For parties, breakfast, brunch, or lunch, here are 21 delicious ideas—from toppings to side dishes—to serve with bagels.
Bagels are versatile and can be dressed up for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a casual dinner. The right accompaniments—from creamy spreads to savory proteins and fresh fruit—can transform a simple bagel into a memorable meal. Below are easy, accessible ideas you can mix and match to suit any occasion, whether you’re building a bagel bar for a shower or putting together a quick weekday breakfast.
Types
Bagels come in many flavors, both savory and sweet. Popular varieties include:
- Plain
- Everything
- Sesame
- Poppyseed
- Cinnamon raisin
- Blueberry
- Whole wheat
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cheese
- Salt
- Pumpernickel
What to serve with bagels
Bagels pair well with both simple and elevated toppings. Many of these ingredients are pantry staples or fridge regulars, so you can create satisfying combinations quickly.
Cream cheese
The classic choice: plain cream cheese or flavored varieties like garden vegetable, scallion, garlic herb, or blueberry. For dairy-free needs, use nut- or tofu-based alternatives.
Sour cream
Sour cream adds a tangy touch—finish with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor. Vegan sour cream and dairy-free spreads work well as substitutes.
Yogurt
Greek, plain, or flavored yogurt can be used as a topping or spread, lending creaminess and tang to sweet or savory combinations.
Lox
Smoked salmon brings savory, slightly salty depth. Pair it with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and cucumber for a classic bagel experience.
Peanut butter
A nutty option that’s great on its own or topped with sliced banana, strawberries, or a drizzle of honey for a balanced sweet-savory bite.
Almond butter
An excellent peanut-free choice. Regular or flavored almond butter adds protein and a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
Nutella
Chocolate-hazelnut spread turns a bagel into a dessert-like treat. For a vegan option, use a plant-based chocolate-hazelnut spread.
Jam, jelly, or compote
Fruit spreads are simple and satisfying. Use your favorite jam, jelly, or a homemade compote for a bright, fruity topping.
Tahini
Tahini lends a nutty, savory note. Try a light drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the contrast of flavors.
Hummus
Traditional hummus or variations—such as red lentil or avocado hummus—make creamy, savory spreads. Even dessert-style hummus can work with sweeter bagel choices.
Egg salad
Egg salad makes for a hearty open-face or sandwich-style bagel, perfect for brunch or a casual lunch.
Tuna salad
Tuna salad is a quick, protein-rich filling for bagel sandwiches that pairs nicely with crisp lettuce or sliced tomato.
Fresh fruits
Serve fruit on the side or layer slices over spreads. Good options include:
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Kiwi
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Fruit salad
Baked fruit
Roasted or baked fruits—like grapefruit halves or cinnamon-baked apple slices—add warmth and an appealing texture contrast to bagels.
Cocktails
For special brunches, consider a simple cocktail selection. Classic choices like bloody Marys or mimosas pair nicely with a bagel board for celebrations.
Eggs
Eggs—hard-boiled, scrambled, or fried—add protein and are perfect on the side or layered on a bagel with cheese and greens.
Avocado
Sliced or mashed avocado makes a creamy, nutritious topping. Finish with lemon juice and sea salt for brightness.
Breakfast meat
Bacon, sausage, or alternatives such as mushroom bacon are excellent when combined with eggs and cheese in a hearty breakfast bagel.
Cheese
Soft or firm cheeses—goat cheese, cheddar, feta, or sliced cheese—work well alone or combined with other toppings. Vegan cheese is a good dairy-free substitute.
Deli meat
Sliced turkey, chicken, or ham make straightforward and satisfying bagel sandwiches when layered with greens and condiments.
Vegetables
Sliced cucumber, bell peppers, tomato, red onion, sprouts, or greens add crunch, color, and freshness. Serve them as toppings or as part of a bagel board.
FAQs
Add protein such as eggs, lean meats, or plant-based proteins like tofu. Include healthy fats like avocado or nut butter and add fiber with vegetables or whole-grain bagels and high-fiber spreads.
Yes—many stores carry gluten-free bagels, often in the freezer section, and you can also make gluten-free bagels at home using alternative flours.
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