Our Top 10 Bagel Topping Ideas To Try

What is a bagel and what makes them so special? The humble bagel is a New York staple, a savoury ring of yeasted dough with its origins in Poland's Jewish community. Bagels are cooked twice - first boiled in hot water, then oven-baked - resulting in their crisp, golden crust and trademark chewy texture. Like bread and rolls, bagels can be adorned with sweet or savoury toppings and served hot or cold. Finding a bakery that sells fantastic bagels is only half the battle - you also need to choose the perfect toppings.

Quick links

• Everything about bagels: Frequently Asked Questions
  • Are there different kinds of bagels?
  • Do you need to toast a bagel?
  • Are bagels healthy?
• Savoury Bagel Topping Ideas
• Sweet Bagel Topping Ideas
• Healthy Bagel Topping Ideas
• A Must-Try for Every Bagel Lover

Everything About Bagels: Frequently Asked Questions

Are there different kinds of bagels?

There are many different kinds of bagels! Some of the most common include plain, sesame, poppy seed, garlic, onion, chocolate chip, blueberry, and the ever-popular everything bagel. Bagels can also be made with different kinds of flour, such as wheat, rye, or gluten-free options.

Do you need to toast a bagel?

No, you do not need to toast a bagel. It is a personal preference. Some may prefer their bagels toasted for a crispy, crunchy texture, while others enjoy them untoasted for a more chewy texture. It is worth considering toasting your bagel for certain toppings, that would otherwise cause an untoasted bagel to become soggy.

Are bagels healthy?

Bagels can be a part of a healthy diet if consumed in moderation and with the proper toppings. They are low in fat and high in carbohydrates, making them a good source of energy. If looking for a healthy option, it is important to choose whole-grain or low-calorie bagels and healthy toppings to maximize their nutritional value.

Savoury Bagel Topping Ideas

A savoury bagel is the perfect way to satisfy the lunch time hunger or wake up to a filling breakfast. Our top savoury bagel ideas include:

• Cheeseburger bagel
• Egg and bacon bagel
• Mini pizza bagels

Read more below to get the details on these scrumptious bagel ideas!

The "cheese-burgel"

If you're craving a cheeseburger, why not try swapping out the buns for bagels? Start with a standard burger patty, grilled to perfection. Add caramelized onions, cheese, pickles and your choice of classic burger sauces. Serve on a wooden platter for a real gastro-pub experience.

Egg and bacon bagels

Bacon and egg muffins are standard drive-through fare, but swapping the English muffin for a fresh bagel transforms this dish into a rich and satisfying breakfast option. For easy preparation and clean up, you can even cook the bacon & eggs in your air fryer. Add melted cheese, salt and pepper, and your favourite gourmet relish for a big flavour boost.

Mini pizza bagels

Mini-pizzas are a quick and easy lunch or dinner option and an excellent way to get the kids to help out in the kitchen. Spread tomato paste onto your toasted bagels, top with your favourite meat and veg, and be generous with the grated cheese. They'll be ready after a few minutes under the grill, and also taste great cold in the lunchbox.

Sweet Bagel Topping Ideas

A sweet bagel is the perfect satiating treat and is also great for entertaining. Our top picks for sweet bagel toppings are:

• Peanut butter and banana bagel
• Choc-hazelnut dessert bagels
• Jam and cream bagels
• Ricotta with blueberries

Get the details below on how to create these delicious bagel combinations!

Peanut butter and banana

Peanut butter and banana is a healthy, protein-packed combo that tastes great on a bagel. Perfect for breakfast on the run or as an after-dinner snack, simply spread your favourite PB onto your bagel and top with thinly sliced pieces of ripe banana. Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra flavour hit.

Choc-hazelnut dessert bagels

If you're a chocaholic, you'll love a Nutella bagel! Simply smear some gooey choc-hazelnut spread on a bagel and garnish with a few fresh berries and a sprig of mint, for an easy and inexpensive dessert you can throw together in minutes. Use a chocolate chip bagel as the base for the ultimate sweet treat.

Jam and cream bagels

No time to bake scones to enjoy with your cup of tea? No worries! Substitute bagels in this classic Australian afternoon tradition. Serve with homemade jam and whipped cream in gorgeous ramekins from our ovenware ranges, alongside a pot of your favourite tea.

Ricotta with blueberries

For a sweet, but not sickly, option, how about ricotta and blueberries on your bagel? Add a drizzle of honey plus a pinch of cinnamon and you've got a breakfast that rivals any pancake - plus, no frypan to wash up!

Healthy Bagel Topping Ideas

Smashed avocado

Smashed avocado is another luxurious addition that can take your humble bagel to the next level. Scoop the flesh from a ripe avocado and mash with a squeeze of lemon or lime and a shake of salt, pepper & chilli flakes. Spread onto your bagel, then crumble some feta over the top - delish!

Hummus and falafels

Add some Middle Eastern flair to your bagel with a dollop of hummus and some spicy falafels. A delicious vegetarian option for any time of the day, and healthy to boot, falafels are packed with protein and can be customized with your favourite spices. If you're looking for a high-protein bagel topping that can also easily be made vegan, this is the combo for you.

Smoked salmon with cream cheese

Smoked salmon with cream cheese is the quintessential bagel topping and for good reason. This decadent dish takes just moments to prepare but delivers big on the wow factor. Smear your cream cheese onto your bagel with a butter knife and delicately fold smoked salmon over the top. Add a pinch of chopped dill to garnish and you'll have a café quality brunch in no time at all.

Satisfy Your Cravings with These Delicious Bagel Toppings - A Must-Try for Every Bagel Lover!

Topping your bagel with creative ingredient combinations can transform a simple breakfast, lunch or dinner into a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer classic toppings like cream cheese and salmon or more unique options like ricotta and honey with sliced pear, the possibilities are endless. Explore our Hub for more interesting food and recipe ideas that will take your next snack to a new level.

Grab everything you need to create tasty & nutritious or deliciously indulgent bagels online or in-store at Harris Scarfe.