Cheese Bagel Companions: Delicious Pairings To Try

Bagels are a versatile food that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. While they are delicious on their own, the addition of cheese and other toppings can take them to the next level. Cheese bagels can be made with a variety of cheeses, from cheddar and Swiss to goat cheese and mozzarella, and can be served with a range of toppings and sides to elevate the flavour. Whether you're looking for a simple snack or a more substantial meal, there are endless possibilities to pair with cheese bagels.

Cream cheese, peanut butter, or butter

Cream cheese is a classic bagel topping and pairs well with a variety of flavors. For a savory option, try adding some garlic powder or dried herbs to your cream cheese. You could also add some cucumber slices and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a refreshing bite. If you're craving something sweet, mix in a spoonful of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon to your cream cheese.

Peanut butter is another tasty option for a more hearty bagel. Try it with sliced bananas or strawberries for a classic combination. For a crunchy texture, spread your favorite flavor of peanut butter on a wheat bagel.

Butter is a simple yet effective choice for a bagel spread. For an extra indulgent treat, use garlic butter or honey butter. If you're feeling adventurous, mix in some herbs or spices to your butter for an extra kick of flavor.

When preparing your cheese bagel, it's important to note that the bagel should not be too darkly toasted. A lighter toast setting will ensure your toppings melt gently into the crevices of the bagel.

Tuna salad, egg salad, or chicken salad

Tuna salad, egg salad, and chicken salad are versatile and tasty options to pair with a cheese bagel. They are simple to make, easy to customise, and can be made in advance, making them a convenient option for a quick meal.

Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is a great option for a cheese bagel. It is a simple dish that can be made with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, celery, pickles, onion, mayonnaise, mustard, and fresh herbs. The addition of eggs gives it a unique twist, combining the classic tuna salad with egg salad for a creamy and crunchy texture. To elevate your tuna salad, you can add avocado, red onion, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. This avocado tuna salad is a healthy option, packed with protein and fresh greens, and can be served on a whole wheat everything bagel.

Egg Salad

Egg salad is another delicious and budget-friendly option to pair with a cheese bagel. It is simple to make and can be customised with various ingredients. The basic blueprint for an egg salad includes hard-boiled eggs, crunchy fresh aromatics like carrots, onions, and celery, mayonnaise and/or olive oil, mustard or vinegar, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also add bacon to your egg salad for extra flavour.

Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a tasty and satisfying option to pair with a cheese bagel. Like tuna and egg salads, chicken salad is easy to make and can be customised to your preference. The basic components of a chicken salad include chicken, crunchy fresh aromatics like carrots, onions, celery, or grapes, mayonnaise, mustard, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can serve it on its own, with crackers, or as a sandwich.

Avocado, hummus, or Nutella

Avocado

Avocado is a great option to pair with a cheese bagel. It can be mashed and spread on the bagel or sliced and placed on top. For an extra kick, try adding some hot sauce or "Everything Bagel Seasoning". If you don't have any seasoning to hand, you can make your own with just five spices.

Hummus

Hummus is another tasty option to go with a cheese bagel. It can be spread on the bagel and paired with toppings such as cucumber, avocado, tomato, olives, red onion, and sprouts. For a more indulgent option, you could try a chocolate dessert hummus.

Nutella

Nutella is a delicious, sweet option to pair with a cheese bagel. You could mix it with cream cheese to make a bagel spread, or simply spread it on your bagel. For an extra treat, add sliced strawberries or bananas.

Bacon, sausage, or ham

Bacon

Bacon is a classic breakfast meat that can add a crispy texture and savory, smoky flavor to your bagel. Try cooking the bacon in the oven for convenience and to achieve the perfect crispiness. You can drain and reserve any excess bacon grease in a container for future use. For a simple bacon, egg, and cheese bagel, cook your bacon first, followed by the eggs, and then assemble your bagel with the desired toppings and spreads.

Sausage

Sausage is another delicious option to pair with a cheese bagel, especially if you're looking for a juicy and savory breakfast sandwich. To make a sausage, egg, and cheese bagel, start by cooking your sausage patties or slices in a skillet. Set the sausage aside, and then cook your eggs and veggies in the same skillet. You can scramble the eggs with the veggies or cook them separately. Finally, assemble your bagel with the sausage, egg, and veggie mixture, and add a slice of cheese for that extra gooey factor.

Ham

Ham is a versatile option that can be used in various bagel sandwiches. For a heartier sandwich, try pairing your cheese bagel with pan-fried ham. You can also create a classic ham, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich, which is a popular breakfast choice. If you're feeling adventurous, try a bagel sandwich with ham, egg, and avocado, or add some spicy sriracha sauce for an extra kick.

Feel free to experiment with different types of bagels, cheeses, and additional toppings to create your ultimate breakfast sandwich!

Cucumber, tomato, or onion

Cucumber, tomato, and onion are all great toppings for a cheese bagel. Here are some ideas for each:

Cucumber

Cucumber and cream cheese is a classic combination, and for good reason. The cool, crispness of cucumber pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy cheese. To make a cucumber cream cheese bagel, simply slice and toast your bagel of choice, spread both sides with cream cheese, and top with cucumber slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy! You can also add some fresh herbs like parsley or chives to enhance the flavour.

Tomato

A tomato bagel is a delicious and easy breakfast or lunch option. To make a simple tomato bagel, split and toast your bagel, spread with cream cheese, and top with thinly sliced Roma tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and add some fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add some avocado or red onion slices to the mix.

Onion

Onion bagels are a favourite for many, and they can be easily made at home with just a few ingredients. To make an onion bagel from scratch, preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine self-rising flour and Greek yogurt in a large bowl and mix until it forms a smooth ball. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and work it into a large disk. Cut the dough into equal parts, roll each piece into a long log, and shape into a ring. Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet, brush with an egg wash, and sprinkle with onion powder and dried minced onions. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. These onion bagels can be served with cream cheese, avocado, or any other topping of your choice.

Frequently asked questions