20 Tasty Toppings to Upgrade Your Bagels

Bagels become a canvas for creativity with endless topping possibilities that turn a simple breakfast into a feast.

From creamy spreads to fresh veggies or savory meats, every topping adds a unique twist.

Choosing a combination is half the fun, allowing you to explore both classic and modern ideas.

20 Tasty Bagel Topping Ideas

Bagel toppings turn a simple bite into something extraordinary. From creamy spreads to savory layers, below ideas are great for breakfast, lunch, or anytime snacks.

Cream Cheese Spread

A toasted bagel topped with cream cheese creates a satisfying experience.

This classic spread remains popular for good reason.

Plain cream cheese works beautifully with both sweet and savory toppings, while whipped options offer a lighter feel.

Customizing the spread is easy; adding herbs, spices, or chopped veggies enhances its flavor profile.

Sweet variations using fruits or honey provide delightful alternatives too.

Finding various flavors in stores or crafting your own at home adds to the enjoyment of this timeless topping.

Smoked Salmon

A toasted bagel serves as a great base for a delicious breakfast or brunch.

Cream cheese spreads smoothly on both halves, creating a creamy layer.

Thin slices of smoked salmon add depth and savory goodness to the mix.

For added flavor, include crunchy red onion and capers; they enhance every bite beautifully.

Feel free to toss in some cucumber or tomato slices if desired.

Fresh dill sprinkled on top gives an aromatic touch, while lemon juice adds brightness that elevates the entire dish.

Avocado Slices

Tasty avocado slices serve as a nutritious topping for bagels.

A ripe avocado requires slicing in half and removing the pit before cutting it into thin pieces.

Arranging these creamy slices on a toasted bagel offers a delightful buttery flavor.

For those who like it smoother, mashing the avocado works well too.

Adding lemon juice prevents browning and keeps flavors fresh, while salt and pepper enhance taste significantly.

Experimenting with toppings like tomato slices or hot sauce can create exciting new combinations that elevate this simple dish even further.

Tomato and Basil

A light and tasty choice enhances any meal, especially on warm days.

Fresh basil leaves pair beautifully with slices of ripe tomato atop a cream cheese-covered bagel.

Juicy tomatoes bring refreshing flavor, while the aromatic herb adds depth.

For those who crave more zest, sprinkle salt and pepper generously or drizzle olive oil or balsamic vinegar for an elegant twist.

This delightful topping suits plain, whole wheat, or everything bagels perfectly.

Enjoying this classic combination brings the essence of summer to breakfast or lunch tables everywhere.

Peanut Butter and Banana

A delightful mix of peanut butter and banana turns an ordinary bagel into a tasty treat.

Start with a toasted bagel, generously coated in creamy peanut butter for protein.

Layer on freshly sliced ripe banana; its sweetness pairs beautifully with the salty richness of the nutty spread.

This combination offers energy from healthy fats and complex carbs, making it both satisfying and nutritious.

Options abound for personalization; crunchy peanut butter adds texture while honey enhances sweetness.

Any variety of bagel serves as an excellent canvas for this easy topping choice.

Prosciutto and Arugula

A handful of fresh arugula leaves adds a peppery kick to your bagel.

A drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice enhances the flavors beautifully, while black pepper can add an extra touch if desired.

Layering slices of prosciutto over a thin spread of cream cheese creates a delightful combination.

The salty cured ham balances perfectly with the mild creaminess beneath it.

Toasted bagels serve as the perfect canvas for these toppings, bringing together creamy, salty, and fresh tastes in every bite.

This approach offers an elegant twist to enjoying your morning treat.

Pulled Pork and Coleslaw

A hearty bagel becomes a satisfying meal with pulled pork and coleslaw.

Begin by spreading tangy BBQ sauce on the bagel for a flavorful base.

Tender, shredded pork follows, creating a rich layer.

Adding crunchy coleslaw brings in coolness and texture; red or green cabbage can be used to prepare it.

Sliced dill pickles add an extra zing, while crispy fried onions provide delightful crunchiness on top.

This combination elevates any ordinary bagel into something special that everyone will enjoy.

Bacon and Egg

A hearty breakfast choice includes bacon and egg on a bagel.

Frying crispy bacon provides a delicious base, while cooking an egg according to personal preference adds variety.

Toast the bagel for that perfect crunch, then layer the bacon and egg on top.

A slice of cheese can enhance flavor with its creamy texture.

For those seeking more taste, hot sauce or avocado spread offers an exciting kick.

This filling combination ensures satisfaction that lasts until lunchtime arrives.

Nutella and Strawberries

Fresh strawberries and Nutella create a delicious topping for bagels.

A warm bagel enhances the experience, especially when toasted, allowing the creamy Nutella to melt slightly.

The rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor complements the sweet-tart taste of ripe strawberries perfectly.

Plain, whole wheat, or cinnamon raisin varieties all serve as excellent choices for this treat.

For an extra touch of sweetness, consider adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.

Enjoy this delightful combination any time you crave something special!

Pesto and Mozzarella

Using pesto and mozzarella creates a delicious bagel topping.

Start with a bagel of your choice, like an everything bagel for added taste.

A layer of pesto provides fresh basil flavor, followed by slices of creamy mozzarella on top.

Roasting tomatoes can enhance the dish further, adding a sweet touch that complements both the cheese and pesto beautifully.

For convenience, sun-dried tomatoes serve as an alternative option too.

This combination mimics the flavors found in a caprese salad right on your breakfast plate.

Chicken Salad

A satisfying meal often includes a bagel topped with chicken salad.

Shredded chicken mixed with mayo and crunchy chopped celery creates a delicious base.

Adding grapes or dried cranberries introduces a hint of sweetness, while curry powder or everything bagel seasoning boosts the flavor profile.

Lettuce enhances the freshness when spread generously on your bagel.

Preparing chicken salad in advance allows for quick meals throughout the week, making lunchtime easy and enjoyable.

This simple dish offers both convenience and taste for any occasion.

Roast Beef and Horseradish

The combination of roast beef and horseradish creates a delicious bagel topping.

Start with a thin layer of horseradish sauce on the bagel, then add tender slices of roast beef.

Mixing chives into the sauce enhances its flavor beautifully.

For those who prefer creaminess, blending horseradish with sour cream can soften its sharpness while still providing taste.

Toppings like cheese, lettuce, and tomato complement this dish well too.

Adding caramelized onions or pickles introduces extra tang and crunch for an exciting twist on your meal experience.

Sausage and Egg

A hearty combination of sausage and egg serves as a classic topping for bagels.

Start by cooking breakfast sausage patties until they become crispy and browned.

Fry the eggs according to your preference; sunny side up or over easy are both tasty options.

Place the cooked sausage on a toasted bagel, followed by the fried egg on top.

For an added layer of flavor, melt some American or cheddar cheese over it.

This filling meal packs protein to kickstart your day and can be made ahead for those hectic mornings when time is tight.

Apple and Cinnamon

A toasted bagel pairs wonderfully with cream cheese as a smooth base.

Thin apple slices enhance the flavor, especially when sprinkled with cinnamon.

Any apple variety works well; Granny Smith and Honeycrisp add delightful notes.

For those who enjoy sweetness, a drizzle of honey complements the mix beautifully.

Mixing diced apples with cinnamon and a hint of sugar creates another tasty option for spreading on your bagel.

This combination offers an enjoyable blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds.

Buffalo Chicken

A bagel topped with buffalo chicken offers a delightful twist on a classic snack.

Start with cream cheese to create a cool base, then layer shredded cooked chicken mixed with spicy buffalo sauce on top.

For added depth, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles over the saucy chicken.

Thin slices of celery add an enjoyable crunch that complements the dish well.

This combination brings together the bold flavors of buffalo wings in every bite and serves as an excellent choice for lunch or as a filling snack.

Satisfying cravings becomes effortless with this delicious mix of spicy and creamy textures.

Turkey and Avocado

A toasted bagel serves as the foundation for a delicious sandwich.

Creamy avocado spread on both halves creates a rich base.

Sliced turkey, whether from the deli or leftover roast, adds protein and flavor.

For an extra kick, consider using black pepper turkey.

Fresh tomato and crisp lettuce enhance the texture while everything bagel seasoning provides a satisfying crunch.

This combination not only satisfies hunger but also offers healthy fats from avocado alongside savory goodness from turkey.

Egg and Cheese

A warm, toasted bagel serves as the perfect base for a satisfying meal.

Adding a slice of cheese while the bagel is still hot allows it to melt beautifully.

Topping this with a fried egg, whether sunny-side up or over easy, creates an irresistible combination.

Different types of cheese can enhance this dish; options like cheddar, Swiss, or American each bring their own flavor.

A sprinkle of salt and pepper adds that extra touch to elevate taste further.

This classic pairing makes for an excellent breakfast or quick lunch that offers plenty of protein and lasting fullness throughout your day.

Tuna Salad

A toasted bagel serves as a delightful base for tuna salad.

This classic topping offers a tasty blend of protein and flavor, making it an appealing choice for meals or snacks.

Canned tuna mixed with mayonnaise, salt, and pepper forms the foundation.

Diced celery and red onion add extra crunch while fresh herbs like dill or parsley introduce a refreshing element.

A squeeze of lemon juice enhances the overall taste beautifully.

For those who crave something warm, adding cheese and broiling briefly creates a satisfying melty treat topped with crisp lettuce and tomato slices.

Cottage Cheese and Pineapple

A delicious way to enjoy cottage cheese comes from pairing it with sweet pineapple chunks.

This topping provides a boost of protein and calcium, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

A sprinkle of cinnamon can add an extra hint of flavor, enhancing the taste experience.

Fresh or canned pineapple pieces bring tropical sweetness and vitamin C to the mix.

Toasted bagels work wonderfully with this combination; plain, whole wheat, or cinnamon raisin varieties are all great choices.

Spreading a thick layer of creamy cottage cheese on your bagel creates a satisfying treat that brightens any time of day.

Hummus and Cucumber

A bagel topped with hummus and cucumber offers a delicious and nutritious option.

Start by toasting your bagel, then spread creamy hummus over it.

Thin slices of fresh cucumber add a refreshing crunch on top.

This combination provides protein from chickpeas along with the coolness of the cucumber.

For added flavor, consider sprinkling black pepper or drizzling olive oil over the toppings.

Experimenting with various hummus flavors like roasted red pepper or garlic can enhance your experience further, while radishes or sprouts contribute extra texture and nutrients to each bite.

Bagel Toppings Boost Health

Healthy bagel toppings add nutrition and enhance flavor. Choosing the right combinations makes breakfast more satisfying.

Protein Choices

Nut butters such as almond and peanut butter deliver a solid dose of protein while satisfying hunger.

Greek yogurt serves as another excellent choice, offering creaminess with reduced fat when used instead of mayonnaise in salads.

Eggs shine in various forms, scrambled, fried, or mixed into egg salad, providing around 6 grams of protein each and supporting muscle growth.

Hummus stands out for those who prefer plant-based options; made from chickpeas, it works well on bagels for a hearty snack.

Essential Nutrients

Adding fresh vegetables to a bagel enhances its nutritional value.

Tomatoes provide vitamin C and lycopene, while spinach is loaded with iron and vitamin K.

Bell peppers contribute both vitamin A and C, making them a colorful choice.

Avocado offers potassium along with B vitamins for added health benefits.

Fruits like berries increase antioxidant levels and deliver vitamin C, whereas bananas are rich in potassium and B6 vitamins.

Salmon serves as an excellent topping as well; it contains omega-3s and vitamin D that support heart health along with strong bones.

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats play an essential role in a balanced diet, and avocados are among the best options.

Rich in monounsaturated fats, they support heart health and create a creamy spread when mashed on bagels.

Nut butters also provide energy and satisfaction; however, portion control is important due to their calorie content.

Crunchy additions like nuts and seeds enhance flavor while contributing beneficial nutrients.

Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, sunflower seeds are loaded with vitamin E, and walnuts deliver heart-friendly fats.

Olive oil serves as another excellent source of healthy fat; drizzling it over your bagel with herbs adds delicious flair to any meal.

Match Toppings With Bagels

The right toppings elevate a bagel’s flavor and texture. Finding great pairings makes each bite more enjoyable.

Whole Wheat Bagels

Whole wheat bagels offer a rich, nutty taste that pairs wonderfully with different toppings.

For a nutritious breakfast, almond butter topped with sliced bananas creates a delicious combination.

The sweetness of the fruit enhances the bagel's earthy flavor beautifully.

Adding hummus and fresh cucumbers provides a protein boost along with satisfying crunchiness that contrasts well with the chewy texture of the bagel.

Spreading creamy avocado on top adds richness and works perfectly when combined with sliced tomatoes and salt for an extra zing.

These options highlight how versatile whole wheat bagels can be in any meal or snack time.

Everything Bagels

A mix of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt covers everything bagels.

The bold toppings enhance this tasty combination.

Cream cheese serves as a classic choice; adding smoked salmon, capers, and thinly sliced red onion creates a delicious lox experience.

For those preferring vegetarian options, egg salad with chopped chives provides a creamy contrast to the crunchy bagel.

A spicy kick comes from jalapeño cream cheese paired with sliced turkey; the heat complements the garlicky flavor wonderfully.

Each topping adds its own flair to this versatile treat.

Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

The mild flavors of turkey and Swiss cheese create a delightful savory pairing with cinnamon raisin bagels.

These bagels shine with their sweet, spiced taste, which complements both sweet and savory toppings wonderfully.

For those seeking a sweeter option, cream cheese topped with honey provides a perfect balance to the flavor profile.

A warm bagel slathered in butter melts into its crevices for an inviting breakfast treat.

For something different, peanut butter paired with thin apple slices introduces a tangy twist that contrasts beautifully with the cinnamon notes.

Enjoying these combinations adds excitement to any meal or snack time.

Fun Recipe Mix Ideas

Fun recipe mixes bring creativity to the kitchen. Experimenting with different flavors makes cooking exciting.

Sweet & Savory Pairings

Sweet and savory flavors create an unforgettable taste experience.

Goat cheese combined with roasted grapes and a hint of thyme offers a delightful mix of tanginess and sweetness, enhanced by the herbal touch.

For a Mediterranean flair, fig jam paired with prosciutto makes for a wonderful contrast between sweet and salty elements.

Another delicious choice features cream cheese spread on bagels topped with sliced strawberries and crumbled bacon; the fruit's sweetness balances out the saltiness beautifully.

Peanut butter alongside sliced banana drizzled with honey provides protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness in one tasty bite.

Each combination brings something special to your table.

Vegan & Vegetarian Options

Tasty bagel toppings can easily be made without meat.

Roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant pair wonderfully with a dollop of pesto for a Mediterranean twist.

Creamy vegan cream cheese spreads well on a bagel topped with sliced apples and cinnamon, creating a delightful sweet treat.

Mashed avocado mixed with lemon juice and red pepper flakes adds both creaminess and zest for those who enjoy bold flavors.

A classic option involves spreading hummus on your bagel before adding fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and sprouts to create an energizing veggie-packed meal.

These combinations offer delicious ways to enjoy meat-free meals throughout the day.

Kid-Friendly Foods

Creative bagel ideas can make breakfast enjoyable for kids.

A fun option involves spreading peanut butter on a bagel and arranging sliced fruit to create a smiley face.

Banana slices serve as eyes, while strawberries act as noses, and orange segments form the mouth.

Another tasty choice is the pizza bagel; simply spread tomato sauce on half of a bagel, add shredded cheese, and toast until gooey.

Kids can personalize their pizzas with favorite toppings like pepperoni or veggies.

Mixing food coloring into plain cream cheese allows for colorful “rainbow” spreads that kids love to apply in stripes across their bagels.