She Strengthens

The Bagel Revival: 18 Healthier Toppings to Reinvent Your Favorite Treat

In a world where gluten-free diets and keto enthusiasts reign supreme, it’s bold to bring up the “B-word.” But we’re doing it anyway, because let’s face it – a dense, chewy, delicious bagel every now and then never hurt anyone.

The Case for Whole-Grain Bagels

Whole-grain options provide fiber, and with a little creativity, you can turn this morning staple into a nutritious powerhouse. From vegan cream cheese to tomato tapenade, we’ve got 18 healthier bagel toppings that will make you rethink your breakfast game.

1. Avocado Egg Salad

Ditch the mayo and swap it with mashed avocado for a creamy, dairy-free egg salad. Add some lemon and fresh herbs, and you’ve got a trendy breakfast that’s both healthy and delicious.

2. Turkey Apple Cheddar Bagel Melts

Take the classic grilled cheese to the next level by adding sliced turkey, apple, and horseradish mustard. This open-faced melt is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors without committing to a whole bagel.

3. Big Veg Bagel Sandwich

Pack a punch with this veggie-loaded bagel sandwich featuring goat cheese, honey, beets, and radishes. Even the hole in the middle is stuffed with sprouts!

4. Homemade Bagels with Coriander-Lime Hummus, Avocado, and Salmon

Make your own bagels from scratch and top them with a blender-made coriander-lime hummus, sliced avocado, and smoked salmon. This combo is a flavor explosion waiting to happen!

5. Open-Faced Bagel Breakfast Sandwich

Pile high your eggs, bacon, veggies, and cheese on an open-faced bagel, and you’ve got a fork-and-knife kind of meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

6. Goddess Curry Chicken Salad

This fresh and clean chicken salad features Greek yogurt, cilantro, and chopped pistachios. It’s a robust mixture that stands out even when sandwiched between dense bagel slices.

7. Ricotta and Radish Mini Bagels

Smooth ricotta provides the cream cheese substitute, while thinly sliced veggies add crunch. This refreshing combo is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

8. Toasted Tuna Everything Bagels

This tuna salad features celery, black pepper, and dill weed, giving you a familiar taste with a protein-packed punch. Add some shredded Parmesan for an extra boost.

Vegan Delights

Vegans, rejoice! You don’t have to give up bagels. Here are some vegan-friendly options to try:

9. Bang Bang Tofu Bagel

Pan-fry tofu until crispy and layer it onto bagels with a homemade sriracha and nut butter spread. It’s an easy and delicious vegan option.

10. “Tuna Salad” Sandwich

This vegan “tuna salad” made with cannellini beans, hummus, and chopped veggies is an excellent fish-free way to top up on nutrients.

Spreads Galore

Sometimes, you just want to spread, eat, and go. We’ve got you covered with these healthier spread options:

11. Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade Bagels

This tapenade fires on all cylinders with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fruity olives, and salty anchovies. Whip it up in just 1 minute in the food processor!

12. Homemade Vegan Tofu Cream Cheese

Ditch the packaged soy cream cheese and make your own with this simple recipe. Enjoy it plain, mixed with scallions, or kicked up with jalapeños!

13. Power Snack with DIY Maple-Coconut-Cinna-Almond Butter

Transform plain almond butter into a spread that’s perfect for bagels with healthy additions like cinnamon, sea salt, and maple syrup.

14. Homemade Natural Nut Butter and Chia Jam

Jazz up your nut butter with sweet and savory seasonings and pump up your jam with heart-healthy chia seeds. Customize to your heart’s content!

15. Smoked Salmon Spread with Greek Yogurt

Mix smoked salmon with Greek yogurt, shredded cucumbers, and dill for a Mediterranean-inspired twist on the classic lox.

16. Avocado White Bean Dip Sandwich

Blend avocado with a can of white beans for a smooth spread that falls somewhere between hummus and guacamole.

17. Cashew Cream Cheese

Turn cashew butter into vegan cream cheese with the easy addition of lemon juice and salt. Stir in your favorite flavorings and slather away!

18. 2-Minute Cinnamon Seed Butter

This spread has your good fats covered for the day with a variety of nuts and seeds plus olive oil. It’s perfectly cinnamony without being too sweet.

There you have it – 18 healthier bagel toppings to reinvent your favorite treat. So go ahead, indulge in that dense, chewy, delicious bagel. Your taste buds (and your diet) will thank you!