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A good bagel is a blank canvas, and figuring out what to put on it is half the fun. Thick, chewy bagels are a comfort food in my house, especially the ones we grab from the farmers market on Sundays. When we have people over for breakfast or brunch, I set out a platter of bagels with a jar of whipped cream cheese and turn it into a full bagel bar with a dozen toppings so everyone can build their own.
These are the 11 bagel toppings my family comes back to again and again, from sweet to savory to the ones my kids ask for by name. Toast your bagel or leave it soft, then pick a combination below (or set them all out and let everyone go wild)!
Sweet Bagel Topping Ideas
1. Nut Butter and Banana
Almond or peanut butter with sliced banana on top. This is the one my kids reach for most, and is one of the first things they started making for themselves. Drizzle a touch of honey for extra sweetness!
2. Nut Butter, Coconut and Chocolate Chips
Almond or peanut butter topped with shredded coconut and a scatter of mini chocolate chips. It feels like a treat but it’s really just a slightly dressed-up nut butter bagel.
3. Jam and Chia Seeds
Your favorite jam (I’m partial to my Strawberry Preserves) with a sprinkle of chia seeds. The chia adds a little texture and makes a simple jam bagel feel a bit more substantial.
4. Ricotta, Honey and Walnuts
Creamy ricotta with a drizzle of honey and chopped walnuts. This is my go-to when I want something that feels a little special, it’s the closest thing to dessert on the list.
Savory Bagel Topping Ideas
5. Cream Cheese, Cucumber and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Cream cheese topped with thin cucumber slices and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. The cucumber keeps it fresh and the sun-dried tomatoes add a punch of flavor.
6. Cream Cheese, Green and Black Olives
Cream cheese with sliced green and black olives. Briny and savory, this one’s for the olive lovers in the house, like my daughter Chloe. Her favorite sandwich is this Olive Tapenade and Cream Cheese Sandwich she’s been eating for lunch for as long as I can remember.
7. Hummus and Tomato
A layer of hummus with sliced tomatoes. A great dairy-free option that works for breakfast or a quick lunch. It’s super tasty whether you go for a Classic Hummus or jazz it up with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus.
8. Avocado and Chili Flakes
Sliced avocado with a pinch of chili flakes and salt. Avocado toast‘s bagel cousin, and just as easy.
9. Quince Paste and Cheese
Quince paste with a slice of provolone, manchego, or swiss. This is the “fancy one”, sweet-savory and a little unexpected, perfect for a brunch spread.
10. Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon and Chives
The classic. Cream cheese, smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Nothing beats it for a weekend breakfast or brunch.
11. Egg and Mayo
A little mayo (my kids love kewpie mayo!) with sliced hard-boiled egg. Simple, filling, and a good way to use up the eggs I always have boiled in the fridge.
However you top them, bagels are one of the easiest ways to make breakfast feel a little special without any real effort. Set out a few options, let everyone build their favorite, and you’ve got a breakfast (or lunch, or snack) everyone’s happy with. What’s your favorite way to top a bagel? Let me know in the comments!
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My little ones like peanut butter or cream cheese with “sprinkles” of dried cranberries/raisins on top. Sometimes for a special treat I will let them use real sprinkles or chocolate chips. They also like to make their own pizza bagels. I like it because they can make it their own way and add the toppings they want to eat. Makes a Mom’s life easier. I will definitely add some of your suggestions to our bagel eats! Thanks!