Western Bagels are more than just chewy, delicious bread with a hole in the middle — they’re a blank canvas for flavor, texture, and creativity. Whether you’re a purist who sticks to cream cheese or a culinary adventurer stacking spicy jam and goat cheese, the right topping can elevate your bagel from basic to brilliant.
In this guide, we’re diving into Bagel Toppings 101: the essentials, the upgrades, and the wow-factor combos that’ll keep your breakfasts (or lunches… or dinners…) fresh and exciting.
The Classics: Tried-and-True Favorites
Let’s start with the foundations — the toppings that never go out of style:
Cream Cheese (Plain or Flavored)
The undisputed bagel MVP. Choose from classic plain or explore options like scallion, chive, or vegetable.
Lox (Smoked Salmon)
Cream cheese + lox = the iconic NYC combo. Upgrade it with red onion slices, capers, and a squeeze of lemon.
Butter or Margarine
Simple, nostalgic, and sometimes exactly what you need. Melts perfectly on a warm, toasted Western Bagel.
Jam or Jelly
Sweet meets savory when you pair jam with butter or flavored cream cheese — strawberry or wild berry are top contenders.
The Savory Upgrades: For Flavor-Lovers
Ready to step it up? These toppings bring the bold.
Egg & Cheese
Turn your bagel into a breakfast sandwich with scrambled or fried eggs and melted cheddar or American cheese. Add bacon or sausage if you’re going all out.
Avocado
A classic. Add salt, pepper, chili flakes, or a poached egg on top for a power-packed breakfast.
Hummus
Perfect for a dairy-free or vegan option. Top with cucumber slices, sprouts, and a dash of paprika.
Tuna or Chicken Salad
Hearty and satisfying, especially with a whole wheat or everything Western Bagel. Add lettuce and tomato for crunch.
The Sweet Side: Dessert-Style Bagels
Bagels aren’t just for savory cravings — they can be dessert too!
Peanut Butter & Banana
Protein-packed and naturally sweet. Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Nutella & Strawberries
A decadent combo best served on a cinnamon raisin or plain Western Bagel.
Sweet Cream Cheese + Toppings
Try a strawberry cream cheese with strawberry slices or blueberries, with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Go Wild: Unexpected but Delicious Combos
Time to experiment. These pairings may surprise you:
Sriracha + Cream Cheese
A spicy kick over smooth cream cheese makes for a bold flavor punch.
Brie + Fig Jam
Elegant and rich. Best on a toasted sesame Western Bagel.
Pickles + Tuna + Mustard
It sounds odd… until you try it. Crunch, salt, tang, and protein all in one bite.
Bagel Pairing Pro Tips
- Choose your base wisely: A sesame bagel works well with savory toppings, while a cinnamon raisin suits sweet ones.
- Balance flavors: Creamy + crunchy, sweet + salty — contrast keeps things interesting.
- Toast to taste: Lightly toasted for softness, well-done for crunch.
Bagel toppings are a world of their own — delicious, customizable, and endlessly creative. Whether you’re into smoked salmon sophistication or sweet indulgent spreads, there’s a topping combo that matches your vibe (and your appetite).
So next time you’re staring at a plain Western Bagel or visiting one of our locations, ask yourself: How can I turn this into a masterpiece?
