Let’s be honest—store-bought bagels just don’t hit the same. One bite and you’re like, “Did this come from a bakery… or the back of a vending machine?” Dry edges, bland centers, and don’t even get me started on the disappointing sprinkle of “everything” seasoning that’s basically… nothing.
If you’ve ever stared at a bagel and thought, “I could totally make this better”—you’re right. And I’m here to back you up with flavor ideas that’ll level up your homemade game without turning your kitchen into a war zone.
Whether you’re deep into your DIY bagel era, hunting for kid-friendly flavors, or just tired of Googling “what to put on a bagel” every single morning—we’ve got you covered. From sweet combos that taste like dessert to savory bites that could double as a full-blown dinner, these bagel flavor ideas are perfect for anyone who’s ready to toss out the boring and bring in the bold.
So grab your flour, stretch those wrists, and let’s roll—your next batch of bagels is about to be the stuff of breakfast (and lunch… and midnight snack) legends.
1. Classic Everything Bagel (But Better at Home)
Ah, the everything bagel: the one that tries to do the most and somehow pulls it off every time. You don’t need a NYC deli to pull this off—just a little kitchen confidence and a DIY spice mix.
Why it’s worth it at home: You control the garlic level (vampires beware), the salt (some bagels are salt licks), and can skip the burnt onion bits if that’s not your thing. The homemade seasoning blend is literally just poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic and onion, and a little flaky salt. You probably already have this stuff lurking in your pantry.
Tips for the crust & chew:
• Boil in water with a touch of honey or baking soda before baking
• Use bread flour for that iconic chewiness
• Bake at a high temp (450°F-ish) for that golden, crackly exterior
Top it off with:
• Garlic cream cheese if you fear no breath
• Mashed avocado + chili flakes for a millennial power breakfast
• A fried or poached egg if you’re feeling bougie (and hungry)
2. Sweet Cinnamon Raisin with Honey Glaze
You know the one. It smells like a hug from Grandma and tastes like childhood before taxes. This is the breakfast bagel you eat when you want to pretend you’ve got your life together.
How to do it right: Add ground cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg to your dough, then knead in plump raisins (soak ’em first in warm water or juice for bonus points). Glaze with a honey + milk mixture while they’re still warm.
Pro tips:
• Use brown sugar in the dough for extra depth
• Don’t overdo the raisins unless you want to be that person picking them out mid-bite
• Honey glaze goes on after baking—think donut, not sticky mess
Spread pairings:
• Honey butter if you want to cry tears of joy
• Almond or cinnamon cream cheese for a grown-up twist
• Or heck, just plain butter and a sprinkle of flaky salt—sweet meets savory heaven
3. Savory Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels
If your taste buds like a little danger, this bagel’s got your name written all over it—preferably in melty cheese.
Here’s the debate: Cheese inside or on top? Answer: Why not both? Mix grated sharp cheddar into the dough for all-over flavor, then pile more on top right before baking. Pro tip: freeze the cheese topping first—it won’t burn as easily.
What about the spice? Chop fresh jalapeños (seeds in if you’re brave) and fold into the dough, or use pickled slices for a tangy punch. Want more control? Add them only on top.
Killer sandwich idea: Use this bagel for a sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich that slaps harder than your 7 a.m. alarm.
4. Blueberry Bagels with Lemon Cream Cheese
This one’s for brunch lovers, kid pleasers, and anyone who’s ever said “fruit counts as breakfast, right?”
Fresh vs. dried blueberries: Fresh give that jammy burst, but they can make the dough wet and unpredictable. Dried are way easier to work with and still super tasty—just soak ’em first to avoid chewy raisin vibes.
Pro dough tip: Add a splash of vanilla and a spoon of honey to the mix—it brings out the berry flavor in a big way.
Lemon cream cheese? Yes please. Mix softened cream cheese with lemon zest, a touch of lemon juice, and a tiny bit of powdered sugar. It’s basically sunshine in spreadable form.
5. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Bagels
Mediterranean picnic vibes? Yes, please. This bagel feels fancier than it is, and it’ll make your kitchen smell like a Tuscan garden.
How to flavor the dough: Chop sun-dried tomatoes (use the oil-packed ones for flavor) and fresh basil. Fold them in near the end of kneading. Bonus: add a pinch of oregano and garlic powder too.
Pair with these savory spreads:
• Whipped goat cheese
• Olive tapenade
• Pesto cream cheese
Make it a sandwich: Grilled chicken, fresh arugula, and provolone. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and just admit you peaked with this lunch.
6. Chocolate Chip Bagels for Dessert or Breakfast
For when you want to call a bagel breakfast but really just need chocolate before noon (no judgment).
Here’s the trick: Mini chocolate chips are best—they distribute better and melt just enough. Add a splash of vanilla extract to the dough to make it taste more like cookie heaven.
Baking note: Make sure your dough is cool-ish before folding in the chips or they’ll melt into a gooey mess before they even hit the oven.
Top with:
• Peanut butter
• Whipped cream cheese
• Nutella (a choice that says “I woke up and chose joy”)
7. Asiago Cheese Bagels
Cheese bagels deserve their own holiday. Especially the ones that get all brown and bubbly on top and make your kitchen smell like a pizza shop.
The secret to that golden crust: Grate your Asiago cheese fresh and sprinkle it on top after the bagel’s been boiled. Bake until it’s melted and browned—but not burnt. Watch it like it’s your favorite rom-com finale.
Inside tip: Some people like mixing a bit of cheese into the dough too. I say go for it if you’re feeling bold.
Build a sandwich with: Sliced turkey, roasted red peppers, and a pesto mayo that makes every bite feel like a gourmet lunch break.
8. Poppy Seed and Lemon Zest Bagels
Light, bright, and perfect for when you want a bagel that doesn’t feel like a brick in your stomach.
Flavor the dough: Add lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice to your mix—yes, really. It makes a huge difference. Then, roll the tops in poppy seeds after boiling.
Great with:
• Vanilla bean or honey mascarpone
• Whipped cream cheese with a hint of almond extract
• Or a swipe of butter and jam for a simple, sweet combo
Tea-time approved: Pair with a cup of Earl Grey and your fanciest loungewear (or pajamas—same thing these days).
9. Maple Bacon Bagels
You had me at bacon. And then again at maple. This one is a full brunch party baked into a handheld carb.
Work that bacon in: Crisp it up, crumble it, and let it cool before mixing it into your dough. Trust me—greasy bacon ruins everything (even friendships).
Flavor boost: Add a bit of maple syrup right into the dough or brush it on top after baking for a glossy, sweet finish.
Sandwich goals: Fried egg, cheddar, and a drizzle of syrup. It’s basically breakfast on beast mode.
10. Pumpkin Spice Bagels (Fall Favorite)
You knew this one was coming. You can’t swing a scarf in October without hitting something pumpkin-spiced, so why not your bagel?
What to use: Real pumpkin puree (not the pie filling kind) and your own spice blend. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves is all you need.
The result: A lightly sweet, warmly spiced bagel that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a fuzzy blanket.
Top it off with:
• Cinnamon cream cheese
• Maple walnut butter
• Or go full dessert with cream cheese frosting
11. Garlic and Herb Bagels
This is the bagel equivalent of comfort food wrapped in an Italian grandmother’s hug. Warm, savory, and ready to be slathered in butter or loaded into a sandwich that means business.
Which herbs work best? Stick with the classics: rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Dried herbs are totally fine here—just add them to your flour before mixing. A bit of garlic powder in the dough + roasted minced garlic folded in = heavenly.
Top with:
- Roasted garlic butter if you’re feeling decadent
- Herbed cream cheese for a deli-style bite
- Or stack it high with deli meats and provolone for a boss-level sandwich
Pro tip: Brush bagels with olive oil before baking and sprinkle with extra herbs and flaky salt. Your kitchen will smell like a fancy bakery with a garlic obsession. (Which, honestly, is my dream.)
12. Churro Bagels (Cinnamon Sugar-Coated Treats)
If a cinnamon donut and a bagel had a love child, this would be it. Perfect for dessert, or breakfast if your sweet tooth screams louder than your alarm clock.
How to coat them right: After boiling and baking, brush the bagels with melted butter while still warm and immediately roll in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. The crunch + softness = 10/10 texture party.
Flavor the dough: Add a little cinnamon and vanilla right into the mix for more depth. You could even sub a bit of brown sugar for white sugar if you’re feeling wild.
Spreads that slap:
- Vanilla bean butter (just whip softened butter with a splash of vanilla and powdered sugar)
- Cream cheese frosting if you’re fully committed to the dessert path
- Strawberry jam for a playful twist
13. Sesame Seed and Scallion Bagels
Think of this one as the plain sesame bagel’s cooler, sassier cousin—the one who always knows where to get the best takeout.
What makes it pop: Fresh scallions chopped into the dough give a mild onion flavor that’s just enough to be interesting but not overwhelming. The sesame seed topping adds that toasty nuttiness we all know and love.
Pro tip: Lightly toast your sesame seeds before topping for next-level flavor. Yes, it’s extra. Yes, it’s worth it.
Pairings that work:
- Chive cream cheese + smoked salmon
- Avocado slices with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes
- Egg salad with a little soy sauce twist (trust me, it works)
14. S’mores Bagels for Campfire Vibes
Because sometimes you just need chocolate, marshmallows, and carbs in one bite—and no campfire required.
How to make them fun: Use cocoa powder in the dough and fold in mini marshmallows + chocolate chunks. Then, sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top right before baking.
Optional extras (aka “live your best life” moves):
- Spread with marshmallow fluff and a drizzle of melted chocolate
- Make a dessert sandwich with whipped cream cheese and banana slices
- Or just eat it straight up, preferably while watching reruns of your favorite childhood show
15. Rosemary Olive Oil Bagels
Rustic, savory, and ideal for those “I’m pretending I’m in Tuscany but I’m really just hiding from laundry” moments.
In the dough: Use a good drizzle of olive oil and finely chopped fresh rosemary. It’s fragrant, flavorful, and gives your dough a beautiful softness. Don’t skimp—this is the star.
Topping tip: Brush the bagels with olive oil before baking and sprinkle with coarse salt or more rosemary for that artisan look (and taste).
Eat with:
- Soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese
- Hummus and roasted red pepper
- Or make a snack board featuring this bagel sliced up next to olives, cheese cubes, and nuts.
- Fancy picnic at your kitchen table, anyone?
16. Strawberry Shortcake Bagels
These are for the brunch hostess who shows up with pink bagels and doesn’t even apologize for it. They’re sweet, they’re adorable, and yes—they taste as good as they look.
How to get that pink hue: Pulse freeze-dried strawberries into a powder and mix it into your flour. It gives color, flavor, and zero sogginess (looking at you, fresh berries). Add a tiny splash of vanilla or almond extract for bakery vibes.
Top like a queen:
- Mascarpone + strawberry jam = instant shortcake
- Sweetened ricotta with a few fresh berries
- Whipped cream cheese with powdered sugar and lemon zest
Best served: At a baby shower, brunch buffet, or in bed on a lazy Sunday when you want to feel like royalty without leaving the house.
17. Caramel Apple Bagels
Okay, fall lovers—this one’s for you. It’s like a caramel apple you can eat without getting sticky fingers or stabbing your gums on a wooden stick.
Flavor bombs: Mix dried apple bits and caramel chips into the dough. (Or use butterscotch chips if caramel is elusive.) Add cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg to keep things warm and cozy.
Make it extra: Top with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with a simple caramel glaze post-bake. For the full experience, warm them up slightly before eating.
Spread it with:
- Apple pie cream cheese (just mix cream cheese with cinnamon and apple butter)
- Peanut butter if you’re feeling nostalgic
- Maple butter for a sweet + salty dream combo
18. Buffalo Cheddar Bagels
Spicy. Cheesy. Totally ready for game day. This one brings the heat and the cheese pull—what more could you ask for?
The method: Add shredded cheddar and buffalo seasoning into the dough. For extra heat, mix in a little hot sauce (but not too much—nobody wants a dough disaster).
Top with: More cheese, of course. You can even swirl in a bit of ranch seasoning on top before baking if you really want to blow minds.
Sandwich goals: Crispy chicken, a swipe of ranch or blue cheese dressing, and some crunchy lettuce. It’s everything your favorite buffalo wing could never be—portable and no messy fingers.
19. Mochi Matcha Bagels
If you love chewy textures and a little matcha magic, this one’s your bagel soulmate. Bonus: It looks so pretty you might hesitate to eat it. (Spoiler: you’ll still eat it.)
How to get that mochi texture: Replace a small portion of your flour with glutinous rice flour (not the same as regular rice flour—double-check that label!). It gives the bagel that stretchy, chewy vibe.
Flavor & color boost: Use a high-quality matcha powder and sift it into your dry mix. Not only will it taste earthy and slightly sweet, but it’ll also turn your dough a beautiful pale green.
Spread it with:
- Sweet red bean paste for an authentic twist
- Honey cream cheese for a simple contrast
- Or just butter and a sprinkle of sea salt if you want to keep it zen
20. Peanut Butter Banana Bagels
Aka: The Elvis Bagel. Rich, hearty, and totally indulgent. This one satisfies every craving in one chewy, golden round.
In the dough: Mash a ripe banana and mix it in, but go slow—too much moisture can throw off the texture. Use a bit of peanut butter powder or peanut flour to flavor without gumming up the dough.
Tips: Keep the mix-ins small and evenly distributed. You don’t want huge banana chunks causing chaos mid-bite.
How to eat it:
- With peanut butter and a drizzle of honey
- Cream cheese and chocolate chips for dessert vibes
- Or bacon. Yes, bacon. Just trust me.