I spent last Christmas in New York City, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I ate a bagel almost every single day. Everything bagels with lox from a deli in Brooklyn, sesame bagels piled high with bacon, egg, and cheese from a tiny place in the East Village... I tried as many bagel toppings as I could physically fit into two weeks. It was a delicious, carb-loaded research trip! And in this blog I’ll be sharing my tried and tested 25+ best bagel toppings.
Since my NYC trip, bagels have become a regular feature in my kitchen. Whether I'm using storebought everything bagels or making a batch of my 3-ingredient bagels from scratch, the toppings are what make or break the experience. On my bagel journey I’ve tested every traditional ingredient and viral internet hack I could find. So, I've put together this guide to the best bagel toppings! My list includes the classics you already love, the creative combos and internet recommendations that surprised me, and some global flavors that I think deserve a spot on your breakfast table.
Scroll down for my full guide covering 25+ best bagel toppings, a bagel-to-topping pairing cheat sheet, and my tips for building the perfect bagel every time!
Jump to:
- How to Build the Perfect Bagel
- My Bagel Toppings Cheat Sheet
- Classic Bagel Toppings (The Ones You Already Love)
- Savory Bagel Toppings (For Lunch and Beyond)
- Creative & Global Bagel Toppings (The Ones That Surprised Me)
- Sweet Bagel Toppings (For When You Want Something Indulgent)
- Expert Tips for the Perfect Bagel
- Which Bagel Type Should You Choose?
- FAQs
- Looking For More Food Topping Inspiration?
- 25+ Best Bagel Toppings (From Classic to Creative)
- Other Recipes You Might Like
How to Build the Perfect Bagel
Before we get into the toppings themselves, let's talk about how to build a bagel that actually holds together and tastes balanced. I learned this the hard way... piling on too many toppings sounds great until your bagel collapses in your hands and everything ends up on your lap.
The 3-Layer Rule
The best bagels I've eaten or created follow the same basic formula. Think of your bagel in three layers:
- The Base Spread: This is what goes directly on the toasted bagel like cream cheese, butter, hummus, ricotta, or mashed avocado. It acts as the "glue" that holds everything together and adds richness.
- The Star Topping: This is the hero! Think smoked salmon, a fried egg, bacon, deli turkey, or whatever you're building around. Pick one or two, not five (lol).
- The Finish: Fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of chili oil, flaky salt, or pickled onions. This is the layer that takes your bagel from good to incredible.
Em's Golden Rule: Match Your Bagel to Your Topping
Not all bagels are created equal, and the type you choose matters more than you'd think. Here's my quick guide:
| Bagel Type | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Everything | Savory toppings, deli sandwiches, egg combos | The garlic, onion, and sesame add built-in seasoning |
| Sesame | Smoked salmon, nut butters, Asian-inspired toppings | Nutty flavor complements both sweet and savory |
| Plain | Anything! Especially strongly flavored toppings | Won't compete with bold flavors |
| Poppy Seed | Lox, cream cheese, deli meats | Subtle crunch, classic pairing |
| Cinnamon Raisin | Sweet toppings, nut butters, fruit | Natural sweetness pairs with jam, honey, berries |
| Onion | Deli sandwiches, cream cheese and tomato | The onion flavor adds a savory depth |
My Bagel Toppings Cheat Sheet
If you're standing in your kitchen right now staring at a bagel and just need a quick answer, here's my cheat sheet. I've organized these by effort level so you can find something whether you have 2 minutes or 20.
| Topping Combo | Effort (1-5) | Best Bagel | Meal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cream Cheese + Everything Bagel Seasoning | 1 | Plain | Breakfast / Snack |
| 2. Smoked Salmon + Dill Cream Cheese + Scrambled Egg | 3 | Sesame | Brunch |
| 3. Bacon, Egg & Cheese | 3 | Everything | Breakfast |
| 4. Butter + Flaky Salt | 1 | Everything | Anytime |
| 5. Peanut Butter + Banana + Honey | 1 | Cinnamon Raisin | Breakfast |
| 6. Hummus + Cucumber + Tomato + Za'atar | 2 | Sesame | Lunch |
| 7. Avocado + Fried Egg + Chili Flakes | 2 | Everything | Breakfast |
| 8. Turkey + Swiss cheese + Dijon Mustard | 2 | Everything | Lunch |
| 9. BLT with Avocado | 3 | Sesame | Lunch |
| 10. Tuna Melt | 3 | Sesame | Lunch |
| 11. Pizza Bagel | 3 | Plain | Dinner / Snack |
| 12. Egg Salad + Dill | 3 | Poppy Seed | Lunch |
| 13. Pesto + Mozzarella + Tomato | 2 | Plain | Lunch |
| 14. Cream Cheese + Chili Crisp | 1 | Everything | Snack |
| 15. Labneh + Za'atar + Olive Oil | 2 | Plain | Brunch |
| 16. Cream Cheese + Furikake | 1 | Sesame | Snack |
| 17. Goat Cheese + Tomato + Basil | 2 | Plain | Lunch |
| 18. Ricotta + Honey + Walnuts + Black Pepper | 2 | Plain | Breakfast |
| 19. Cream Cheese + Pickled Jalapeños | 1 | Everything | Snack |
| 20. Cream Cheese + Steak Seasoning | 1 | Everything | Snack |
| 21. Scrambled Egg + Mushrooms + Truffle Oil | 3 | Plain | Brunch |
| 22. Hash Browns + Bacon + Runny Egg + Cheese | 4 | Everything | Breakfast |
| 23. Black Pudding + Fried Egg | 3 | Plain | Breakfast |
| 24. Brie + Smoked Salmon | 2 | Sesame | Brunch |
| 25. Cream Cheese + Sun-Dried Tomato + Basil | 1 | Everything | Snack |
| 26. Nutella + Strawberries | 1 | Cinnamon Raisin | Breakfast |
| 27. Cream Cheese + Berry Jam | 1 | Plain | Breakfast |
| 28. Apple Butter + Cream Cheese | 1 | Cinnamon Raisin | Breakfast |
Classic Bagel Toppings (The Ones You Already Love)
Let's start with some bagel topping foundations. These are the bagel toppings that have earned their place for good reason, and if you're not already making them, you need to be. You're likely to know or have tried most of these but they're too good not to include on a list of the best bagel toppings.
1. Cream Cheese (Plain or Flavored)
I mean, obviously... Cream cheese on a toasted bagel is one of the simplest and most satisfying things you can eat. But don't sleep on flavored cream cheese like scallion cream cheese - it's a classic for a reason, and I love making a quick dill and lemon zest cream cheese at home. Boursin is another must-try if you're looking for a velvety cheese spread.
Em's top-tip: let the cream cheese come to room temperature before spreading. It goes on smoother and you taste more of the flavor.
2. Smoked Salmon (Lox) with the Works
This is the bagel topping. The one that NYC is famous for and the one I ate approximately 47 times during my Christmas trip. A proper lox bagel needs cream cheese, thinly sliced red onion, capers, and a squeeze of lemon. Fresh dill is non-negotiable for me. I actually built an entire recipe around this combination when I made my smoked salmon bagel. It takes a traditional lox bagel up a notch with scrambled eggs, asparagus, and parmesan. It's become one of my favorite brunch recipes.
So you know: There's actually a difference between lox, smoked salmon, and gravlax. Lox is salt-cured and silky, smoked salmon has a firmer texture and smoky flavor, and gravlax is cured with sugar, salt, and dill. All three work beautifully on a bagel, but they taste different so i'd recommend trying them side by side if you get the chance!
3. Bacon, Egg & Cheese
The BEC (Bacon, Egg & Cheese) is a bit of an institution. In New York, they're so easy to pick up on your way to work in the morning and you can eat it wrapped in foil on the subway. At home, I fry the egg so the edges get crispy, air fry my bacon, use a thick slice of American or cheddar cheese, and toast the everything bagel until it's dark golden. A drizzle of hot sauce or homemade kewpie mayo takes it over the top.
4. Butter (Yes, Just Butter)
Don't underestimate a toasted bagel with a generous amount of good salted butter. An everything bagel, toasted dark, with a generous layer of butter is genuinely one of the best things you can eat for breakfast if you're looking for something quick, simple and satisfying. The caramelization of the garlic and sesame seeds with the butter is incredible. I know it sounds basic, but I'll fight for this one.
5. Peanut Butter + Banana + Honey
On a cinnamon raisin bagel, peanut butter, banana and honey is essentially dessert for breakfast and I'm here for it. The crunch of a well-toasted bagel with creamy peanut butter, sliced banana, and a drizzle of honey is comfort food at its finest. You can swap in almond butter or sunflower seed butter if peanut isn't your thing.
Savory Bagel Toppings (For Lunch and Beyond)
Now we're onto my favorite full-on savory bagel toppings. These are the combos that lean into bold, punchy flavors like herby pesto, open-faced tuna melts, and loaded pizza bagels. If you've never considered a bagel as a lunch or dinner option, this section is about to change your mind.
6. Hummus + Cucumber + Tomato
This is my go-to when I want something light but still filling. Spread a thick layer of hummus on both halves, then pile on sliced cucumber, tomato, and a pinch of flaky salt. If you have za'atar, sprinkle it on generously because it transforms the whole thing. For an extra kick, try adding my roasted red pepper hummus instead of plain hummus, you won't regret it.
7. Avocado + Fried Egg + Chili Flakes
Personally, I find this so much more delicious than traditional avocado toast. The chewiness of the bagel adds a texture that regular toast just can't match. I like to smash the avocado with a little lime, salt, and a pinch of garlic powder, then top with a fried egg and a generous shake of chili flakes or chili crisp. If you don't have chili oil on hand my guide to the best chili oil substitutes has you covered.
8. Turkey, Swiss Cheese & Dijon Mustard
This is a classic deli sandwich that works beautifully on a toasted everything bagel. Layer sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, a swipe of Dijon mustard, and some crisp lettuce. Simple, satisfying, and it packs well for lunch on the go.
9. BLT with Avocado
Crispy bacon, ripe tomato, crunchy lettuce, and creamy avocado on a toasted sesame bagel is top tier. I like to add a thin spread of mayo (or my homemade kewpie mayo) and a good crack of black pepper. This is the bagel sandwich I make when I want something that is quick, feels indulgent but still has vegetables in it.
10. Tuna Melt
This is a brilliant bagel topping combination for an open-faced bagel. Simply mix your tuna salad, spread it on a toasted bagel half, top with a shredded cheddar, and pop it under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you love tuna melts, I think you'll really enjoy my tuna melt recipe which uses the same technique on sourdough. The filling is made from canned tuna, red onion, pickles, capers, pickled jalapeños, yogurt, mayonnaise, and honey, and it works brilliantly on a bagel too.
11. Pizza Bagel
Considering they're both round, I guess it makes sense that bagels make great pizzas too! Just split a plain bagel, spread with marinara sauce, top with mozzarella and your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, bell pepper, mushroom etc etc), and broil for 5-6 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy. These are nostalgic, fun, and honestly a great weeknight dinner when you don't know what to eat.
12. Egg Salad + Fresh Dill
A well-made egg salad on a poppy seed bagel is seriously underrated. I chop the eggs roughly so you still get chunks, mix with a little mayo, Dijon, salt, pepper, and lots of fresh dill. If you're a fan of egg dishes, you'll love my dill pickle egg salad - the pickle brine adds a tangy kick that's so good on a bagel.
13. Pesto + Fresh Mozzarella + Tomato
Yes, a caprese bagel! This works best in summer when tomatoes are at their peak. Spread pesto on both halves, layer with thick slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a few basil leaves. If you want to make your own pesto, my pistachio pesto is a really fun twist on the classic.
Creative & Global Bagel Toppings (The Ones That Surprised Me)
This is where it gets interesting. These are the toppings I discovered through friends, late-night Reddit rabbit holes, and my own kitchen experiments... and honestly, they've really changed the way I think about bagels.
14. Cream Cheese + Chili Crisp
If you haven't tried this yet, please do it immediately. Take a toasted everything bagel, spread with plain cream cheese, and spoon chili crisp right on top. The contrast of cool, tangy cream cheese with crunchy, spicy, garlicky chili oil is addictive. This was one of the most popular suggestions I've seen in online bagel communities, and after trying it, I completely understand why. If you want to make your own, my Vietnamese-inspired chili oil with lemongrass would be incredible here.
15. Labneh + Za'atar + Olive Oil
This is my favorite discovery of the past year. Labneh (strained yogurt, thicker and tangier than Greek yogurt) spread on a toasted sesame bagel, then drizzled with good olive oil and sprinkled with za'atar. It's creamy, herby, and incredibly satisfying. If you haven't cooked with za'atar before, it's a Middle Eastern spice blend made with dried thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac. It adds an earthy, slightly tangy flavor that's completely different from anything you'd normally put on a bagel... and it's wonderful.
16. Cream Cheese + Furikake
Here's one that might sound unusual if you've never tried it, but furikake (Japanese rice seasoning made with sesame seeds, seaweed, and bonito flakes) on cream cheese is genuinely delicious. The umami from the seaweed and bonito, combined with the nutty sesame and the tanginess of cream cheese, creates something really special. This works best on a sesame or plain bagel.
17. Goat Cheese + Tomato + Fresh Basil
Tangy, creamy goat cheese is a beautiful alternative to cream cheese. Spread it on a toasted plain bagel, top with thick-cut tomato, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. If you love goat cheese, you should also check out my goat cheese pasta because it uses the same tangy, creamy base in a completely different way.
18. Ricotta + Honey + Walnuts + Black Pepper
This is a bit of a sweet-meets-savory dream. Spread thick ricotta on a plain or poppy seed bagel, drizzle with honey, scatter over some roughly chopped toasted walnuts, and finish with a generous crack of black pepper. The pepper is actually really key here as it cuts through the sweetness and makes the whole thing taste more complex. Definitely worth a try!
19. Cream Cheese + Pickled Jalapeños
Spicy, tangy, and creamy... this combination hits every note. Spread cream cheese on a toasted everything bagel and top with sliced pickled jalapeños. Some people add a slice of deli meat too, but I think it's perfect just like this. It's quick, requires no cooking, and it packs way more flavor than you'd expect.
20. Cream Cheese + Steak Seasoning
This one came from a Reddit thread and sounded so weird that I had to try it. Turns out, steak seasoning (which is basically coarsely ground black pepper, garlic, coriander, dill, and red pepper flakes) is amazing on cream cheese. It's bold, savory, and a little spicy. Especially good on an everything bagel.
21. Scrambled Egg + Sautéed Mushrooms + Truffle Oil
If you want to make a special occasion bagel, this is it. Soft scrambled eggs, a pile of sautéed mushrooms, and just a tiny drizzle of truffle oil on a toasted plain bagel. It feels fancy without being complicated, and the truffle oil elevates the mushrooms into something really luxurious.
Em's top-tip: everyone's taste buds are different but i'd recommend going light on the truffle oil. You can always add more, but it's a strong flavor that's hard to take away if you're overly generous at the start.
22. Hash Browns + Bacon + Runny Egg + Cheese
I'm calling this the "full breakfast bagel" and it is ridiculous in the best way. A crispy hash brown patty (try my air fryer hash browns for this!), crispy bacon, a runny fried egg, and melted cheese on a toasted everything bagel. It's probably weekend-only territory when you have a bit more time, but absolutely worth it.
23. Black Pudding + Fried Egg
This one's for my fellow Brits. I came across someone on Reddit who made a bagel with black pudding, fried egg, and tattie scones (a Scottish griddle cake traditionally made from mashed potatoes, flour, butter, and salt), and it sounded like the most gloriously indulgent breakfast. If you're from the UK or have access to black pudding, this is a brilliant twist on the traditional full English... all in one bagel!.
24. Brie + Smoked Salmon
Creamy, rich Brie replaces cream cheese here and it is gorgeous. The mild, buttery flavor of Brie with the smokiness of the salmon creates a more elegant, French-inspired take on the classic lox bagel. A squeeze of lemon and some fresh dill ties it together really nicely too!
25. Cream Cheese + Sun-Dried Tomato + Basil
Sun-dried tomatoes are intensely sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. I chop them finely and mix into cream cheese with some fresh basil, or just scatter them on top. This works on pretty much any bagel and it's a great way to use up leftover sun-dried tomatoes.
Sweet Bagel Toppings (For When You Want Something Indulgent)
26. Nutella + Strawberries
This one is very luxurious and I make sure to save it for special occasions only. I like to spread Nutella on a toasted cinnamon raisin bagel and top with sliced fresh strawberries. It's another dessert for breakfast option and it's delicious.
27. Cream Cheese + Berry Jam
Simple, classic, and honestly one of the most comforting breakfasts on this list. I love strawberry jam or raspberry preserves on a plain or cinnamon raisin bagel with a thick layer of cream cheese underneath. It might sounds strange but you won't regret it.
28. Apple Butter + Cream Cheese
Apple butter on a warm, toasted bagel is a fall morning dream. The warm spices and concentrated apple flavor with tangy cream cheese is cozy and satisfying. If you haven't tried apple butter before, it's much thicker and more intensely flavored than applesauce - super delicious!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Bagel
I've toasted a lot of bagels at this point, and here are the tips that actually make a difference:
- Always toast. A toasted bagel holds toppings better, tastes more flavorful, and has a better contrast between the crispy outside and chewy inside. Even if you're just adding cream cheese.
- Let cream cheese come to room temperature. Cold cream cheese tears the bagel. Room temp cream cheese spreads like a dream and you taste more flavor.
- Don't overload. I know it's tempting, but three or four well-chosen toppings will always taste better than eight fighting for attention. Follow the 3-layer rule!
- Slice your onions paper-thin. Whether it's red onion on a lox bagel or pickled onions on a sandwich, thin is the way. Thick onion slices overpower everything.
- Toast open-faced first, then build. Toasting the cut sides gives you a better base. Build your toppings on the warm, crispy surface.
- Make your own bagels. If you've never tried it, my 3-ingredient bagel recipe uses only self-raising flour, Greek yogurt, and poppy seeds. They come together in about 40 minutes and are perfect for a weekend batch.
Which Bagel Type Should You Choose?
People spend a lot of time thinking about toppings, because of course they're super important. But, a brilliant bagel topping needs to be paired with the perfect bagel to get the most out of the combo. Here's my personal ranking for the most versatile types:
- Everything bagel: the all-rounder, works with almost any savory topping
- Sesame bagel: my personal favorite for salmon bagels and Asian-inspired toppings
- Plain bagel: the blank canvas for bold or delicate flavors
- Poppy seed bagel: classic with lox, underrated with egg salad
- Cinnamon raisin bagel: sweet toppings only, don't try to make it savory (I've tried, it doesn't work)
- Onion bagel: fantastic for deli sandwiches
And this is just scratching the surface... there are so many other bagel varieties out there like jalapeño, asiago cheese, pumpernickel, blueberry, and sun-dried tomato. If you can find them at your local bakery or bagel shop, they're absolutely worth experimenting with.
FAQs
Cream cheese is by far the most popular bagel topping and for good reason! It's creamy, tangy, and works with almost everything. After that, smoked salmon with cream cheese (the classic lox bagel) and bacon, egg, and cheese are the most popular combinations you'll find in delis across the country.
Everything bagels are incredibly versatile because the garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds add built-in flavor. My favorites are cream cheese with lox and capers, bacon egg and cheese, avocado with a fried egg, or cream cheese with chili crisp. The seasoning on an everything bagel means your toppings don't have to work as hard.
Bagels are carb-dense, which means they're great for sustained energy. The key is what you put on them... pairing a bagel with protein (like eggs, smoked salmon, or nut butter) and healthy fats (like avocado) makes it a balanced meal. I wouldn't stress about it. A bagel with good toppings is a solid breakfast or lunch.
Lox is cured in salt and has a silky, delicate texture with a clean, briny flavor. Smoked salmon is both cured and smoked, giving it a firmer texture and a distinctly smoky taste. Gravlax is cured with salt, sugar, and dill for a lightly sweet, herbal flavor. All three are delicious on a bagel and it comes down to personal preference!
Yes! Slice them in half before freezing so you can toast them straight from the freezer. They'll keep for about 3 months in a freezer bag. I always have a stash of frozen bagels ready for busy mornings.
Looking For More Food Topping Inspiration?
If you loved this guide, you might also enjoy my other toppings guides.
25+ Best Bagel Toppings (From Classic to Creative)
Ingredients
- 25+ Best Bagel Toppings (From Classic to Creative)
Instructions
- Browse all of the Bagel Toppings further up in the blog and pick any you'd like to make.
- Follow the recipe and add toppings to your bagel.
- Serve up with any sides you like and enjoy!
Holls
Great options here!