Bagel Toast ~ whether it’s a Game Day bagel bar for a crowd, or a quick snack for one, these bagel toasts are hearty, healthy, and yummy ~ you can layer them up in a million delicious ways, so let’s get started!
bagel toast is a satisfying snack
You know, there’s summer snacking, and then there’s winter snacking, and they’re very different animals. Summer snacking is light and airy…sometimes a summer snack is hardly any calories at all. Winter snacking’s not that. Winter snacks have to have some substance because, well, it’s cold out there, and cold makes you hungry. Not sure why, but it’s a fact. These hearty bagel toasts are definitely on team winter.
move over avocado toast!
Bagel toast starts with top quality, really fresh bagels, so don’t settle. Most large supermarkets have bakeries that make bagels, and most towns have a great bagel store.
to toast, or not to toast?
- Purists say a truly fresh bagel should be eaten untoasted so you can appreciate the chewy crust and soft interior. New Yorkers in particular will tell you that toasting is only for day-old bagels.
- The rest of us happily toast away, because a little heat brings out the flavor, crisps the cut surface, and creates the perfect contrast with cream cheese, butter, or melted toppings. In other words: fresh = try it plain, day-old = toast it, and always follow your own pleasure.
the schmears
The first layer on any bagel toast is the schmear: A schmear is a generous, unapologetic swipe of cream cheese (or anything spreadable) on a bagel ~ not a polite little layer, but a full, luxurious slather.
The word comes from Yiddish shmirn, meaning “to spread,” and made its way into New York deli culture in the early 20th century along with bagels, lox, and all the good things.
bagel toppings
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Goat cheese crumbles
- Roast beef
- Black forest ham
- Baby arugula
- hard cooked eggs
- Smoked salmon
I also used olives, cherry tomatoes, sprouts, thinly sliced red onions and hot peppers, chopped beets, fresh herbs, cucumber and Granny Smith apple slices ~ even fresh berries.
variation suggestions
These bagel toasts are the perfect canvas for any homemade spread…
- try my Homemade Boursin Cheese Recipe
- homemade Hummus in any of a number of flavors
- one of my favorite bagel toppings is a classic Lox Cream Cheese Schmear Recipe
- this luscious MUHAMMARA would be a fabulous base for one of these bagel toasts!
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Bagel Toasts
Ingredients
- 8 bagels, allow 1/2 per person for snacks, and 1 per person for a more substantial meal
creamy base layer, your choice
- 8 ounces cream cheese, low fat or regular
- 1 cup hummus
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup olive tapenade
toppings, your choice
- thinly sliced deli meat, turkey, ham, roast beef, or Italian cold cuts
- smoked salmon
- sliced apples or pears
- sliced cucumbers or radishes
- baby greens or microgreens
- sprouts
- cherry tomatoes
- olives
- thinly sliced red onion
- thin slices of hot pepper
- fresh herbs like basil, dill, thyme and parsley
- berries
Instructions
- Cut the bagels in half with a sharp serrated bread knife. To toast or not is up to you, I don’t.
- Spread each half generously with a base layer.
- Top with one to three toppings.
- If you want to get a head start, prep your toppings ahead of time and refrigerate. Assemble the bagels just before serving. If you like you can set everything out on a table and let people assemble their own.
I grew up in NYC so I have a VERY special spot in my heart (and tummy) for a good bagel! You can imagine how much I love this and a good bagel bar! Love the creative toppings, Sue!
How did you know! This is my new favorite. Everyone of them looks so good.
Oh my! So many fabulous toppings. I don’t think I could choose…I guess I’ll have to try them all!
I give bagel toasts to my son as a snack all the time! I love versatile ingredients, and he loves to get creative with them. Great post!
I want to take a bite of each of those bagels!! They all look so delicious! And you are right, we snack differently with the seasons!!
Yup, my winter snacks are definitely heartier than my summer ones! So this is perfect — filling and healthy. Thanks!
Breakfast or a snack is always a win in my book.
This is a great idea. No Pavilions here, but we have Trader Joe’s, Sprouts and Whole Foods. For great bagels I go to Panera. Sometimes I run out of ideas for light meals or snacks (I’m pre-diabetic), but this is great. Nuts and apples on a bagel would make a very nice lunch. Great ideas. Thanks so much.
This looks delicious snack
thank you for sharing
What a great bagel party! I could snack on these all day long, Sue.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Angie 🙂
My tummy is rumbling right now – and oatmeal may not satisfy since I’m craving a sesame bagel with plenty of toppings after seeing your gorgeous post! Outstanding ideas for a delicious treat!