The History of Bagels and Tantalising Topping Suggestions

The bagel, a round bread with a hole in the middle (if you just got to earth), has a slightly fascinating history (if you wanted to know) and has become a staple in many breakfasts and brunches worldwide.

Despite its humble origins, the bagel has evolved into a versatile food item, enjoyed with various toppings and fillings.

We have a quick look into the rich history of the bagel and explore some delicious topping ideas for your next bagel feast. You are very welcome.

The Origin and Evolution of the Bagel

The exact origin of the bagel is a topic of some debate among food historians. However, it's widely believed that bagels can be traced back to 17th-century Poland. The bagel, known as "bajgiel" or "obwarzanek" in Polish, was created as a substitute for bread during the Christian holiday of Lent. The process of boiling the dough before baking it gave bagels their distinct chewy texture and a longer shelf life than regular bread.

Bagels were brought to the United States in the late 19th century by Eastern European Jewish immigrants, particularly those from Poland. The bagel quickly became popular in cities with large Jewish populations, such as New York City. In the mid-20th century, the invention of the bagel-making machine contributed to the mass production and widespread popularity of bagels in the United States.

Today, bagels can be found in various flavours and styles, from the traditional plain or poppy seed to more creative options like jalapeno-cheddar and cinnamon-raisin.

Tantalising Topping Suggestions

Bagels can be enjoyed plain, but why not elevate your bagel experience with some of these tasty topping suggestions?

Classic Cream Cheese: You can't go wrong with a generous spread of cream cheese on a toasted bagel. For added flavour, try flavoured cream cheese, such as chive, garlic, or strawberry.

Lox and Cream Cheese: A New York staple, top your bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon (lox), thinly sliced red onions, capers, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Avocado Toast Bagel: Mash a ripe avocado and spread it on your bagel, then top with cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of feta cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Peanut Butter and Banana: Spread peanut butter on your bagel and layer with banana slices. For a crunchier twist, add a sprinkle of granola or chia seeds.

Bagel Breakfast Sandwich: Create a hearty breakfast sandwich with a fried or scrambled egg, cheese, and your choice of bacon, sausage, or ham.

Veggie Delight: Spread a layer of hummus on your bagel, and top with cucumber slices, tomato, sprouts, and shredded carrots. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning.

Pizza Bagel: Transform your bagel into a mini pizza by topping it with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favourite pizza toppings. Bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Get Creative: It’s a free country, well depending where you live, so get creative, go mad, experiment, turn those morning blues into a barrel of funnsies.

The history of the bagel is a testament to the creativity and adaptability of food. From its origins in Poland to its current popularity in countries worldwide, the bagel has evolved to cater to various tastes and preferences. With so many flavours and topping options to choose from, there's a bagel combination out there for everyone.

Explore these delicious topping suggestions or get creative and create your own bagel masterpiece, alternatively if you have some bagels past their sell by date why not use them to play a game of wooden ring toss?