What to Serve with Bagels – 8 Amazing Sides to Try

There is no wrong way to enjoy a bagel. Whether you like them plain, with cream cheese, or flavored with everything seasoning, the options are endless. But what about the sides? What can you serve with bagels to make your breakfast or lunch complete?

I have been a die-hard fan of bagels since my teen years. I would go to the local bagel shop and order everything on my bagel with extra cream cheese. My friends would make fun of me, but I didn’t care. I loved my bagels, and I still do today.

These days, I like to mix things up and try new flavor combinations. And while I still love a good everything bagel with cream cheese, I’ve also discovered that there are so many other delicious things you can put on or beside a bagel – and not just for breakfast.

Here are 11 of my favorite side dishes to serve with bagels:

Sides for Bagels

1. Variety of Cream Cheeses
2. Steak and Eggs
3. Scrambled Eggs
4. Chocolate Chip Pancakes
5. Oatmeal
6. Simple Tuna Salad
7. Fruit Salad
8. Hash Browns

Cream Cheese

The most important part of any bagel is the cream cheese. I like to have a variety of flavors on hand so that everyone can find their favorite. Some of my favorites include:

• Plain
• Chive and onion
• Strawberry
• Blueberry

I already told you how much I love cream cheese, but it’s worth mentioning again. Not only is it delicious, but it also provides a good base for the other toppings.

Steak and Eggs

When you combine meat and eggs, the side dish is a load of protein that will help you power through your day. This dish is hearty and filling, making it the perfect accompaniment to a bagel.

Steak and eggs are another one of my favorite things to eat for breakfast. Especially when the steak is cooked to perfection and the eggs are nice and fluffy.

I like to add just a little bit of salt and pepper to my eggs so that the flavor of the steak comes through. And I always cook my steak medium-rare, so that it’s nice and juicy.

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are a great option for those who don’t like their eggs cooked all the way through. They are soft and fluffy and go great with a bagel.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, scrambled eggs are a great choice. They’re easy to make and can be customized to your liking. I like to add a little bit of cheddar cheese and green onions to my scrambled eggs.

Bagels are so delicious with eggs. I tend to make a big batch of scrambled eggs and add them to my bagel with some cheese and hot sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also make an egg Benedict.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

For those mornings when I want something sweet, I love to make chocolate chip pancakes and put them on top of my bagel. The syrup and the chocolate chips make a perfect combination.

Pancakes are a classic breakfast food, and there’s nothing better than starting your day with something sweet. Chocolate chip pancakes are one of my favorites and they go great with a bagel.

Oatmeal

You don’t know heaven on earth if you haven’t tried oatmeal with a bagel. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory.

I like to add some cinnamon and a little bit of brown sugar to my oatmeal,= so that it really feels like a treat.

But what really takes the oatmeal to the next level is when you add some fruit. I love to add bananas, strawberries, and blueberries.

Simple Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is one specialty that I love to put on my bagel. It’s simple to make and so delicious. All you need is some canned tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, and salt and pepper to taste.

Tuna salad is a great option if you’re looking for something light but filling. It’s perfect for lunch or as a snack. And you don’t even need to add much to it or possess exceptional culinary skills to prepare a banging tuna salad.

It’s simple and straightforward.

Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is a great way to get your daily dose of fruit – but in a way that it doesn’t feel like a chore. Having a variety of flavors, colors and tastes in one dish is always a good idea. What’s more? You can always mix it up and use whatever fruits are in season.

For a refreshing and healthy option, fruit salad is the way to go. I love to add a variety of fruits to my salad so that I get a little bit of everything.

My favorite fruits to add to a fruit salad are:

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Bananas

But you can really add any fruit that you like. In fact, you can even add some vegetables to your fruit salad if you want. I like to add diced celery and carrots for a little bit of crunch.

Hash Browns

Last but not least, you can’t go wrong with a classic side of hash browns. They are the perfect addition to any bagel – plain or flavored.

I like to season my hash browns with a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor. I also cook them until they’re nice and crispy every time.

Hash browns are a great option if you’re looking for something hearty and filling. They’re perfect for breakfast or brunch. And they go great with just about anything.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most popular thing to put on a bagel?

The most popular thing to put on a bagel is cream cheese. Other popular toppings include peanut butter, jelly, bacon, eggs, and tuna salad.

What is the best side dish for a bagel?

There are many great side dishes for a bagel. Some of my favorites include scrambled eggs, oatmeal, chocolate chip pancakes, and fruit

What is a schmear?

A schmear is a spread made from cream cheese, sour cream, and/or butter. It is often flavored with herbs, spices, or other ingredients. Schmears are popular condiments for bagels.

How do you make a perfect bagel?

There are many ways to make a perfect bagel. Some tips include: using high-quality ingredients and mixing the dough slowly. Remember that the more moisture the dough has, the crispier your bagels will turn out.

Sometimes, the dough can be stubborn – refusing to shape or knead the way you want it to. In those moments, let it rest, put it in the refrigerator for a short time and resume again.

What’s the difference between a bagel and a donut?

The main difference between a bagel is that it is baked, while a donut is deep-fried.

What can you eat with bagels if you don’t have cream cheese?

There are plenty of things you can eat with bagels if you don’t have cream cheese. Some of my favorites include peanut butter, jelly, bacon, eggs, and tuna salad. You can really put anything on a bagel – the sky’s the limit!

What are some unusual bagel toppings?

Some unusual bagel toppings include peanut butter and jelly, bacon and eggs, smoked salmon, and fruit. You may also stuff your bagel with some veggies. I like to add diced celery and carrots for extra crunch.

Conclusion

Bagels are such a versatile food – there are so many different ways that you can enjoy them. Whether you like your bagel with eggs, pancakes or tuna salad, there’s a perfect side dish for everyone.

No matter what you choose to put on your bagel, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

There is nothing better than a delicious bagel – and even better when it’s shared with friends. What are your favorite side dishes to serve with bagels? Let me know in the comments below!