Bagels are a beloved breakfast staple that offers a perfect base for a variety of spreads and toppings. Whether you enjoy classic combinations or prefer experimenting with new flavors, there’s a topping to suit every taste and occasion.
Exploring different bagel toppings can elevate your breakfast to a whole new level and keep your taste buds excited. From savory to sweet, the endless possibilities mean you never have to settle for the same plain bagel again.
1) Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
A classic topping for bagels is smoked salmon and cream cheese. It’s a favorite because it’s both tasty and easy to make.
Start by toasting your bagel to your liking. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on each half. For extra flavor, mix the cream cheese with fresh dill or lemon juice.
Next, layer smoked salmon slices over the cream cheese. The rich, smoky flavor of the salmon pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the cheese.
Add some thinly sliced red onions and capers for a slight crunch and tanginess. Optionally, you can also add cucumber slices or avocado to your bagel.
This topping combination is great for breakfast or brunch. It’s a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy your bagel.
2) Avocado and Red Pepper Flakes
Start with a ripe avocado. Cut it in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Transfer it to a bowl and mash with a fork until it reaches your desired texture, whether smooth or chunky.
Next, add a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh taste. Season with a pinch of salt and mix well.
Spread the mashed avocado evenly over your toasted bagel. This creates a rich, creamy base for the toppings.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. These add a touch of heat, enhancing the flavor without being too spicy.
For added taste, you might also include a dash of everything bagel seasoning. This mix of sesame seeds, dried garlic, and onion complements both the avocado and the pepper flakes perfectly.
Enjoy your creation while the bagel is still warm.
3) Blueberry Jam and Brie
Blueberry jam and brie make an excellent topping for your bagel. The combination of sweet and creamy flavors is both rich and delicious.
Start with a fresh bagel, sliced in half. Spread a generous layer of blueberry jam on one side of the bagel.
On the other side, place slices of brie cheese. The soft, creamy texture of brie pairs perfectly with the sweet tanginess of the blueberry jam.
For a warm, melty treat, you can toast the assembled bagel in a skillet or oven until the brie just starts to melt. This makes the flavors even more indulgent.
Both kids and adults will love this simple yet gourmet addition to your bagel. Enjoy it as a quick breakfast, a snack, or even a light lunch.
4) Peanut Butter and Banana Slices
Peanut butter and banana slices make a simple and tasty bagel topping. The creamy texture of the peanut butter pairs well with the soft bananas. It’s both sweet and savory.
Start by spreading a generous layer of peanut butter on your bagel. Then slice a banana thinly and place the slices on top. This combination is filling and provides a good mix of protein and fiber.
The salty taste of the peanut butter balances perfectly with the natural sweetness of the bananas. You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter, depending on your preference.
For a bit of extra flavor, consider adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon. These small additions can enhance the overall taste and make your bagel even more satisfying.
5) Turkey and Swiss Cheese
Turkey and Swiss cheese is a classic bagel topping that combines savory flavors with a creamy texture. Start with a fresh bagel and toast it to your preference.
Spread a layer of mayonnaise and mustard on each half. These condiments add tanginess and moisture.
Place some crisp lettuce on one half. This creates a barrier to stop the bagel from getting soggy. Then, add slices of ripe tomato for freshness.
Next, layer on slices of oven-roasted turkey. The turkey provides lean protein and a mild flavor that pairs well with the Swiss cheese.
Add Swiss cheese on top of the turkey. This cheese has a subtle nutty taste and melts slightly from the warm bagel.
Put the halves together to complete your sandwich. This combination of ingredients creates a delicious, balanced meal perfect for breakfast or lunch.
6) Hummus and Cucumber
Hummus and cucumber make a perfect combination for your bagel. Spread a generous layer of hummus on the bagel halves. The creamy texture of the hummus pairs well with the crunchiness of cucumber slices.
To prepare, wash your cucumber thoroughly. Slice it into thin rounds.
Place the cucumber slices on top of the hummus. This adds a refreshing taste and a crisp bite.
Try sprinkling a bit of black pepper over the cucumbers. This can enhance the flavors.
If you like, add a few sprigs of fresh dill. This can add a touch of green and a hint of extra flavor.
7) Bacon and Cheddar
One of the most satisfying combinations is bacon and cheddar. This pairing brings a savory and rich flavor to your bagel.
Start by toasting your favorite bagel until it’s golden and crisp. While the bagel is toasting, cook some bacon until it’s crispy.
Spread a layer of cream cheese or butter on each bagel half. This acts as a tasty base and also helps keep the toppings in place.
Next, add slices of cheddar cheese. You can use mild or sharp cheddar depending on your preference. Cover the bagel halves with the warm bacon slices.
If you like, you could put the bagel halves under the broiler for a minute to melt the cheese. This creates a gooey, tasty treat.
Bacon and cheddar go well with added toppings, such as avocado slices, a fried egg, or even some fresh greens. This combination is perfect for any meal, and the mix of crisp, savory bacon with rich cheddar is hard to beat.
8) Tomato and Mozzarella
Tomato and mozzarella is a classic and delicious bagel topping. Start by slicing a fresh, ripe tomato into thin rounds. Thin slices work best for even coverage and a balanced taste.
Next, find some fresh mozzarella cheese. Slice it to match the thickness of your tomato slices. Fresh mozzarella has a mild and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the juicy tomatoes.
Spread pesto on your bagel for added flavor. Pesto’s basil, garlic, and Parmesan blend enhances the taste of tomato and mozzarella. Toast your bagel first if you like a crunch.
Once your bagel is ready, layer the tomato and mozzarella slices evenly on top. For a gourmet touch, sprinkle some salt and pepper. This simple seasoning brings out the flavors of the fresh ingredients.
Top your bagel with a few fresh basil leaves. Basil’s fragrant aroma and flavor tie everything together. This combination works great for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.
If you want to melt the cheese a bit, you can briefly toast the bagel again once everything is assembled. This will soften the mozzarella and bring all the flavors together in a warm, delicious bite.
9) Pesto and Provolone
Start by selecting your favorite bagel. Slice it in half and toast it to your desired level of crispiness.
To prepare, spread a generous layer of fresh pesto on each half of the toasted bagel.
Add slices of provolone cheese on top of the pesto.
If you want the cheese to melt, pop the bagel halves back in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is gooey.
For added flavor, you can sprinkle a few red pepper flakes or some fresh arugula on top.
Enjoy this savory combination warm, and enjoy the delightful blend of herby pesto with creamy provolone.
10) Tuna Salad and Pickles
Adding tuna salad and pickles to a bagel provides a tasty mix of flavors and textures. For the tuna salad, combine flaked tuna with mayonnaise, celery, and finely chopped onions. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Spread the tuna salad generously on your bagel. The mayonnaise adds a creamy texture, while the celery and onion provide a satisfying crunch.
Top the tuna salad with slices of pickles. Pickles add a tangy, slightly sour taste that contrasts nicely with the creamy tuna salad. They also give a crunchy texture.
Consider using bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter flavor or dill pickles for a sharper taste. Experiment to find which type your palate prefers.
If you like, add a few lettuce leaves or tomato slices for an even more complex flavor profile. The freshness of the veggies complements the tuna and pickles well.
11) Nutella and Strawberries
Nutella and strawberries make a delightful bagel topping that is both sweet and rich. Spread a generous layer of Nutella on your bagel for a creamy, chocolaty base.
Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor and a pleasant texture. Slice the strawberries and evenly distribute them over the Nutella.
This combination offers a delicious contrast between the smooth, sweet spread and the juicy, slightly tangy fruit. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack. Consider adding a few slivers of almond for an extra crunch.
This pairing isn’t just tasty; it’s also visually appealing. The vibrant red of the strawberries against the dark Nutella creates a treat that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
12) Spinach and Feta
Spinach and feta is a fantastic, savory topping for bagels. Freshly cooked spinach paired with the tangy taste of feta cheese creates a delightful flavor combination.
Start by wilting some fresh spinach. Ensure you squeeze out any excess water to avoid a soggy bagel.
Crumble the feta cheese and mix it with the spinach. This combination provides a hearty, nutritious topping that is easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Spread this mixture generously on your bagel. You can toast the bagel first for added crunch, or warm it up after adding the topping for a melty, delicious bite.
Enjoy your spinach and feta bagel for breakfast, lunch, or even as a snack. It’s versatile and satisfying anytime.
13) Egg Salad and Chives
Egg salad with chives is a tasty topping for bagels. You can make the egg salad by mixing boiled eggs with mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Add chopped chives to give it a fresh, onion-like flavor.
Spread the egg salad evenly on a toasted bagel. The creamy texture of the egg salad pairs well with the crunchiness of the bagel. Chives add a slight kick without being too overpowering.
This topping is great for any time of the day. It works well for breakfast, lunch, or even a light dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
14) Roasted Vegetables and Goat Cheese
Roasted vegetables and goat cheese make a delicious combination for bagel toppings. The creamy goat cheese balances the hearty taste of the roasted vegetables.
Start by roasting your favorite veggies. Good choices are bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Roast them in a hot oven until they are tender and slightly charred.
Spread a generous layer of goat cheese on a toasted bagel. The warm bagel will soften the cheese, making it easier to spread.
Layer the roasted vegetables on top of the cheese. The mix of flavors from the vegetables pairs well with the tangy goat cheese.
Season with a bit of salt and pepper if you like. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
Enjoy this tasty, wholesome topping on your bagel any time of the day.
15) Chorizo and Manchego
Chorizo and Manchego is a savory and bold combination that can take your bagel to the next level.
Start by slicing your bagel and toasting it to your preference.
While the bagel toasts, thinly slice some Manchego cheese and cut the chorizo into small, bite-sized pieces.
Once your bagel is ready, place the Manchego slices on top, covering the surface evenly.
Next, add the chorizo pieces. If you want the chorizo warm, you can quickly sauté it in a pan until it’s slightly crispy.
The Manchego cheese will start to melt a bit from the warmth of the chorizo, creating a delicious blend of flavors.
This topping brings the rich, smoky flavor of chorizo and the slightly nutty taste of Manchego.
It’s a bold choice that will make your bagel stand out.
Perfect for lunch or a hearty snack, this combination is both satisfying and full of character.
16) Caramelized Onions and Gruyere
Caramelized onions bring a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich taste of Gruyere cheese.
To make this topping, start by slowly cooking sliced onions in a pan with oil or butter. Stir often until they turn golden brown and soft.
Next, slice your bagel in half and toast it lightly. Spread a generous layer of Gruyere cheese on each half.
Place the cheese-topped bagel halves under the broiler to melt the cheese slightly.
Finally, add the warm caramelized onions on top of the melted Gruyere.
This combination offers a gourmet twist that’s perfect for breakfast or a light lunch. It’s simple yet sophisticated, making it an excellent choice for any bagel lover.
17) Honey and Ricotta
This pairing of honey and ricotta creates a delicious mix that balances sweet and creamy flavors.
Start by spreading a generous layer of ricotta cheese over your bagel. Use about 2 tablespoons of fresh ricotta for each half.
Next, drizzle a teaspoon of honey on top. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the mild, creamy ricotta.
For added texture, consider sprinkling some chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts. This will give a nice crunch to your bagel.
You can also add a bit of fruit, such as sliced strawberries or figs, to enhance the flavor profile.
This combination works well on whole-grain or plain bagels. It’s a simple yet elegant choice for breakfast or a midday snack.
18) Eggplant and Feta
Eggplant and feta make a tasty combination for bagel toppings. Start by slicing an eggplant into rounds. Brush each slice with olive oil and season with a bit of salt. Bake the slices at 425°F until they become soft and slightly golden.
While the eggplant is baking, crumble some feta cheese into a bowl. You can mix the feta with a bit of Greek yogurt and olive oil to create a creamy texture. This blend adds a rich and tangy flavor to your bagel.
Once the eggplant slices are ready, place them on top of your bagel. Add a generous amount of the feta mixture. The soft eggplant and creamy feta complement each other well.
Enjoy your eggplant and feta bagel for a unique and flavorful meal.
19) Apple Slices and Cheddar
Apple slices and cheddar cheese make a tasty and satisfying bagel topping. You get a nice mix of sweet and savory flavors. The crunch of the apple pairs well with the smooth texture of the cheddar cheese.
Start by toasting your bagel to get it a bit crispy. Slice a crisp apple like a Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Lay the apple slices on your toasted bagel.
Next, add slices of sharp cheddar cheese. If you want the cheese to melt a bit, you can place the bagel under a broiler for a minute. This will create a gooey, delicious topping.
You can also sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon on top for an extra touch of flavor. Apple slices and cheddar cheese make for an easy yet delicious bagel topping that you can enjoy any time of day.
20) Lox and Capers
Lox, or cured salmon, paired with capers is a classic bagel topping. The salty, briny flavor of the capers complements the rich taste of the lox.
Start by spreading a generous layer of cream cheese on your bagel. Lay thin slices of lox on top of the cream cheese.
Sprinkle a handful of capers on the lox. These small, green buds add a burst of flavor.
For an extra touch, you can add thin slices of red onion or a few sprigs of fresh dill. This simple yet elegant combination is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Benefits of Bagel Toppings
Bagel toppings can enhance meals in multiple ways, from providing essential nutrients to adding diverse flavors. They can make a simple bagel more nutritious and enjoyable.
Nutritional Advantages
Adding toppings to your bagel can significantly increase its nutritional value. For instance, avocado is packed with healthy fats and vitamins. Smoked salmon offers high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain health. Vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and peppers add vitamins and minerals, boosting your overall intake of essential nutrients.
Nut butter like almond or peanut spread on a bagel can supply protein and healthy fats, good for sustained energy. Greek yogurt, another excellent topping, is rich in protein and calcium, supporting bone health. These toppings turn a regular bagel into a more balanced meal.
Versatility in Flavor
Bagel toppings can transform your bagel’s taste, offering endless possibilities. A classic cream cheese topping provides a creamy and savory base. You can spice it up with flavored spreads like herb, garlic, or even berry-infused cream cheeses.
For something sweet, fruit toppings such as strawberries, blueberries, or banana can be delightful, especially with a drizzle of honey. Savory combinations like hummus with roasted red peppers or pesto with mozzarella can bring a burst of flavor, making each bite exciting.
This versatility allows you to customize your bagel to your liking, whether you prefer something simple or more gourmet. It’s a great way to keep your meals interesting and delicious.
Creative Combination Ideas
Explore unexpected flavors in your bagels with sweet and savory mixes or take inspiration from the seasons for unique toppings. Here are some specific ideas to delight your taste buds.
Sweet and Savory Mixes
Combining sweet and savory on a bagel can create a delicious contrast. Brie and apple with a drizzle of honey and walnuts can start your day right. Chicken salad with grapes and walnuts provides texture and flavor. If you’re in the mood for a unique twist, try hummus and olives paired with roasted red peppers. These combinations offer a balanced taste that is sure to satisfy.
Seasonal Inspirations
Seasonal ingredients can freshen up your bagel toppings. In the fall, consider pumpkin cream cheese spread with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Winter might inspire you to spread cranberry sauce with turkey slices for a holiday vibe. For spring, pea shoots and ricotta can provide a fresh, light flavor. Summer is perfect for tomato, basil, and mozzarella, bringing the classic caprese salad to your bagel.
