For parties, breakfast, brunch, or lunch, here are 21 delicious ideas from toppings to side dishes to serve with bagels!
Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, what you eat with bagels can make all the difference. Fresh bagels can be served with everything from cream cheese to fruit to your favorite meats!
From a bagel bar for bridal showers and baby showers to Christmas morning and Sunday brunch, there are so many different ways to serve bagels.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]Types
When it comes to bagels, there are a variety of flavors to choose from. From savory to sweet bagels, there's something for everyone.
- Plain
- Everything
- Sesame
- Poppyseed
- Cinnamon raisin
- Blueberry
- Whole wheat
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cheese
- Salt
- Pumpernickel
What to serve with bagels
From a lox platter to a charcuterie board, there are so many fun and delicious ways to serve bagels. The following ingredients are simple and accessible. You might already have several in your pantry or fridge.
Cream cheese
Perhaps the most classic pairing, there are various flavors of cream cheese. Flavors like plain cream cheese, garden vegetable, scallion, garlic herb, and blueberry, are a great way to have an easy breakfast. Choose a dairy-free alternative made from nuts or tofu if needed.
Sour cream
Sour cream can be a delicious and tangy topping. Sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning on top for a combination that delights your taste buds.
If you need a non-dairy version, you can find vegan cream cheese in your local health food store or grocery store. This easy homemade sour cream is dairy-free too.
Yogurt
Greek yogurt, plain yogurt, or flavored yogurt can be an easy way to top your bagel and add flavor.
Lox
Smoked salmon adds a savory, slightly salty flavor that complements the bagel perfectly. It's a good choice paired with cream cheese and veggies.
Peanut butter
A nutty sweet or savory option. Use it solo as a spread or top it with sliced bananas or strawberries.
Almond butter
A great peanut-free option, regular almond butter or flavored almond butter adds extra protein.
Nutella
Spreading Nutella or vegan chocolate hazelnut butter on your bagel makes it a fun, sweet treat!
Jam, jelly, or compote
For a sweet treat, spread your favorite jam, jelly, or compote on your bagel.
Tahini
The nutty flavor of tahini makes a great savory topping. Drizzle a little maple syrup on top for a delicious flavor combo!
Hummus
Traditional hummus or non-traditional hummus recipes like red lentil hummus or avocado hummus make great savory bagel toppings. Even chocolate dessert hummus would make a great sweet option.
Egg salad
Make an open-face sandwich or a full-bagel sandwich that is fit for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Tuna salad
For bagel sandwiches, tuna salad is quick and easy to make at home.
Fresh fruits
Whether it is on the side or layered on top of a spread, the following fresh flavors would go well:
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Kiwi
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Fruit salad
Baked fruit
Pairing your favorite bagel with baked fruit like roasted grapefruit or baked cinnamon apples can add flavor and texture to the meal.
Cocktails
What better than a bagel brunch board accompanied by some brunch cocktails? A bloody Mary, milk punch, grapefruit hibiscus cocktail, or even a mimosa bar for special occasions.
Eggs
This protein-rich option can be served as hard-boiled, scrambled, or fried. Put them on the side or layered on sliced bagels.
Avocado
If you love avocado toast (or avocado sweet potato toast), how about avocado bagels? Squeeze some lemon wedges over the top and sprinkle with sea salt.
Breakfast meat
Sausage, bacon, or mushroom bacon make great bagel breakfast sandwiches when layered with eggs and cheese.
Cheese
Goat cheese, cheddar cheese, feta, or your favorite cheese are delicious atop a bagel or in combination with other toppings. Opt for vegan cheese for dairy-free or vegan.
Deli meat
Sliced turkey, chicken, or ham would make great bagel sandwiches.
Vegetables
Add sliced veggies like cucumber, peppers, tomato, and sliced onion are great options as toppers. Or serve them as delicious side dishes or part of a bagel board.
FAQs
To make your bagel more filling and nutritious, add protein-rich ingredients such as eggs, lean meats, or plant-based proteins like tofu. Incorporate healthy fats like avocado slices or nut butter and include fiber-rich toppings such as vegetables or high-fiber spreads.
Yes, there are many store-bought gluten-free bagels available. Many are found in the freezer section of your local grocery store. Or you can make homemade gluten-free bagels!
More breakfast and brunch recipes
The post What to Serve with Bagels - 21 Delicious Ideas appeared first on Salted Plains.