.png)
**Originally published on the OG Rise & Chai blog, since deleted a la GoDaddy. Thanks guys for throwing out my entire blog!
What the internet regards as a staple depression meal, I consider a poor man’s luxury: the bagel. Nope, not bah-gel. Bay-gel. Sweet or savory, loaded up or classically minimal, bagels are such an easy and fun way to mix up my breakfasts now and again!
My siblings and I grew up in what I’d consider a bagel era in human history — Mini bagels thrived in the mid 2000’s, and Bagel Bites have had a place in my heart (and my stomach) since the 90’s. Nowadays, bagels seem to have grown up with us: loaded with
eggs and bacon as a breakfast sammy, or shmeared with cream cheese, smoked salmon, mmm pickled red onion and capers… Bagels must follow L’Hôpital’s Rule because the limit does not exist when it comes to the endless opportunities that these bad boys deliver.
I’m a big fan of carbs, alright? Pasta, starchy veggies, all of it. I’ll take one of everything, please.
But for today, I’ve decided to focus on this one absolute icon in the breakfast world. Err, maybe the snack world. Either way, whatever world bagels are dominating in is where I want to live, and today I’ve got some of my favourite ways I’ve recently added my own flair on this New York fave!
1. The Classic
Bagels with 👏 cream 👏 cheese 👏 SLAP !! I don’t care what Tik Tok says, it’s not just a once-in-a-while phase with this iconic duo. Bagels with cream cheese have so many more options nowadays, too! There are so many flavors of cream cheese that can transform your breakfast —from fruity to garlic-y! Please not together though. When I’m keeping my bagels simple, I like to add chia seeds, chives, or golden flaxseed for a little extra elevation!
2. Keepin’ it Light
Cream cheese and butter are probably the two most common toppings for bagels (at least in my experience with breakfast foods). When I was little, I would load it UP with a good shmear, but there are days when I know my grown up tummy just can’t handle it like I used to — So I like to lean into a super refreshing and savory option: Tomato! This definitely isn’t for everyone, I know, but I could eat a tomato like an apple, so this is right up my alley. Slices of ripe cherry tomatoes add such a light but filling element to your bagel!
3. Gettin’ Fruity
Strawberries are my all time favourite fruit, regardless of the occasion or meal, and using them as topping for a bagel breakfast is no exception! This is an especially yummy topping with something like a cinnamon or raisin bagel, but plain does the job too! Like with the tomato, I like to top the bagel however I like that day — cream cheese, butter, whatever — then add the slices of berries, simple as that! I’ve seen tons of people add things like peanut butter with fruit, adding honey, or just mixing up which fruits they use — bananas and blueberries are also super popular bagel toppers! I like to sprinkle, again, a little chia seed or flaxseed for a little bit of texture and nutrition.
4. Go Nuts!
A protein-packed game changer, nuts are always incorporated in my daily diet! Bagels are no exception to that — think slivered almonds, pieces of pecan, or even bits of walnut that add a subtle nuttiness and a perfect marriage between sweet and savory. Nuts make an awesome topping on top of anything from cream cheese and fruit to whipped feta with honey — ooh, some pepitas or sunflower kernels would be incredible with that. Mmm…
5. Load it Up
My personal go-to and what seems to be trending lately is the concept of bagel sandwiches. Definitely not a new idea, but this handheld breakfast fave is super in right now! Turning bagels into sandwiches couldn’t be easier — just load it with whatever sandwich toppings you have lying around! Avocado is a must for me, and I usually add a leafy green, a fried egg, and some hot sauce. The idea of bagel sandwiches definitely isn’t reserved just for breakfast, though! Adding your choice of protein, veggies, and other elements that you’d add to any salad or sandwich just makes sense when you put it all between two halves of a big, beautiful bagel. Another perk is that these are great for breakfast, brunch, or lunch -- Even dinner? One of my favorite sandwiches is a Monte Cristo, so I love a good fruity bagel with turkey! Bagel sandwiches can be done aaaaany time of day.
Playing with different flavors and elements of sweet and savory can be so fun with meals like this! Like, I built one savory breakfast sandwich using a French toast “flavored” bagel with bits of maple and cinnamon in it. Adding some hot sauce and playing off the sweet of the bagel with the salty of the bacon was such a win!
These are just a few of my recent bagel creations, and the possibilities are endless!! Load up your bagel and tag me in your pictures showing off that dang thang so my mouth can water, too!
One last thing — Why does a seagull fly over over the sea?
Because if it flew over the bay, it would be a bagel!
Ok, ok. That was bad. Lol
Until next time, my dear hobbits and hooligans. Drink your water today!
Byyyyye! x
Comments