Everything bagels are a beloved breakfast staple for good reason – their mixture of savory toppings pairs deliciously with both sweet and savory spreads. But with so many topping options to choose from, what is truly the best thing to put on an everything bagel?
An everything bagel typically contains a mixture of toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and salt. The blend of flavors and textures is what makes this bagel variety so crave-worthy. When it comes to deciding what to spread or top your everything bagel with, you’ll want to complement those diverse flavors instead of covering them up.
What are the most popular spreads for everything bagels?
The classics are classics for a reason. Here are some of the most popular spreads and toppings for everything bagels:
- Cream cheese – This tangy, rich spread is a go-to for good reason. Cream cheese allows the flavors of the bagel to shine through while adding texture and moisture.
- Butter – A smear of good quality butter can’t be beat. The creamy fat complements the toasty bagel beautifully.
- Hummus – The earthy flavor and creamy texture of hummus makes a more savory spread. It’s a great choice for those who want something other than plain cream cheese.
- Smoked salmon – Rich and delicately briny smoked salmon makes everything bagels feel extra special. It also pairs wonderfully with creamy spreads.
- Sliced tomatoes – For a quick savory topping, ripe tomato slices add freshness and complement the seasonings on the bagel.
What are some creative spreads and toppings for everything bagels?
While the classics are classics for good reason, there are also many creative ways to top an everything bagel if you feel like changing things up.
Here are some outside-the-box ideas to inspire you:
- Avocado – Sliced or mashed avocado makes a delicious topping, adding creaminess and healthy fats.
- Ricotta cheese – Mixed with a drizzle of honey, lemon zest, and black pepper, ricotta makes a lovely spread.
- Goat cheese – Tangy, herbal goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the hearty flavors of an everything bagel.
- Pesto – A smear of vibrant basil or nutty spinach pesto is excellent on an everything bagel.
- Caprese – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil make an incredible Italian-inspired topping.
- Egg salad – For an old-school lunch vibe, creamy egg salad is hard to beat.
- Lox & capers – Buttery lox with briny capers and a schmear of cream cheese can’t be beat.
What ingredients should you avoid putting on everything bagels?
With so many bold flavors and textures going on with an everything bagel, you’ll want to avoid ingredients that would overpower or clash rather than complement.
Here are some ingredients you may want to steer clear of on your everything bagels:
- Sweet jams or jellies – The super sweet fruit flavors clash with the savory bagel.
- Spicy salsa – While salsas pair well with plain bagels, they tend to overwhelm everything bagels.
- Chocolate hazelnut spread – Again, the sweetness overpowers the umami flavors.
- Maple syrup – Super sweet, sticky maple syrup cam cover up the everything bagel flavors.
- Sweet muffin-style toppings like cinnamon sugar or streusel – They make the bagel overly sweet.
What are the most nutritious options for topping everything bagels?
Everything bagels make a hearty and energizing breakfast. If you’re looking for toppings that add extra nutritional value beyond just carbs, here are some great options to consider:
- Smoked salmon – Provides protein, healthy omega-3 fats, B vitamins, potassium, selenium.
- Avocado – Excellent source of fiber, heart-healthy fats, vitamins C, E, K, B6, folate.
- Hummus – Provides plant-based protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, vitamins C & E.
- Egg salad – Packs protein, B vitamins, selenium, iodine.
- Lean deli meats like turkey or roast beef – Add protein, B vitamins, zinc.
- Sliced tomatoes – Provide vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene antioxidants.
- Baby spinach – Low calorie way to add fiber, vitamin K, A, C, iron, magnesium.
What are quick and easy spreads for everything bagels when you’re short on time?
Mornings can be rushed. When you’re short on time but need a satisfying everything bagel, opt for these fast, no-fuss spreads:
- Cream cheese – Just open a package and spread.
- Butter – A few swipes does the trick.
- Hummus – Grab a container from the fridge and spoon on.
- Jam, jelly, or honey – Open the jar and drizzle.
- Sliced deli meat and cheese – Unwrap and layer on slices.
- Lox and capers – Arrange right from packaged.
- Sliced tomato – Simply rinse and slice a tomato.
- Avocado – Mash half an avocado with a fork and spread.
What are the most popular protein choices for everything bagels?
Protein makes everything bagels a satisfying and energizing meal. If you’re looking to amp up the protein, these are go-to options:
- Smoked salmon
- Sliced deli turkey
- Sliced deli roast beef
- Canadian bacon
- Hard boiled or fried eggs
- Lean ham
- Hummus
- Cottage cheese or ricotta
- Peanut or almond butter
- Tofu “egg” salad
What are the vegetarian and vegan-friendly options for everything bagels?
Vegans and vegetarians need not miss out on the fun of topping everything bagels! Here are some excellent meatless options:
- Hummus
- Mashed or sliced avocado
- Sliced tomatoes
- Pesto
- Grilled or roasted veggies like peppers, mushrooms, onions
- Plant-based “bacon” made from tempeh or coconut
- Tofu “egg” salad
- Dairy-free cream cheese
- Melted dairy-free cheese
- Sautéed spinach
- Peanut or almond butter
Which sweet toppings pair well with everything bagels?
For those with a sweet tooth, these sweet toppings complement everything bagels perfectly without overpowering them:
- Honey – A drizzle of raw honey adds floral sweetness.
- Mascarpone or ricotta cheese with honey – Sweetened soft cheese is sublime.
- Cinnamon cream cheese – Spiced cream cheese adds warmth.
- Whipped ricotta with orange zest – Citrus brightens the flavor.
- Berry jam – Tart jam contrasts nicely with the bagel.
- Peanut or almond butter with honey – Nutty and sweet.
- Bananas – Slices add natural sweetness.
- Dried fruit like apricots or cranberries – Chewy bursts of fruity sweetness.
What are the most affordable options for topping everything bagels?
Everything bagels make a great any-time meal even on a budget. Here are some very affordable spreads to consider:
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Hummus
- Jam, jelly, or honey
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Hard boiled eggs
- Peanut butter or other nut butters
- Bananas
- Canned tuna or salmon
- Deli meat when on sale
With just a few affordable ingredients on hand, you can create delicious toppings for everything bagels even if money is tight.
What are good portable topping ideas for everything bagel sandwiches and wraps?
Everything bagels also make excellent on-the-go sandwiches and wraps. Here are some great portable topping ideas:
- Egg salad or tuna salad
- Turkey and cheese
- Ham and cheese
- Hummus, sliced cucumber, and tomato
- Turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato
- Peanut butter and banana
- Pesto chicken salad
- Mozzarella, tomato, basil, and balsamic vinegar
Smearing the cut sides with cream cheese, mayo, mustard, or hummus can help ingredients stick to the bagel better while on the go.
Table Comparing Popularity of Toppings for Everything Bagels
| Topping | Popularity |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | ***** |
| Butter | **** |
| Smoked Salmon | *** |
| Sliced Tomato | ** |
| Hummus | * |
This table visually displays the relative popularity of various topping options for everything bagels, with more stars indicating greater popularity. As shown, traditional cream cheese remains the most popular, closely followed by butter. Smoked salmon, sliced tomato, and hummus are other options, in decreasing order of common use.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best toppings for everything bagels, there are lots of delicious options to suit different tastes and needs. Cream cheese and butter are classic choices that allow the flavors of the bagel to shine. For more savory, nutritious, or creative spins, ingredients like smoked salmon, hummus, avocado, pesto, eggs, and nut butters also pair wonderfully. Even sweet options like honey, ricotta, or jam can complement an everything bagel if you crave a morning treat. Whatever you choose, loading up a freshly baked everything bagel makes for a comforting, energizing breakfast or snack any time of day.