What To Serve With Bagels

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Looking for the perfect sides and pairings to serve with bagels? Whether you’re hosting brunch or just jazzing up your weekday breakfast, this list has everything from creamy soups and crunchy salads to satisfying proteins and sweet extras.

 

Bagels are one of the most versatile foods around, making them a star player for all kinds of occasions. Hosting a casual brunch? Pair them with quiche, frittata, or a fresh fruit salad. Want a cozy weekend breakfast? Go for creamy soups like tomato bisque or loaded potato soup. For quick lunches, tuna salad or a healthy chicken salad sandwich are perfect make-ahead options. And don’t forget game-day spreads—kettle chips with dip, stuffed peppers, and even a cheese board bring flavor and fun. Whether you’re prepping for holidays, breakfast-for-dinner nights, or laid-back gatherings, these bagel sides have you covered.

If you have any special occasions (these are a hit at baby showers or bridal showers) coming up and you want to serve brunch, just serve the items below on a table and make a bagel bar! Place some bagels or Mini Bagels, and array of toppings and spreads, cheese and fruit and smoked salmon and you’ll have a little bit of everything for your guests.

Bagel Bar Spreads

1. Array of Cream Cheese Flavors
2. Peanut Butter
3. Butter or Honey Butter
4. Hummus
5. Guacamole or Sliced Avocado
6. Roasted Garlic
7. Fruit Jams or Preserves
8. Nutella
9. Honey
10. Chicken Liver Paté

Bagel Toppings

1. Sliced Deli Meats: Such as turkey, ham, or roast beef for savory bagel sandwiches.
2. Cheese: Sliced cheddar cheese, Swiss Cheese, or goat cheese to complement the bagel.
3. Cold-Smoked Salmon (Lox): Often paired with cream cheese for a classic combination.
4. Fresh Vegetables: Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, red onion, capers, lettuce, or sprouts for a refreshing touch.
5. Eggs: Scrambled, fried, or in omelet form to add protein and richness.
6. Bacon or Sausage: Crispy bacon strips or sausage patties for a hearty bagel sandwich.
7. Everything Seasoning: A blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt for a flavorful crust.
8. Fresh Herbs and Spices: Fresh basil, fresh dill, cilantro, or even red pepper flakes to add a kick of flavor.
9. Fruit or Berry Compotes: Sweet options like apple butter, raspberry preserves, or sliced strawberries are perfect if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth.for
10. Fresh Fruits: Sliced melon, berries, or a fruit salad.

What To Serve With Bagels (20+ Tasty Ideas!)

Whether you’re a fan of classic cream cheese or love to experiment with adventurous toppings, the humble bagel remains a comforting and versatile treat. Its simplicity pairs perfectly with endless flavor possibilities, making it a go-to choice for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a satisfying bite. So next time you reach for a bagel, enjoy the chewiness and relish the toppings!

If you make these recipes, I would really appreciate it if you would give them a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.