8 Mind-Blowingly Delicious Ways to Top a Bagel That Go Beyond Cream Cheese (2024)

By Emma Crist Updated October 17, 2016

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Listen up: bagels are everything. (See what I did there?) Besides being a quick-and-easy breakfast, they're portable and convenient for an on-the-go meal anytime of day. If you're like most people, you probably have 1 or 2 mainstay ways you typically enjoy them/ And that's totally valid--it's tough not to be a bagel purist. Many believe that if you're working with a fresh, high-quality bagel to begin with, you don't need anything more than a hit of plain cream cheese and that anything beyond that compromises the integrity of the bagel. I understand that school of thought, but I'm about to challenge it. I've recently gone beyond the usual schmear to vary up my own bagel routine and have found massive enjoyment by breaking the established "rules" for bagel construction. Loaded up with any of these inventive topping ideas, bagels can be a filling, exciting, and even nutrient-loaded meal that will leave you satisfied for hours. So next time you find yourself in a plain-cream-cheese-only rut wondering if maybe, just maybe, there could be something more...remind yourself of these 8 ultimate bagel toppers. These flavor combos are game changers in my book.

1. Strawberries + chocolate-hazelnut spread + chopped hazelnuts

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8. And if you still can't get enough bagel action, try your hand at the trend everyone's talking about with these show-stopping Rainbow Bagels from our friends at Spoon University.

8 Mind-Blowingly Delicious Ways to Top a Bagel That Go Beyond Cream Cheese (2024)

FAQs

8 Mind-Blowingly Delicious Ways to Top a Bagel That Go Beyond Cream Cheese? ›

For a sweeter option to add to your cream cheese bagel, think about adding fresh strawberries, blackberries and other fruits, but also a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar goes a long way. Or spread this healthy cream cheese frosting with greek yogurt and sweetend with honey only.

What to put on top of a cream cheese bagel? ›

For a sweeter option to add to your cream cheese bagel, think about adding fresh strawberries, blackberries and other fruits, but also a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar goes a long way. Or spread this healthy cream cheese frosting with greek yogurt and sweetend with honey only.

What do New Yorkers put on their bagels? ›

A bagel is an iconic New York food. It's a round bread, with a hole in the middle, savory, crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. It's topped with seasonings and traditionally filled with cream cheese and smoked fish. It's most known as a breakfast item but can be eaten at brunch or lunch time.

Do you toast a bagel before putting cream cheese on it? ›

A bagel that is not fresh out of the oven, that is at least six hours old, does need to be toasted, whether it is going to be buttered or topped with cream cheese, nova or both. Otherwise it will be too hard. A bagel that has been sliced and frozen obviously needs to be toasted when brought back to life.

What is the most popular topping on a bagel? ›

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.

Is a bagel with cream cheese a healthy breakfast? ›

While bagels with cream cheese are delicious, traditional cream cheese is not necessarily healthy. This popular bagel topping is generally low in protein and high in fat and calories. The good news is that there are healthier cream cheese options, if cream cheese is your favorite bagel spread.

Is there a healthy version of cream cheese? ›

Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is a great alternative to cream cheese. It also gives your favorite dishes a healthy twist because it's rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin B12 ( 3 ). Use an equal amount of Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese to make dips, spreads, frostings, and baked goods.

Is a bagel with butter or cream cheese healthier? ›

Cream cheese is healthier than butter; at 2 Tablespoons, the calorie count is just 98, there are only 10 grams of fat, and you do get a tiny bit of protein (less than 2 grams). The real trick here is not guesstimating – it's easy to smear 2 Tablespoons on each half and then you've made it just as bad for you as butter.

How do you make bagels more interesting? ›

Bagel with lox– add a schmear of cream cheese, lox on top, a slice of fresh tomato, red onion, thinly sliced cucumbers, and some deliciously briney capers.

Are bagels good without cream cheese? ›

The good news is, bagels are really tasty — and not just with cream cheese. And we can help our local bagel shops by stopping by and ordering one of their finest doughy Os with something else or whipping up some alternate toppings ourselves.

How to add toppings to bagels? ›

Carefully lift the boiled bagels and dip them on both sides with your topping. If you are using something that may burn easily like onions or garlic then only coat the top of the bagel and dust the peel with flour. If you are using seeds then you don't need the additional flour on your peel.

What can you put on a bagel for breakfast? ›

Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon, and Capers: A luxurious twist that's brimming with flavor. Fried Egg and Avocado: An unbeatable combination of protein and healthy fats. Pizza-Inspired Toppings: Think pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.

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