The Best Bagel Toppings beyond Cream Cheese

When looking for comfort food during these stressful pandemic times, carbs are always a delicious option. When looking to add some variety to your bready options, consider the beloved bagel. 

If you’re now craving a chewy bagel but aren’t able to make it to your favorite bagelry like Bruegger’s Bagels , then toast your own! But, don’t stop at just an egg bagel with a schmear of cream cheese. Add some new flavor-packed bagel toppings. Whether you prefer fruity, nutty, chocolatey, or veggie, here are four bagel toppings to help add some extra flavor!

Fruitylicious

Topping your bagel with a variety of fruit is a healthy way to cure your sugar craving! Transform your sweet-flavored bagel into a fruity bagel pizza . By piling on fruits like kiwi, berries, grapes, mandarin oranges, bananas, and apples, you can create a beautiful and healthy treat. Don’t forget the pizza “sauce” using a mixture of cream cheese, ricotta cheese, lemon zest, vanilla, and sugar. 

Pack in the Protein

Looking to add some protein and nutty flavor to your blueberry bagel? Then grab a jar of your favorite nut butter like almond, cashew, or peanut. With that base layer, you can add on bagel toppings like sliced bananas and honey or even some mini chocolate chips for the little bagel lovers in your family. 

Pure Indulgence

Are you a chocoholic? One easy, spreadable way to infuse a rich chocolate flavor into your chewy cinnamon raisin bagel is to spread on a layer of chocolate-hazelnut spread, like Nutella. But don’t stop there for a purely indulgent treat . Top that Nutella with your favorite salty and sweet treats like crushed pretzels, thinly sliced apples, potato chips, and toasted coconut. This bagel is a delicious combo of salty and sweet—it will cure your chocolate craving in no time!

Veggie Delight

If you’re hoping to balance out your carb intake with some healthy vegetable options, create a delicious veggie bagel sandwich for a light and healthy lunch . Instead of cream cheese, start with a layer of rich pesto aioli on an everything bagel and top with fresh tomatoes, arugula or spinach, red onion, sprouts, cucumber, and mozzarella cheese. Then, with butter on the outside of the bagel, toast it in a frying pan until browned. 

There are many options for exciting ways to dress up your bagel! Whether you prefer fruit, peanut butter, chocolate-hazelnut spread, or veggie, you can happily treat yourself to some comforting carbs anytime.