Bagels are an amazing breakfast, but they don’t have to be boring! Here are some different topping ideas for the classic breakfast food.
Are bagels one of the first things you think of when you hear “Breakfast”?
Bagels are one of my all-time favorite breakfast foods because I can make them in SO many different ways. They’re an easy breakfast idea, especially for someone with ADHD. I can pull one out and top it with something easy, and have a quick breakfast ready in minutes.
Did you know that bagels are good for more than just cream cheese? You can make them part of a healthy breakfast by adding all sorts of different toppings and other simple ingredients!
Keep reading as I list off my favorite ways to top bagels for breakfast. Some are unconventional, but all are SO delicious. Come get some new ideas!
Topping ideas for bagels
Guacamole
This is kind of taking avocado toast to a new level. Guacamole gives a creamy texture to a simple avocado. Add a sprinkle of hot sauce, and it’s my ideal breakfast.
Regular avocado is great, but I also like the convenience of an individual package of guacamole! Those little packets don’t brown as quickly because they’re individually sealed, so it looks more pleasing to the eye. And they’re also pre-seasoned!
Avocado is full of healthy fats and fiber, both of which are important for keeping you full in the mornings. And it adds a nice savory flavor to breakfast.
I would typically eat this on the non-sweet bagels:
- Plain bagels
- Whole wheat bagels
- Everything bagels
- Asiago cheese bagels
And if you’d rather have a toasted bagel, feel free to use a toaster oven for this and any of the others below.
Peanut butter and banana
Peanut butter and bananas just go so well together! This is like a peanut butter sandwich, but in bagel form.
This combination on a bagel is higher in carbs, which is perfect for right before a workout. I eat this on occasion before my long runs!
Peanut butter is also high in healthy fats and fiber, and that paired with the nutrients from the banana will fuel your busy day.
I like this on a cinnamon raisin bagel or blueberry bagel, but you could eat this on plain bagels too.
Nutella
This is more of a fun combination! Nutella is super sweet and higher in sugar, so this breakfast will give you a huge spike of energy. If you want to prevent that sugar crash afterward, try pairing this with some protein like cottage cheese or sausage.
Meat, egg, and cheese
This combination turns your bagel into breakfast sandwiches, and a protein-packed breakfast! What I love about this is that you can mix-and-match meats and cheeses so you eat something new every week.
Here are meats that go really well on bagels:
- Canadian bacon
- Slices of deli ham or other deli meat
- Sausage patties
- Crispy bacon or turkey bacon
And here’s the types of cheese I’ve used often:
- Cheddar cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Provolone cheese
- Colby Jack cheese
- American cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
I bake my eggs in the oven to make them more rounded. You could use scrambled eggs, fried egg, eggs with runny yolk, whatever you feel like.
Did you know you can also freeze these sandwiches to use on busy mornings? You can wrap each one in plastic wrap to help prevent freezer burn.
Cream cheese
Yes, the classic cream cheese. This is what I usually think of when I think of bagel toppings, and there’s nothing wrong with that!
Cream cheese contains some fat, which helps in keeping you full. It has very little protein though; so again, I suggest grabbing some sausage or eggs to eat with this.
The best part is, there are so many different flavors of cream cheese now:
- Strawberry
- Honey walnut
- Garden vegetable
- Chive
- Pumpkin
- Salted caramel
Add to your favorite bagel, and add a side of protein for a nice hearty breakfast.
Cheese and tomato slices
Tomatoes taste really good for breakfast! Toast a bagel and add a slice of cheese, then a sliced tomato on top. You can even heat up the tomatoes on a skillet for a couple minutes.
Add a bit of salt and pepper and you’ve got a delicious, savory breakfast!
Eggs and fresh veggies
You can make an omelette or egg scramble to top your bagel!
I used to work at McDonalds; and one of the bagel sandwiches had a flat square egg with bell peppers in it. That’s kind of my thinking with this- make an omelette filled with vegetables on top of the eggs and use that in your bagel, either as a topping or as a sandwich.
Leave a comment and tell me: What are your favorite toppings for a bagel? We all need new ideas!
Jaime is a Nutrition Coach through the ISSA and professional writer. She has 4 years experience coaching and 9 years experience in writing. She enjoys cooking easy meals, running, and learning more about food.
Jaime specializes in helping women with ADHD learn to meal plan and cook healthier meals without getting overwhelmed.