capers, onions, and tomato slices. This combination balances creaminess with saltiness, making it a luxurious breakfast or brunch option.
Everything Bagel Seasoning as a Topping
The everything bagel itself is legendary, but you can also use the seasoning mix as a topping for plain or sesame bagels. With garlic, sesame seeds, onion, poppy seeds, and sea salt, it adds crunch and bold flavor to any spread.
Butter, Honey, and Jam Bagel Toppings
Sometimes, simplicity is best. A warm bagel with butter, honey, or jam delivers nostalgia and comfort. Strawberry jam, orange marmalade, or even apple butter are popular choices for those who enjoy a sweet touch.
Savory Bagel Toppings Beyond the Classics
Avocado Bagel Toppings with Egg or Seasoning
Avocado toast lovers will adore this twist. A toasted bagel topped with smashed avocado, sea salt, and chili flakes makes for a nutritious and trendy breakfast. Add a poached egg on top for extra protein.
Egg and Bacon Bagel Toppings (BEC Sandwich)
The bacon, egg, and cheese (BEC) bagel sandwich is a breakfast staple in many households. Pairing crispy bacon, a fried or scrambled egg, and melted cheese creates a hearty and filling option.
Meat and Cheese Bagel Toppings
For a quick lunch, load your bagel with deli meats like turkey, ham, or pastrami, paired with Swiss, cheddar, or provolone cheese. This transforms a bagel into a satisfying sandwich.
Tuna Salad and Greek Salad Bagel Toppings
Mediterranean-inspired bagels are light yet flavorful. Try tuna salad with celery and lemon, or top with Greek salad ingredients like feta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.
Sweet Bagel Toppings for Breakfast and Dessert
Nutella and Peanut Butter Bagel Toppings
Indulgent and irresistible, Nutella spread or peanut butter makes for a rich treat. Add banana or strawberry slices for a balanced combination of sweetness and texture.
Ricotta and Fruit Bagel Toppings
Ricotta cheese paired with fresh fruit blueberries, raspberries, or figs adds a gourmet touch. Drizzle with honey for extra sweetness.
Jam and Cream Cheese Bagel Toppings
Combining sweet jam with tangy cream cheese creates a delightful balance of flavors. Raspberry jam on a cream cheese bagel is a classic favorite.
Creative Dessert Bagel Toppings
For those with a sweet tooth, dessert-inspired toppings like cookie butter, chocolate chips, or marshmallow spread turn a bagel into a decadent treat.
How Long Do Bagels Last? The Ultimate Guide to Bagel Shelf Life, Storage & Freshness
Healthy Bagel Toppings and Light Alternatives
Greek Yogurt and Fresh Fruit Bagel Toppings
For a protein-packed option, spread Greek yogurt on your bagel and top it with fresh fruit like blueberries, kiwi, or pomegranate seeds. This topping is refreshing and rich in nutrients.
Hummus and Vegetable Bagel Toppings
Hummus adds creaminess and plant-based protein, making it a great alternative to cream cheese. Pair it with cucumbers, sprouts, roasted peppers, or carrots for a balanced and satisfying snack.
Low-Fat Cream Cheese Bagel Options
If you love a cream cheese bagel but want to keep it lighter, try reduced-fat cream cheese or dairy-free alternatives made with cashews, soy, or almond milk. These options keep the texture you love while cutting down on calories.
Creative and Regional Bagel Toppings
Pizza Bagel Toppings
Turn your bagel into a mini pizza by topping it with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni before baking. This quick and fun recipe is perfect for kids and adults alike.
Bagel Burger Toppings
For a unique twist, use bagels as burger buns. Load them with beef patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and condiments. This hearty idea is both filling and flavorful.
Mediterranean and Tex-Mex Bagel Toppings
Explore international flavors by topping bagels with feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean feel, or guacamole, salsa, and jalapeños for a Tex-Mex flair.
Celebrity-Inspired Bagel Toppings
Some famous personalities are known for their favorite bagel combinations. From everything bagels with avocado to sesame bagels with smoked salmon, these ideas spark inspiration for trying something new.
Best Bagel Toppings for Every Occasion
Breakfast Bagel Toppings
Morning bagels call for energy-boosting toppings such as eggs, avocado, smoked salmon, or nut butter with fruit.
Lunch Bagel Toppings
Turn your bagel into a hearty midday meal with turkey and Swiss cheese, pastrami and mustard, or tuna salad.
Snack and Dessert Bagel Toppings
For a lighter bite or sweet treat, stick to spreads like peanut butter, Nutella, or jam with cream cheese.
Tips for Toasting and Serving Bagels
Toasting vs. Untoasted Bagels for Different Toppings
Some toppings work best on toasted bagels—like butter, avocado, or hummus—because the warmth enhances the flavors. Others, like Nutella or ricotta with fruit, shine on untoasted bagels to preserve their soft texture.
Bagel Topping Presentation Ideas
When serving bagels at brunch or gatherings, create a “bagel bar” with a variety of toppings: cream cheese, lox, veggies, jams, nut butters, and fruits. This setup is interactive, fun, and allows guests to customize their bagel creations.
FAQs About Bagel Toppings
1. What are the best bagel toppings?
The best bagel toppings include cream cheese, lox, avocado, butter and jam, Nutella, peanut butter, and everything bagel seasoning.
2. What are the most popular bagel toppings in New York?
In New York, the most popular bagel toppings are cream cheese, smoked salmon with capers, butter, and classic deli-style meats and cheeses.
3. What goes well on a cream cheese bagel?
Smoked salmon, sliced tomato, cucumbers, or jam pair wonderfully with a cream cheese bagel.
4. What are some healthy bagel toppings?
Hummus with vegetables, Greek yogurt with fruit, avocado with seasoning, and nut butters with banana are excellent healthy choices.
5. Can you put avocado or eggs on a bagel?
Yes! Avocado and eggs are trendy, nutritious toppings that turn your bagel into a filling breakfast or brunch.
6. What’s the difference between sweet and savory bagel toppings?
Sweet toppings include Nutella, jam, or ricotta with fruit, while savory toppings feature options like lox, eggs, hummus, or deli meats.
Conclusion
Bagels are endlessly versatile, and the right toppings can make them shine for any occasion whether you want a quick breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a sweet indulgence. From the classic cream cheese bagel to adventurous combinations like pizza bagels or Tex-Mex flavors, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this timeless food.
Experiment with both popular bagel toppings and creative ideas, and don’t be afraid to mix sweet with savory. With this ultimate guide to bagel toppings, you’ll never run out of delicious ways to elevate your bagel game.
