What Toppings Go Well With Bagels?

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2023 study by a popular food blog, over 70% of Americans prefer a bagel with a topping rather than plain. With endless possibilities, deciding what toppings go well with bagels can transform a simple breakfast into an extraordinary meal. Whether you crave something creamy, crunchy, savory, or sweet, a perfect pairing awaits your taste buds.

Quick Summary

This guide explores a variety of classic and creative bagel toppings, including both sweet and savory options. Learn how to craft the perfect combination, from traditional schmears to gourmet spreads, to elevate your breakfast or brunch experience.

Key Points

Cream Cheese Varieties: Move beyond plain cream cheese with whipped or flavored versions like scallion or strawberry.
Savory Pairings: Create hearty meals with combinations like smoked salmon (lox) and cream cheese, avocado with egg, or tuna salad on a pumpernickel bagel.
Sweet Indulgences: Explore sweet options such as Nutella and strawberries, cinnamon crunch topping, or sweet cream cheese with fresh berries.
Creative Combinations: Experiment with unique pairings like brie and fig jam or sriracha mixed with cream cheese for a flavor-packed experience.
Balance is Key: Combine contrasting flavors and textures, like salty and sweet or creamy and crunchy, for a more satisfying bite.
Match the Bagel Type: Choose a bagel base that complements your toppings; for example, a cinnamon raisin bagel for sweet toppings and an everything bagel for savory ones.
Optimize for Texture: Toasting your bagel to your preferred level can drastically change the eating experience, from soft and chewy to delightfully crisp.

The Classic Cream Cheese and Beyond

No discussion of bagel toppings is complete without mentioning the classic cream cheese. The smooth, tangy spread is the quintessential companion to a chewy bagel. However, modern culinary trends have pushed beyond the plain schmear, introducing a world of exciting flavors and textures. Whipped cream cheese varieties, like chive and onion or strawberry, offer a delicious and easy way to add a twist to your meal.

For those looking to venture further, consider alternative spreads. Avocado is a popular choice, offering a rich, creamy texture and a dose of healthy fats. It pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of sea salt and red pepper flakes. Hummus is another versatile spread, providing a savory, protein-packed base that can be topped with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and spinach.

Savory Bagel Topping Combinations

If you prefer a savory start to your day, the options are plentiful. From protein-heavy choices to fresh veggie combinations, savory toppings can turn a bagel into a hearty meal.

The Iconic Lox and Cream Cheese

This classic combination features smoked salmon (lox) with cream cheese, often garnished with capers, thinly sliced red onion, and a sprinkle of dill. The salty, smoky flavor of the lox contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cool cream cheese, creating a timeless and satisfying flavor profile.

Everything Bagel with the Works

For an extra punch of flavor, an everything bagel with scallion cream cheese is a fan favorite. Add layers of lox, capers, and a squeeze of fresh lemon to create a vibrant, full-flavored breakfast sandwich. The texture of the everything seasoning—a mix of poppy and sesame seeds with minced garlic and onion—adds a delightful crunch.

Gourmet and Creative Savory Ideas

Pizza Bagels: Spread a plain or everything bagel with pizza sauce, top with mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings, then bake until bubbly.
Avocado Toast Bagel: Mash avocado on a toasted bagel and top with a fried or poached egg for a protein-packed meal.
Tuna Salad: A pumpernickel bagel provides a robust, earthy base for a creamy tuna salad with a bit of black pepper.

Sweet Bagel Topping Ideas

For those with a sweet tooth, bagels can be the perfect canvas for a variety of sugary and fruity spreads. These options are great for a quick breakfast or a delightful afternoon treat.

Cinnamon Crunch: Sprinkle a mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter over a toasted cinnamon raisin bagel for a decadent, crunchy topping.
Nut Butters and Fruit: A spread of peanut butter or almond butter with sliced bananas or apple slices offers a healthy, protein-rich option with a mix of textures.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: For a truly indulgent treat, Nutella paired with fresh strawberries or raspberries is a classic and crowd-pleasing combination.
Vanilla Cream Cheese with Berries: Whip together plain cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla, then top with fresh blueberries or strawberries for a sweet and simple spread.

Comparison of Classic vs. Creative Bagel Toppings


Feature	Classic Cream Cheese	Lox & Cream Cheese	Avocado & Egg	Nutella & Strawberries
Flavor Profile	Mild, Tangy	Savory, Salty	Rich, Savory	Sweet, Indulgent
Best Bagel Pair	Plain, Everything	Everything, Onion	Everything, Sesame	Cinnamon Raisin, Plain
Preparation Difficulty	Easy	Medium	Medium	Easy
Nutritional Content	Low protein	High protein, healthy fats	High protein, healthy fats	High sugar, some protein
Meal Appropriateness	Breakfast, Snack	Brunch, Lunch	Breakfast, Brunch	Breakfast, Dessert

Expert Tips for the Ultimate Bagel Experience

To get the most out of your bagel and topping pairing, consider these expert tips:

Choose the Right Bagel Base: A sesame bagel works well with many savory options, while a cinnamon raisin bagel is best suited for sweet toppings.
Balance Your Flavors: Combining creamy with crunchy textures and sweet with salty flavors creates a more interesting and satisfying bite.
Toast to Perfection: A lightly toasted bagel provides a soft base, while a well-toasted one offers a delightful crunch.
Experiment with Spreads: Try infusing your cream cheese with different flavors. Add a bit of sriracha for a spicy kick or fig jam for a sophisticated, sweet contrast.

Conclusion

When it comes to deciding what toppings go well with bagels, the options are as diverse as your cravings. From the simple elegance of classic cream cheese to the decadent indulgence of sweet spreads or the satisfying heartiness of savory combinations, there is a perfect pairing for every palate. The versatility of a simple bagel allows you to unleash your creativity in the kitchen, experimenting with different flavors, textures, and ingredients to create your ideal meal. So, whether you stick to a tried-and-true classic or venture into new culinary territory, the humble bagel remains a delicious foundation for endless possibilities.

Citations

: Best Bagel Toppings for a Tasty Breakfast - BagelFresh. (2024, September 18). Retrieved October 13, 2025, from https://bagelfresh.com/bagel-toppings-tasty-breakfast/
: Bagel Toppings 101: From Classic to Creative - Western Bagel. (2025, May 28). Retrieved October 13, 2025, from https://westernbagel.com/blog/bagel-toppings-101-from-classic-to-creative/

Frequently Asked Questions

A traditional New York bagel topping is lox (smoked salmon) with cream cheese, capers, and thinly sliced red onion, often served on an everything bagel.

Good alternatives to cream cheese include avocado (mashed or sliced), hummus, nut butters (peanut or almond), and ricotta cheese.

While it's unconventional, it's a matter of personal taste. For example, some might enjoy a savory topping on a sweeter bagel, but generally, sweet bagels pair best with other sweet spreads like fruit jams or hazelnut spread.

Healthy options include avocado, hummus with veggies, plain Greek yogurt with fresh berries, or almond butter with sliced fruit.

You can make everything bagel seasoning by combining poppy seeds, sesame seeds (white and black), dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt.

Lox, or smoked salmon, is traditionally paired with an everything bagel or an onion bagel to complement its savory, salty flavor.

Yes, bagels are versatile and can be served for lunch with toppings such as tuna salad, egg salad, or sliced meats and cheeses to create a hearty sandwich.