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What to Serve with Bagels? Must Try 14 Side Dishes

Discovering new ways to spruce up an old classic like a bagel is always welcome news.

That’s why I’m excited to present these 14 side dishes.

With this simple and tasty lineup, you can make the most of your next bagel breakfast or brunch!

From traditional accompaniments like smoked fish and cream cheese to surprising options such as fruit salad or roasted vegetables, there’s something scrumptious for everyone.

Read on for all the details: get ready to discover some delicious recipes that are sure to enhance any meal featuring everyone’s favorite ring-shaped roll!

What to Serve with Bagels? Must Try 14 Sides

1. Cream Cheese

There’s nothing quite like a good bagel with cream cheese.

The creamy, smooth texture of the cheese pairs perfectly with the chewy bagel.

And there are endless ways to customize your cream cheese dish to make it even more delicious.

Cream cheese is fairly bland on its own, so it’s important to add some flavor to it.

One way to do this is to add some fresh herbs like chives or dill.

You could also add some smoked salmon or another type of fish.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add some fruit jam or preserves.

Another way to elevate your cream cheese dish is to use flavored cream cheese.

There are all sorts of flavors available these days, from pumpkin spice to sun-dried tomato.

Or you could go for a more classic flavor like onion and chive.

2. Lox

Lox is a type of salmon that has been cured in a mixture of salt, sugar, and other spices.

It is then typically smoked, although it can also be eaten raw.

Lox has a very distinctive flavor that is both salty and slightly sweet.

The texture of lox is also very smooth and creamy.

There are many ways to enjoy lox.

It can be eaten on its own or added to other dishes such as bagels, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Lox pairs particularly well with cream cheese, cucumber, red onion, capers, and dill.

If you’re looking to elevate your lox dish, consider adding some fresh herbs or citrus zest to the cream cheese spread.

You could also top your bagel or sandwich with avocado or roasted tomatoes for an extra boost of flavor.

3. Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is a dish that can be enjoyed all year round, thanks to the abundance of fruit that is always in season.

This dish is not only healthy and refreshing, but it’s also incredibly easy to make.

And, with a few simple tips, you can elevate your fruit salad to gourmet status.

When it comes to taste and texture, the sky’s the limit when it comes to fruit salad.

You can mix and match different fruits to create a flavor profile that suits your taste buds.

For a slightly sweet salad, try pairing ripe peaches with juicy watermelon.

Or, for a tart twist, mix together grapefruit, pomegranate seeds, and oranges.

The possibilities are endless.

As for tips on elevating your fruit salad, consider adding a flavorful vinaigrette or dressing.

Or, for an extra bit of sweetness, drizzle the salad with honey or top it with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

You could also add some crunch by topping the salad with chopped nuts or granola.

Finally, don’t forget the garnish.

A sprig of mint or basil adds both flavor and visual appeal.

4. Salmon Gravlax

Salmon Gravlax is a traditional Scandinavian dish that is made with fresh salmon, salt, sugar, and dill.

The salmon is cured in the salt and sugar mixture for 24 hours, then rinsed and thinly sliced.

Gravlax has a delicate flavor that is slightly salty and sweet.

The texture is soft and flaky.

There are many ways to enjoy gravlax.

It can be served as an appetizer with crackers or bread or as a main course with potatoes and vegetables.

For a special occasion, try serving gravlax on top of scrambled eggs or in a bagel with cream cheese.

5. Beans and Greens

There are endless possibilities when it comes to side dishes, but sometimes the simplest ones are the best.

Take beans and greens, for example.

This dish is not only healthy and flavorful but also incredibly easy to make.

The key to making this dish great is to choose the right beans and greens.

For the beans, we recommend using either cannellini or great northern beans.

For the greens, we recommend using either kale or Swiss chard.

The combination of these two ingredients will create a dish that is both earthy and nutritious.

To elevate this dish, we suggest adding some roasted cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

The tomatoes will add a touch of sweetness, while the Parmesan will add a touch of saltiness.

These simple additions will take this dish from good to great.

6. Egg Salad

Egg salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

The classic egg salad is made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and mustard.

It is then typically served on bread or crackers as a sandwich or snack.

The taste and texture of egg salad can vary depending on how it is prepared.

Some people prefer a creamier egg salad, while others like it to be more firm.

The addition of chopped celery, onions, and pickles can also add a bit of crunch to the dish.

If you are looking for a bit of a flavor boost, try adding some dill or smoked paprika to your egg salad.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to elevating your egg salad dish.

If you are feeling adventurous, try using avocado instead of mayonnaise for a healthier version of the dish.

You could also add some protein to your egg salad by mixing in some shredded chicken or tuna.

For a vegetarian option, try adding some chickpeas or lentils.

The possibilities are endless.

7. Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

The most common way to eat chicken salad is on top of a bed of greens, but it can also be eaten as a sandwich or wrap filling or even straight out of the bowl as a snack.

The taste and texture of chicken salad will vary depending on the ingredients used.

The base of the salad is usually shredded or diced chicken, mixed with mayonnaise, yogurt, or both.

From there, additional flavors and textures can be added in, such as chopped celery, grapes, nuts, and dried fruit.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to elevating chicken salad.

For example, you could add some spice with curry powder or cumin.

Or, for a more tropical flavor, mix in some mango or pineapple chunks.

If you’re looking for more of a hearty dish, add in some cooked quinoa or rice.

And finally, don’t forget the garnishes.

A sprinkle of finely chopped herbs or a drizzle of your favorite dressing can take this dish from good to great.

8. Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is a dish that is often overlooked but can be so delicious when done right.

The key to a good tuna salad is all in the ingredients.

You want to make sure that you use fresh, high-quality tuna and mix it with flavorful ingredients.

The taste of tuna salad should be light and refreshing.

The texture should be creamy but not too dense.

The best way to achieve this is to use mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as your base.

Then, add in some diced celery and red onion for crunch.

For sweetness, add in grapes or dried cranberries.

Tuna salad is a great dish to serve on its own or as a side.

If you’re serving it as a side, pair it with something like roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables.

If you’re serving it on its own, consider adding some chopped hard-boiled eggs or crumbled bacon for extra protein and flavor.

9. Vegetable Cream Cheese

Move over, plain cream cheese.

It’s time to give vegetable cream cheese a try.

This flavorful spread is perfect for bagels, sandwiches, and crackers.

And it’s so easy to make at home.

Vegetable cream cheese is made by blending softened cream cheese with shredded or chopped vegetables.

The most popular vegetables to use are carrots, onions, and celery.

But feel free to get creative and use whatever you have on hand.

This spread is packed with flavor and has a great texture.

The vegetables add a lovely crunch that takes the dish to the next level.

If you want to elevate your vegetable cream cheese even further, try adding in some fresh herbs or spices – a little bit goes a long way.

10. Blueberry Lemon Preserves

Whether you make them yourself or buy them at the store, blueberry lemon preserves are a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year long.

The sweetness of the blueberries is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the lemon, making for a preserve that is both flavorful and versatile.

As far as texture goes, blueberry lemon preserves are on the thick side.

This makes them perfect for spreading on toast or using as a filling in between cake layers.

If you’re looking for something a little thinner, you can always add a little water or juice to thin out the preserves.

There are endless ways to enjoy blueberry lemon preserves.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to elevate this dish:

  • Serve blueberry lemon preserves over goat cheese for a unique and decadent appetizer.
  • Mix blueberry lemon preserves with yogurt for a healthy and flavorful breakfast or snack.
  • Use blueberry lemon preserves as a glaze on grilled chicken or pork for a sweet and savory main course.

11. Apricot Honey Preserves

Looking for a sweet and tangy addition to your morning bagel? Look no further than apricot honey preserves.

This preserve is made with fresh apricots and pure honey, resulting in a perfectly balanced sweetness with a hint of acidity.

The texture is smooth and spreadable, making it ideal for spreading on toast or bagels.

For an elevated breakfast spread, try pairing apricot honey preserves with cream cheese and fresh berries.

The sweetness of the preserves will complement the creaminess of the cheese, while the berries add a pop of color and freshness.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to really bring out the flavors.

12. Quince Membrillo

Quince membrillo is a fruit paste that originates from Spain.

It’s made with quinces that have been cooked down and then combined with sugar to create a thick, spreadable paste.

The final product has a deep, ruby color and a firm texture.

This fruit paste is often eaten as is or used as a filling for pastries.

It can also be paired with cheese, making it an ideal accompaniment for a cheese plate.

If you’re looking for a unique way to elevate your next cheese board, try pairing it with quince membrillo.

The sweet-tart flavor of the fruit paste will complement any hard or semi-hard cheese beautifully.

  • Slice it thinly and serve it alongside aged cheddar or manchego cheese.
  • Spread it on toast and top with crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts.
  • Mix it into yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet breakfast treat.
  • Use it as a filling for tarts or pies in place of jam or jelly.

13. Fig Spread

When it comes to finding the perfect bagel topping, there are endless possibilities.

But if you’re looking for something unique and delicious, you can’t go wrong with fig spread.

This sweet and savory spread is made with fresh figs, sugar, and spices.

It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it pairs perfectly with all types of bagels.

The taste and texture of fig spread are similar to that of a jam or preserves.

The spread is thick and slightly chunky, with a deep brown color.

The flavor is sweet and slightly earthy, with hints of cinnamon and cloves.

Fig spread is also very versatile.

You can use it as a condiment for sandwiches or wraps, or you can simply enjoy it on its own with a spoon.

If you want to elevate your fig spread, there are a few things you can do.

First, try serving it warm.

Simply place the fig spread in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s warmed through.

This will help bring out the flavors even more.

You can also add a dollop of fig spread to your favorite desserts, like ice cream or cheesecake.

14. Spicy Tomato Jam

This Spicy Tomato jam is the perfect addition to your bagel spread.

It’s got a delicious taste and a great texture that will elevate your bagels to the next level.

Plus, it’s easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.

The first thing you’ll notice about this Spicy Tomato jam is its amazing taste.

It’s sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy all at the same time.

The tomato flavor is really well balanced and not too overpowering.

The texture is also perfect – it’s thick and spreadable but not too runny.

  • Serve it with cream cheese or goat cheese for an extra creamy and rich flavor.
  • Add a dollop of jam to your favorite soup or chili recipe for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Use it as a glaze for grilled chicken or fish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many delicious side dishes that go great with bagels.

I hope this blog post has helped you decide what to serve with your bagels.

Be sure to try out some of these recipes, and let us know how it went.

And don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family so they can try out these recipes too.

What to Serve with Bagels? Must Try 14 Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Cream Cheese
  • 2. Lox
  • 3. Fruit Salad
  • 4. Salmon Gravlax
  • 5. Beans and Greens
  • 6. Egg Salad
  • 7. Chicken Salad
  • 8. Tuna Salad
  • 9. Vegetable Cream Cheese
  • 10. Blueberry Lemon Preserves
  • 11. Apricot Honey Preserves
  • 12. Quince Membrillo
  • 13. Fig Spread
  • 14. Spicy Tomato Jam

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!