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. A bagel is a round bread made of simple, elegant ingredients: high-gluten flour, salt, water, yeast, and malt. Its dough is boiled, then baked, and the result should be a rich caramel color; it should not be pale and blond. A bagel should weigh four ounces or less and should make a slight cracking sound when you bite into it instead of a whoosh. A bagel should be eaten warm and, ideally, should be no more than four or five hours old when consumed.
Bagels do not need six ounces of cream cheese on them. They only need a schmear. Cream cheese made without guar gum is optimal, but it is hard to find. (You can still find fine natural cream cheese at the Fairway markets and Russ & Daughters in New York, and
Zingerman's in Ann Arbor, Mich., makes a great, larger curd cream cheese that is available by mail.) On the subject of salmon, it should be Nova, and it should be sliced to order. A good bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon does not have to be toasted, as contrast with the fat and salt will be provided by the crunchy crust of a
properly made bagel exterior.
But a buttered bagel should almost always be toasted, so that you get that great, rich melted butter taste. Better yet, you can achieve the same effect if you buy your bagels fresh, still warm from the oven. No toasting needed!
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
Breakfast
Eggs
Photo 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.
Avocado
Photo 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 Pear
Photo 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 Beet
Photo 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 Blueberries
Photo 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 Banana
Photo 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.
Lunch
Deli Meat
Photo courtesy of @hungrybetches on Instagram
Super good and super easy. Simply stack your favorite meat and condiments on a bagel and enjoy.
Pizza Bagel
Photo 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 Jelly
Photo 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 Sauce
Photo 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.
Hummus
Photo 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 Melt
Photo 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.
Dinner
Meatballs
Photo 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.
Reuben
Photo 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 Cheese
Photo 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 Burger
Photo 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 Parm
Photo 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?
Dessert
Cookie Dough Cream Cheese
GIF by Elena Besser
Hop on the crazy bagel trend and make your own cookie dough cream cheese in two easy steps.
Nutella
Photo 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 Butter
Photo 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 Cheese
Photo 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 Cream
Photo courtesy of @hungrybetches on Instagram
Go for it. Top a blueberry bagel with whipped cream and your favorite berries for some extra berry flavor.
Fluff
Photo courtesy of @yasminlovespeanutbutter on Instagram
Toast a bagel and top it with chocolate and fluff. You’ll definitely be asking for s’more.