Bagels have always been a popular go-to breakfast choice, offering a delightful mix of soft, crispy, and chewy textures in a convenient package. However, the true potential of this delicious bread variety lies in the wide array of toppings that can elevate it from a simple snack to a full-blown meal.
In this article, we explore 13 mouthwatering combinations of bagel toppings for every meal of the day, from tried-and-true classics to daring new flavors. Whether you’re a fan of the classic sesame bagel or looking to experiment with something new, there’s a topping combination for everyone!
Key Takeaways
Discover 13 scrumptious bagel topping combinations for a versatile meal experience.
Enjoy a variety of flavors, from classic spreads like cream cheese to unique pairings like avocado and fried egg.
Transform your favorite bagels into satisfying and delightful meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a timeless topping that perfectly complements bagels, creating a delightful taste experience. If you’re looking for a twist on the traditional plain spread, it’s simple to elevate your cream cheese game by incorporating different flavors.
Feel free to experiment by infusing your cream cheese with ingredients like cinnamon and brown sugar, onions and garlic, strawberries, blackberries, or even pumpkin purée. Each combination will bring a new and exciting taste to your cream cheese, ensuring your taste buds remain satisfied.
Butter
Your bagel truly deserves butter, enhancing its taste and delighting your taste buds!
Peanut Butter, Banana, and More
Imagine indulging in the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter spread on a fresh bagel for your breakfast treat. Now, elevate that meal by adding banana slices, which complement the sweet and salty peanut butter beautifully.
But why stop there? To truly savor a memorable breakfast, crown your creation with a touch of bacon. This exquisite combo brings together sweet, salty, smoky, crispy, soft, and chewy sensations all in one bite. It’s no wonder Elvis was so passionate about this delightful fusion. With this ensemble, your mornings will never be the same!
Smoked Salmon
Incorporate smoked salmon, also known as lox, into your meal for a delightful flavor. Transform a simple bagel with a spread of cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers, creating an ideal lunch or mid-day treat. Don’t forget to add complementing ingredients like red onion, fresh dill, and a touch of lemon to elevate your smoked salmon experience. Enjoy this tasty combination and savor the delectable taste it offers.
Avocado Enhanced with a Fried Egg
You’ll absolutely enjoy the delightful combination of avocado and fried (or poached) egg on your bagel. Discover how avocados, with their creamy texture, can serve as a fantastic alternative to cream cheese. Pair it with a perfectly cooked egg, creating a mouthwatering addition to your meal. Plus, feel free to complement this dish by including other ingredients, like cucumber or even guacamole, to elevate your avocado-egg experience. Give it a try, and treat your taste buds to something scrumptious!
Sizzling Breakfast Trio
Your taste buds will rejoice with the enticing union of crispy bacon, wholesome egg, and creamy, melted cheese in a delightful sandwich. Pairing it with two bagel halves makes it even better. Enjoy this scrumptious breakfast creation in your own kitchen and skip the fast-food line. You’ll find all you need for a substantial and satisfying morning meal.
A Tasty Ham and Cheese Delight
Incorporate ham and melted cheddar for a scrumptious bagel filling! Try adding mayo and alfalfa sprouts to elevate your sandwich experience. Enjoy your delectable creation!
Pizza Bagel
Imagine transforming your plain bagel into a delightful pizza masterpiece! Pile it high with toppings like pepperoni, ham, sausage, bell peppers, onions, and mozzarella cheese. Don’t forget to spread some marinara sauce for the perfect touch. It’s truly a champion’s breakfast!
For a lighter yet equally delicious option, try a Caprese-inspired pizza bagel by adding tomato slices, mozzarella cheese, and pesto sauce. Truly scrumptious!
Burger Bagel
A Burger Bagel can be the ideal energy-boosting breakfast for your busy day. To create this delightful dish, switch out traditional burger buns for two halves of a tasty Asiago bagel, enhancing the cheesy flavor. Complete your meal by adding a delicious chicken patty and scrumptious chicken salad alongside some ricotta for an extra touch of creamy goodness. Enjoy your marvelous meal and feel prepared for the day ahead.
Turkey and Swiss Delight
Indulge in a scrumptious bagel featuring turkey and Swiss cheese for a unique, chewy experience. Elevate the taste and texture by adding mustard and alfalfa sprouts. Enjoy this delightful combination as a break from traditional white bread sandwiches.
Tuna Salad
You’ll surely enjoy a flavorful tuna salad. Picture tender tuna combined with velvety mayo, seasoned to perfection with salt and pepper. Now, imagine it sandwiched between crispy sesame bagel halves. Add some lettuce for that satisfying crunch, and you’ve got yourself a delightful meal. Don’t forget to toss in sprouts and carrots for an extra burst of freshness and taste.
Egg Salad
Egg salad is a delightful choice to mix things up with your morning meal. Combine hard-boiled eggs and mayo dressing, and generously spread it on your bagel. This tasty blend goes with any bread, but bagels exude a hearty and fulfilling twist. Share the joy with your taste buds!
Pastrami
For all you meat enthusiasts, pastrami will certainly delight your taste buds. This cold cut typically consists of thinly sliced beef, seasoned with a mixture of herbs and spices. After being brined, it’s smoked to create a deliciously salty, flavorful, and smoky experience. To complement pastrami’s strong taste, try enjoying it on a bagel with some sauerkraut and mustard, adding even more flavor to your sandwich. So, treat yourself and savor the incredible combination that awaits you.
Apple Butter
You’ll love this creamy delight made from sweet apples, giving it an irresistible smoothness reminiscent of butter. The honey and brown sugar enhance its sweetness, while a hint of cinnamon adds warmth. Apple butter is the perfect partner for your morning bagel, elevating its taste with a friendly, comforting, and delightful flavor.
Nutella
For those who crave a sweet and nutty touch to their breakfast, Nutella or any preferred hazelnut spread can elevate your ordinary bagel to something truly delightful. Just a spoonful will satisfy your dessert-for-breakfast desires. Enjoy!
Jam or Jelly
You’ll love the amazing tastes of various fruit spreads like strawberry, grape, and blackberry when you spread them on your bagels. To elevate the flavor, try blending them with cream cheese or peanut butter. The delightful combinations of jams and jellies not only enhance your taste buds but also make every bite a delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are popular savory bagel toppings?
Avocado: mashed or sliced
Hummus: various flavors
Lox: smoked salmon with capers and onions
Egg salad: with chives or dill
Bacon, egg, and cheese: classic breakfast combo
Alternatives to cream cheese on a bagel
Butter: plain, or flavored with herbs
Peanut butter: or any nut/seed butter
Yogurt: Greek or flavored
Tomato: sliced or as a spread
Top vegetarian bagel topping choices
Cucumbers: sliced and seasoned
Roasted vegetables: eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
