How to properly slice a Western Bagel

The safest and easiest way to cut a bagel, we learned, is a two-step process:

1. Start with the bagel lying flat, a serrated bread knife in your dominant hand. Position the knife parallel to your cutting surface and make a careful horizontal cut that goes about halfway through the bagel.
2. Without removing the knife, stand the half-cut bagel up on its side, holding it by the top end to keep it steady. Work the knife down towards the cutting board, cutting the rest of the way through the bagel.

This seems to be the easiest way as almost every household has a knife to do this. Your first step will be to hold both sides of a bagel with your thumb to one side and your other fingers on the other.

Then you will make a space between the top of the bagel and that is where you will start the slice. Be careful to not squish the bagel. Remember to always cut away from your body.

The other way would be to lay it down flat and cut it the long way. We provided a gif that would help visualize this!

Credit: Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell

Bagel Slicer

Another option is to use our bagel slicer or bagel clasp. It can be viewed here. 
We also wanted to show you a few different options but obviously, ours is the best.

Urban Trend

Classic Guillotine

One other option is not to slice at all! Some purists might swear by this!