Anytime people gather to discuss one of the
most pressing issues of the day—what is the most proper and delicious way to eat a bagel—heated (pun intended) arguments ensue. So I have decided that we are going to settle it once and for all, right here on Serious Eats, with the first and probably last Serious Eats Bagel Debate. As you are about to hear, there are many subtle nuances to this freighted issue. First let's define our terms. In the New York Times I wrote:
A few more bagel stipulations from my Times story: I wrote this a few years ago, but I feel compelled to update and expand my bagel findings. 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. Badly made bagels that have not been boiled and baked, like those awful rolls with holes they incorrectly call bagels at places like Dunkin' Donuts, Au Bon Pain, Panera, and
McDonald's, must be toasted to have even a remote chance at being tasty and satisfying. A Starbucks bagel also needs to be toasted. Outside New York City, where I have eaten bagels in at least 25 states and six countries, it can be difficult to find bagels that do not have to be toasted. Montreal has a fascinating bagel tradition. Its very small bagels are made in a wood-burning oven and sweetened with honey. They do not need to be toasted if they are eaten
within four hours of being purchased (why anyone would wait that long is beyond me). After four hours, Montreal bagels join the ranks of need-to-be-toasted bagels. I have made many pronouncements here. But as Serious Eats is an eatocracy, I would like to hear others weigh in on this important topic. Bagels are extremely versatile and delicious. They can be part of any meal from breakfast to dessert. Ever wanted to eat nothing but bagels for an entire day? You’ve come to the right place. Just grab your favorite bagel or make your own and get started. Gif courtesy of pillarsofsand.tumblr.com BreakfastEggsPhoto by Sarah Adler Add healthy protein to your breakfast with eggs. Try pairing them with cheddar, avocado, and salsa or feta, spinach and tomato. Or go another direction, and chow down on a bagel with bacon, egg, and cheese. AvocadoPhoto courtesy of @kellymaurine on Instagram You’ve heard of avocado toast. Now avocado bagels are here to hop on the trend. #SpoonTip: Add ricotta or a poached egg for extra flair. Goat Cheese and PearPhoto courtesy of @zippityjobs on Instagram Take this elegant combo to a whole new world on a bagel. Tangy goat cheese, sweet and crunchy pear – what could be better? Not much. Also, goat cheese = instant class. Feta and BeetPhoto courtesy of @eleatsinsydney on Instagram Beets are the next kale, meaning they are obviously good on anything, and everything is good on a bagel, so this one is a no-brainer. Greek Yogurt and BlueberriesPhoto courtesy @golosi_food_emporium on Instagram Greek yogurt is the ultimate substitute so use it as a healthy alternative to cream cheese and top it with blueberries for extra flavor. #SpoonTip: Figure out which greek yogurt is the best for your using this guide. Peanut Butter and BananaPhoto courtesy of @fiftyshadesoffoods on Instagram Because you can never get enough peanut butter. Also, PB is packed with protein which is healthy and bananas are fruit so basically this is a healthy meal. LunchDeli MeatPhoto courtesy of @hungrybetches on Instagram Super good and super easy. Simply stack your favorite meat and condiments on a bagel and enjoy. Pizza BagelPhoto courtesy of @spoonuniversity on Instagram Pizza is delicious in a triangle, but it’s arguably better in a circle with a whole in the middle. Have it plain with sauce and cheese or add your favorite topping. Peanut Butter and JellyPhoto courtesy of @hungrybetches on Instagram This childhood classic gets totally revamped when you put it on a bagel – it’s a PB and Jagel (not sorry)! Try it now. You won’t regret it. Turkey and Cranberry SaucePhoto courtesy of @amanda_newey on Instagram Don’t wait all year for a sandwich with Thanksgiving leftovers like Ross. Have Thanksgiving on a bagel any day. HummusPhoto courtesy of @greensandfries on Instagram Top a bagel with fresh veggies and hummus, so you can both feel good about what you’re eating and enjoy it. Ham and Cheese MeltPhoto courtesy of @ourplatesdaily on Instagram Ham and cheese is a yummy and classic combo. Eat it now. On a bagel. It’s good. Trust me. DinnerMeatballsPhoto courtesy of @ballersofmeat on Instagram Round foods are delicious and two are obviously better than one. Learn to make your own meatballs. If you don’t eat meat, don’t fear, vegetarian meatballs are here. ReubenPhoto courtesy of @cookingwithcocktailrings on Instagram Deli classics are classics for a reason. You simply can’t go wrong here. Melty cheese, salty corned beef, oozing Thousand Island dressing…is it warm in here? Mac and CheesePhoto courtesy of @fiftyshadesoffoods on Instagram Maybe not the healthiest combination ever, but your taste buds won’t regret this carb on carb combo. Just pile your favorite mac and cheese on a bagel and dig in. #SpoonTip: Check out the definitive rankings of store-bought mac and cheese or learn to make mac and cheese from scratch. Turkey BurgerPhoto courtesy of @burtonsbakes on Instagram Who needs buns? Check out this bomb bagel burger and learn how to make your own turkey burgers because those grocery store ones are vile. Chicken ParmPhoto courtesy of @hungrybetches on Instagram The chicken parm bagel is here to give chicken parm subs a run for their money. Simply stuff chicken parm inside a bagel, and you’re good to go. CAN I GET AN AMEN? DessertCookie Dough Cream CheeseGIF by Elena Besser Hop on the crazy bagel trend and make your own cookie dough cream cheese in two easy steps. NutellaPhoto courtesy of @swallowfitness on Instagram Who can say no to Nutella? Add peanut butter and M&Ms or marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs for an extra-boss bagel. Cookie ButterPhoto by Kirby Bath Try it with whipped cream and dark chocolate chips or with Frosted Flakes. Cookie butter is good on everything, but especially good on a crisp, freshly toasted bagel. I’m drooling. Rainbow Bagel with Funfetti Cream CheesePhoto courtesy of @adventuresofape on Instagram Made famous by The Bagel Store, the rainbow bagel is a massive trend. Check out this bagel recipe and this Funfetti cream cheese recipe to make your own. Berries and CreamPhoto courtesy of @hungrybetches on Instagram Go for it. Top a blueberry bagel with whipped cream and your favorite berries for some extra berry flavor. FluffPhoto courtesy of @yasminlovespeanutbutter on Instagram Toast a bagel and top it with chocolate and fluff. You’ll definitely be asking for s’more. What is the healthiest way to eat a bagel?The healthiest bagels. Choose a smaller bagel or bagel thin. Smaller bagels won't have any more fiber or protein, but they will have fewer refined carbohydrates and calories. ... . Pair your bagel with protein. Order your bagel with an egg on it.. How are bagels traditionally served?The second thing is that bagels are traditionally eaten cold.
Are bagels better fresh or toasted?Insider spoke to chefs who said a fresh bagel should almost never be toasted because doing so can mess with its flavor and texture. If you're planning to eat a bagel that's not fresh, toasting can improve its taste and provide you with both a crunchy crust and a soft interior.
Do you toast the inside or outside of a bagel?Insides only. The outside is tougher and not really meant to be toasted. You can, of course, do whatever you want, I toast both sides if the bagel is stale.
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