50+ Delicious Bagel Toppings for Any Time of the Day

Looking for new and creative ways to top your bagel? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of over 50 tasty and unique bagel topping ideas that are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or snack time.

Bagels, like most breads, are incredibly versatile. A good bagel is delicious. Soft, easy to eat, and the perfect base for a huge range of toppings. This versatility makes bagels perfect for snacks, breakfast, lunch, or even sweet options. But, if we’re honest, many of us stick to what we know. Personally, I love butter and jam on a bagel. My kids like Nutella, and I know that cream cheese is very popular. 

If you’ve got stuck in a bagel rut, it’s time to break free. Here are 50 + options for the perfect bagel, whether you are looking for something different or a classic option that you’ve never tried before. 

cream cheese and smoked salmon on a bagel.

Traditional Bagel Toppings

Traditional toppings for bagels include old favourites like cream cheese and jam, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t add to them. Using the classics as a base gives you the perfect chance to experiment with new flavours. 

Some of the best traditional bagel options include:

  • Cream Cheese – A classic base, plain or flavoured (herbed, garlic, or chilli).
  • Smoked Salmon – Often paired with cream cheese for a New York-style bagel.
  • Butter – Simple and timeless, whether salted or unsalted.
  • Jam or Marmalade – Strawberry, raspberry, or orange marmalade for a touch of sweetness.
  • Honey – A drizzle for a lightly sweet topping.
  • Eggs – Sliced boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, or even a fried egg. Scrambled is my favourite, even better with some smoked salmon. 
  • Red Onion – Finely sliced and often added with smoked salmon.
  • Capers – Salty and tangy, perfect with cream cheese and salmon.
  • Cheese – Slices of cheddar, brie, or even a melted topping like mozzarella.
  • Cucumber – Thinly sliced for a refreshing crunch.
  • Tomatoes – Sliced fresh tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, especially on savoury bagels.
  • Pesto – A rich, savoury spread that pairs well with cheese or chicken.
  • Tuna Salad – A creamy and filling topping for lunch.
  • Hummus – A creamy plant-based option for savoury bagels.
  • Avocado – Sliced or smashed, often with a pinch of salt or chilli flakes.
  • Marmite – A UK favourite, spread thinly with butter or cream cheese.
  • Sliced Ham – Great with a layer of mustard or mayonnaise.
  • Turkey Breast – Light and lean, paired with cranberry sauce or lettuce.
  • Bacon – Crispy strips, often combined with egg or avocado.
  • Chicken Salad – A hearty choice with mayonnaise or yoghurt dressing.

Popular Bagel Toppings

Cream Cheese with Smoked Salmon and Finely Chopped Red Onion

A classic pairing that balances the creaminess of the cheese, the saltiness of the salmon, and the sharpness of the red onion.

Tips: Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer flavour or a whipped version for a lighter texture. Opt for high-quality smoked salmon for the best taste.

Instructions:

  • Spread a generous layer of cream cheese evenly over your bagel.
  • Lay thin slices of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese.
  • Sprinkle finely chopped red onion evenly across the salmon.

Optional: Add a few capers or a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing.

Butter with Jam or Honey

Simple yet delicious, perfect for a light snack or breakfast. Try strawberry jam, apricot preserves, or a drizzle of floral honey.

Tips: Use soft, room-temperature butter for easier spreading. Pair with a jam or honey that complements the bagel’s flavour, such as strawberry jam on a plain bagel or honey on a cinnamon raisin bagel.

Instructions:

  • Spread a thin layer of butter over the warm, toasted bagel.
  • Add a dollop of jam or drizzle honey on top.
  • Use a knife to spread it evenly for a sweet, simple topping.

Pesto with Mozzarella or Fresh Basil

A savoury combination that brings Italian flavours to your bagel. Add some cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.

Tips: Use fresh, high-quality pesto and a soft mozzarella ball for the best results. Toast the bagel lightly to keep the base sturdy for the toppings.

Instructions:

  • Spread a thin layer of pesto over the bagel.
  • Place slices of fresh mozzarella on top.
  • Garnish with whole basil leaves or chopped fresh basil.
  • Optional: Drizzle a little olive oil or balsamic glaze for added flavour.

Tips for a New York-Style Bagel

Toasting Tips:

Toast the bagel lightly to warm the interior while keeping the outside crisp. For an authentic taste, try a sesame or everything bagel.

Traditional Toppings Like Capers and Dill:

Add a layer of cream cheese, top with smoked salmon, sprinkle a few capers, and garnish with fresh dill for the iconic New York-style experience.

What Makes the Perfect New York Bagel?

The perfect New York bagel is a combination of texture, flavour, and high-quality ingredients. Here’s what sets it apart:

Texture

  • Crisp Exterior: A New York bagel should have a shiny, golden-brown crust that’s slightly crisp when toasted. This comes from boiling the dough before baking, a signature step in the process.
  • Chewy Interior: The inside of the bagel should be dense but soft, with just the right amount of chewiness. This is achieved through high-gluten flour and careful kneading.

Flavour

  • Balanced Taste: A hint of malt or barley syrup in the dough adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavour. Salt should be noticeable but not overpowering.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Authentic bagels are made with simple, fresh ingredients—flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt.

Boiling Process

Before baking, the dough is boiled in water with added sugar or malt syrup. This step is essential for achieving the bagel’s signature texture and sheen.

Size and Shape

  • Size: A traditional New York bagel is slightly smaller than some modern varieties, ensuring it doesn’t feel overly heavy.
  • Shape: It should have a uniform, rounded appearance with a perfect hole in the centre, not too large or too small.

Toppings

Popular options include sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic flakes, onion flakes, or the iconic “everything bagel” seasoning. Toppings should be generous and stick well to the crust.

Perfect Pairings

  • Cream Cheese: Plain or flavoured cream cheese is a staple for New York bagels.
  • Smoked Salmon and Capers: Often paired with red onion and fresh dill for a classic lox bagel.
  • Other Toppings: Butter, jam, or deli meats for added variety.

Freshness

A great New York bagel is best enjoyed fresh, ideally within a few hours of being baked. Toasting can enhance the flavour and texture for leftovers.

Bagel Toppings with Cream Cheese

Cream cheese (Soft cheese to us!) is perhaps the most common topping for bagels. Perhaps the easiest variant is buying a ready-made flavoured cream cheese such as herbed, honey-infused or chilli cream cheese. Brands like Philadelphia and even supermarkets offer many different flavours to try. 

Adding chopped chives, smoked salmon, sliced cucumber, or even wafer-thin ham can add something extra, or, in the UK you might want to be bold (crazy!) and try adding some marmite! Personally I quite like cream cheese and jam for a cheesecake-like vibe. 

cream cheese and herb bagel.

Sweet Cream Cheese Combinations

Cream cheese on a bagel is great, but why not layer, or mix it with something else to add more flavour and texture? 

Honey and Walnuts – Drizzle honey over cream cheese and sprinkle with crushed walnuts for a sweet, nutty topping.

Mixed Berries – Top cream cheese with fresh blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a refreshing burst of sweetness.

Cinnamon and Sugar – Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over cream cheese for a quick, dessert-inspired bagel topping.

Apple Slices and Maple Syrup – Add thinly sliced apples on top of cream cheese and drizzle with a touch of maple syrup.

Peach Slices and Almonds – Layer fresh peach slices on cream cheese and garnish with slivered almonds.

Pineapple and Coconut – Spread crushed pineapple and shredded coconut over cream cheese for a tropical twist.

Strawberries and Dark Chocolate Shavings – Place sliced strawberries on cream cheese and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for a luxurious treat.

Banana and Honey – Add banana slices on top of cream cheese and drizzle with honey for a wholesome combination.

Cherries and Vanilla Sugar – Top cream cheese with fresh or preserved cherries and a sprinkle of vanilla-infused sugar.

Fig and Orange Zest – Layer thin slices of fresh fig over cream cheese and garnish with grated orange zest.

Savoury Cream Cheese Ideas

Or, you can add some savoury options. 

Chive and Garlic Cream Cheese – Mix finely chopped chives and garlic into cream cheese for a classic savoury spread.

Herbed Cream Cheese – Blend cream cheese with parsley, dill, and thyme for a fresh, herby flavour.

Chilli and Lime Cream Cheese – Add a pinch of chilli flakes and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty, spicy twist.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Cheese – Chop sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, then mix into cream cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired topping.

Smoked Paprika Cream Cheese – Stir in smoked paprika and a touch of black pepper for a smoky, savoury flavour.

Cucumber and Dill Cream Cheese – Combine finely diced cucumber and fresh dill with cream cheese for a refreshing spread.

Olive and Capers Cream Cheese – Mix chopped green or black olives and capers into cream cheese for a tangy, briny option.

Pesto and Parmesan Cream Cheese – Swirl in a spoonful of pesto and sprinkle with grated parmesan for a rich, cheesy spread.

Roasted Garlic and Black Pepper Cream Cheese – Mash roasted garlic cloves into cream cheese and season with freshly ground black pepper.

Horseradish and Chive Cream Cheese – Add a dollop of horseradish and chopped chives for a bold, savoury flavour.

Sweet Bagel Toppings

I’ve got a proper sweet tooth, so I love adding sweet toppings to bagels (and most other things too!). Whether it’s a sweet spread, like jam or Nutella, or something fresh, like cream cheese, honey and fresh berries, they are all great options for a dessert, sweet snack, or treat breakfast. 

Fruit and Sweet Spreads

Strawberries and Nutella – Spread Nutella on your bagel and top with sliced fresh strawberries.

Bananas and Peanut Butter – Spread peanut butter on the bagel and layer with banana slices for a creamy and satisfying topping.

Blueberries and Honey – Add fresh blueberries to a buttered bagel and drizzle with honey for natural sweetness.

Apples and Cinnamon Cream Cheese – Spread cinnamon-flavoured cream cheese and top with thin apple slices for a seasonal treat.

Peaches and Mascarpone – Smear mascarpone cheese on your bagel and layer with fresh peach slices, finishing with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Cherries and Dark Chocolate Spread – Use dark chocolate spread as a base and top with pitted cherries for a luxurious, dessert-like option.

Raspberries and Lemon Curd – Spread lemon curd on the bagel and add fresh raspberries for a tangy-sweet combination.

Pineapple and Coconut Butter – Spread coconut butter on your bagel and top with crushed pineapple for a tropical flair.

Blackberries and Almond Butter – Use almond butter as a base and add fresh blackberries for a nutty, fruity balance.

Figs and Honey – Spread a light layer of butter or cream cheese, add sliced fresh figs, and drizzle with honey for a rich and sophisticated flavour.

Dessert-Inspired Bagels

Cheesecake Bagel – Spread cream cheese and top with strawberry jam or fresh strawberries, finishing with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.

S’mores Bagel – Spread chocolate spread or Nutella, add mini marshmallows, and sprinkle with crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers.

Banoffee Bagel – Layer sliced bananas, caramel sauce, and a dollop of whipped cream.

Apple Crumble Bagel – Spread cinnamon cream cheese, add thin apple slices and sprinkle with a mix of oats, brown sugar, and butter crumbs.

Tiramisu Bagel – Spread mascarpone mixed with a touch of coffee, dust with cocoa powder, and top with a few chocolate shavings.

Chocolate and Raspberry Bagel – Use chocolate cream cheese or spread, add fresh raspberries, and drizzle with white chocolate.

Lemon Meringue Bagel – Spread lemon curd and top with small dollops of meringue or crushed meringue pieces.

Cinnamon Roll Bagel – Spread cinnamon butter or cream cheese, drizzle with icing glaze and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Peanut Butter Brownie Bagel – Spread peanut butter, add brownie chunks, and drizzle with chocolate sauce.

Carrot Cake Bagel – Spread cream cheese mixed with a touch of honey and cinnamon, sprinkle with grated carrot and crushed walnuts.

Bagels for Breakfast

My favourite breakfast bagel is toasted, spread with butter and piled high with scrambled eggs. 

egg bagel.

Protein-Packed Breakfast Bagels

Scrambled Eggs with Cheese and Bacon

Instructions:

  • Cook the bacon until crispy, then set aside.
  • In a bowl, whisk eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Scramble the eggs in a non-stick pan over medium heat, adding a generous amount of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favourite) as they cook.
  • Toast your bagel and layer with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.

Tips

  • Use a mix of cheddar and cream cheese for extra richness in your scrambled eggs.
  • For a healthier twist, opt for turkey bacon or a veggie alternative.

Smashed Avocado with a Poached Egg

Instructions

  • Toast your bagel to your preferred crispness.
  • In a bowl, smash half an avocado with a fork, adding a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Poach an egg and carefully place it on top of the smashed avocado.
  • Optionally, sprinkle with chilli flakes or fresh herbs for extra flavour.

Tips:

  • For extra protein, add a sprinkle of chia seeds or hemp seeds on top of the avocado.
  • If you prefer a fried egg, cook it sunny-side up or scrambled instead of poaching.

Sweet Breakfast Bagels

Greek Yoghurt and Granola

Instructions:

  • Toast your bagel and spread a generous layer of Greek yoghurt on each half.
  • Top with your favourite granola, ensuring a good balance of crunchy bits.
  • Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for sweetness.

Tips:

  • Choose a granola with nuts and dried fruits for added texture and flavour.
  • For extra protein, add some fresh berries or nuts on top of the yoghurt.

Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Toppings: Cream Cheese and Maple Syrup

Instructions:

  • Toast your cinnamon raisin bagel to your desired level of crispness.
  • Spread a thick layer of cream cheese on both halves of the bagel.
  • Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet and indulgent touch.

Tips:

  • For a tangy twist, opt for whipped cream cheese or flavoured cream cheese, such as honey or cinnamon cream cheese.
  • Add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and protein.

Lunch Bagels

Bagels make a fantastic lunch, or part of a lunch if you are bored of sandwiches. Some options, like a simple chicken salad, are perfect for packed lunches, and others are better for eating at home fresh.

chicken salad bagel.

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese – A classic lunch option with cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and fresh dill on a toasted bagel.

Turkey and Cranberry – Layer sliced turkey with cranberry sauce, cream cheese, and a handful of spinach or lettuce for a seasonal twist.

Chicken Salad Bagel – Combine cooked, shredded chicken with mayonnaise, mustard, and finely chopped celery, then add lettuce and tomato to your bagel.

Egg Salad and Arugula – Make a creamy egg salad with boiled eggs, mayo, mustard, and a sprinkle of paprika, topped with fresh arugula.

Avocado and Tuna – Top your bagel with mashed avocado, a scoop of tuna salad, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a healthy, filling lunch.

Hummus and Veggies – Spread hummus on your bagel and add sliced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and mixed greens for a refreshing vegetarian lunch.

Grilled Chicken and Pesto – Layer grilled chicken with pesto sauce, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes for an Italian-inspired bagel sandwich.

Cheese and Tomato – For a simple but delicious lunch, top your bagel with slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Caprese Bagel – Combine fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and sliced tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze for a light yet satisfying option.

BBQ Chicken and Coleslaw – Add shredded BBQ chicken, creamy coleslaw, and a slice of pickle for a hearty and tangy lunch option.

salad and cheese on a bagel.

Creative Bagel Ideas

Many of these options are pretty creative, but you can go further! 

Buffalo Sauce and Blue Cheese– Spread a little cream cheese or ranch dressing and top with buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles, and some shredded chicken for a spicy, tangy kick.

Coconut and Almond Butter – Spread almond butter on your bagel and top with shredded coconut and a drizzle of honey for a tropical-inspired topping.

Balsamic Strawberries and Ricotta – Slice fresh strawberries, drizzle with balsamic vinegar, and top with a dollop of ricotta cheese for a sweet-and-savoury contrast.

Crispy Bacon and Maple Syrup – Add crispy bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and salty combination that’s perfect for a brunch treat.

Fried Egg, Sriracha, and Avocado – Top your bagel with a fried egg, mashed avocado, and a drizzle of sriracha sauce for a fiery, creamy, and protein-packed snack.

Peanut Butter, Banana, and Bacon – Spread peanut butter on your bagel, add banana slices, and top with crispy bacon for a salty-sweet twist.

Apple and Brie with Honey – Layer thin slices of apple and brie cheese, then drizzle with honey for a sweet and savoury combination.

Pickled Beetroot and Goat Cheese – Top your bagel with creamy goat cheese and tangy pickled beetroot for a colourful and unexpected pairing.

Kimchi and Cream Cheese – Spread cream cheese and top with spicy, fermented kimchi for an Asian-inspired topping that’s bold and tangy.

Cucumber, Wasabi and Soy Sauce – Add thin slices of cucumber, a dab of wasabi, and a drizzle of soy sauce for a sushi-inspired bagel topping.

Peach and Prosciutto – Layer fresh peach slices and prosciutto on your bagel, finishing with a little bit of honey for a sweet and savoury bite.

Mango Chutney and Paneer – Top your bagel with cubes of paneer and a dollop of mango chutney for a rich, spiced flavour.

Sweet Potato and Marshmallow – Roast slices of sweet potato, top with mini marshmallows, and toast for a unique dessert-style bagel.

Figs and Goat Cheese with Walnuts – Add fresh figs and creamy goat cheese, then finish with chopped walnuts for a rich and nutty topping.

Chilli Con Carne and Sour Cream – Top your bagel with hearty chilli con carne and a dollop of sour cream for a filling, spicy option.

FAQ

What are some good bagel toppings for beginners?

Start with simple bagel toppings like cream cheese, smoked salmon, or butter and jam.

What toppings can you put on your bagel if you have no meat?

Try hummus, peanut butter, avocado, or roasted vegetables.

What is the best cheese to put on bagels?

Cream cheese is a classic, but other great options include cheddar, brie, or mozzarella.

How to get bagel toppings to stick when baking?

Brush the bagel with an egg wash or water before adding sesame seeds or garlic toppings.

What tastes good on a plain bagel?

Peanut butter, honey, cream cheese, or even a simple slice of cheese works wonderfully.

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