Some bagel flavors are classics for a reason—they’re dependable, satisfying, and never fail to make breakfast better. But sometimes, the usual choices just don’t cut it, and that’s where creative combos come in.
Think unexpected pairings that turn an ordinary bagel into something unforgettable. These picks deliver the best of both worlds: reliable favorites and bold new twists worth every bite.
1. Everything Bagel
Chaos in carb form! The Everything bagel is what happens when a baker can’t make up their mind and we’re all better for it. A glorious hodgepodge of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion flakes, garlic bits, and salt creates the ultimate flavor explosion.
The beauty lies in its versatility—pair it with cream cheese for breakfast, stack it with turkey and avocado for lunch, or enjoy it plain when you’re feeling snacky. No other bagel variety offers such a complete sensory experience.
2. Plain Bagel
Underestimate the Plain bagel at your own risk! This unassuming champion might lack flashy toppings, but its perfect chewy texture and subtle malty sweetness prove that sometimes less truly is more.
The Plain bagel is your blank canvas—slather it with flavored cream cheese, load it with lox, or transform it into a breakfast sandwich. Its neutral flavor profile makes it the most adaptable option in the bagel universe.
3. Cinnamon Raisin Bagel
Sweet tooth’s delight! Cinnamon Raisin bagels bring dessert vibes to breakfast without the guilt trip. Those warm spice swirls dancing through the dough and juicy raisin bursts create a sensory experience that’s basically aromatherapy you can eat.
Slather with butter while still warm and watch it melt into every nook and cranny. The contrast between the slightly crisp exterior and the soft, sweet interior creates a textural paradise that keeps you coming back for another bite.
4. Asiago Cheese Bagel
Cheese lovers, rejoice! Asiago bagels deliver a one-two punch of sharp, nutty cheese flavor baked right into the dough AND crowned with a crusty, caramelized cheese topping. The aroma alone is enough to make your stomach growl with anticipation.
Biting through that crispy cheese exterior reveals a tender interior where the Asiago has melted into the dough, creating pockets of intense flavor. These savory delights don’t need much dressing up—though a schmear of herb cream cheese takes them to stratospheric levels.
5. Sesame Bagel
Nutty, toasty perfection! Sesame bagels strike the ideal balance between plain and fancy with their golden seed coating that transforms into a fragrant, roasted delight when toasted. That subtle crunch when you bite through the seeds adds textural magic to every mouthful.
The tiny seeds pack a surprising flavor punch, lending a gentle nuttiness that complements both sweet and savory toppings. Try it with honey cream cheese for a sweet-savory combo that’ll blow your mind, or go traditional with smoked salmon and capers.
6. Blueberry Bagel
Purple-speckled happiness in carb form! Blueberry bagels bring a fruity twist to the bagel game, with sweet bursts of berry flavor throughout the dough. The gorgeous purple-blue marbling isn’t just for show—it signals pockets of jammy goodness waiting to be discovered.
These sweet treats shine brightest when lightly toasted and topped with plain cream cheese, creating that perfect berry-cheesecake vibe without the sugar crash. The subtle sweetness makes them surprisingly versatile, working well with both sweet and savory spreads.
7. Poppy Seed Bagel
Tiny seeds, massive flavor! Poppy seed bagels come dressed in thousands of crunchy little black dots that deliver a subtle nutty flavor and satisfying textural contrast. There’s something oddly satisfying about the way those seeds stick to everything—fingers, teeth, countertops—marking your bagel territory.
These bagels bring a gentle earthy undertone that pairs beautifully with cream cheese, lox, or even just a simple butter coating. The seeds toast up wonderfully, releasing aromatic oils that enhance the bagel’s overall flavor profile.
8. Onion Bagel
Not first-date friendly but soul-satisfying! Onion bagels hit you with that aromatic punch the moment the bag opens. Those caramelized onion bits baked into and sprinkled atop the dough create flavor depth that basic bagels can only dream about.
The magic happens when you toast these bad boys—the onion pieces get extra crispy while releasing their sweet-savory essence throughout. Paired with scallion cream cheese, they create an allium explosion that onion lovers consider heaven on earth.
9. Jalapeño Cheddar Bagel
Spice up your morning routine! Jalapeño Cheddar bagels deliver that perfect heat-meets-cheese combo that’ll wake up your taste buds faster than any cup of coffee. Those green pepper flecks studding the dough aren’t just for show—they pack a punch that builds with each bite.
The melted cheddar creates gorgeous orange-gold streaks throughout, offering pockets of gooey goodness and a sharp contrast to the pepper heat. When toasted, the cheese gets all crispy on the edges while the jalapeños release their oils into the dough.
10. Chocolate Chip Bagel
Breakfast or dessert? Who cares! Chocolate Chip bagels blur the line between morning meal and sweet treat in the most delicious way possible. Those melty morsels scattered throughout the dough create little treasure pockets of chocolatey joy in every bite.
The contrast between the slightly sweet bagel dough and rich chocolate chunks creates a flavor experience that satisfies without overwhelming. Toasting brings another dimension as the chips get all gooey while the exterior crisps up.
11. Salt Bagel
Criminally underrated! Salt bagels shine with their crystal-studded exteriors that crunch between your teeth before giving way to that perfect chewy interior. Those large salt crystals aren’t just for show—they create flavor explosions that enhance the bagel’s natural yeasty goodness.
The beauty lies in the contrast: salty exterior meets subtle, malty interior. This makes them particularly fantastic with sweet toppings like honey butter or fruity cream cheese, where they create that addictive sweet-salty dynamic.
12. Whole Wheat Bagel
Health-conscious without the cardboard taste! Whole Wheat bagels bring nutty depth and genuine nutritional benefits to the bagel party. Their rustic brown appearance signals extra fiber and nutrients hiding in that chewy ring.
The slightly earthy flavor profile stands up beautifully to robust toppings like smoked salmon, avocado, or hearty veggie cream cheese. You’ll notice complex grain notes that plain bagels simply can’t deliver, making each bite more interesting.
13. Garlic Bagel
Vampire repellent never tasted so good! Garlic bagels announce themselves with an aroma that fills the room and promises bold flavor in every bite. Those golden bits of roasted garlic baked into the dough create flavor bombs that explode with each chew.
The garlicky goodness intensifies when toasted, as the heat releases more of those aromatic oils throughout the bagel. Paired with herb cream cheese or used as the foundation for an Italian-inspired sandwich, they transform an ordinary meal into something memorable.
14. Egg Bagel
Sunshine in carb form! Egg bagels stand out with their distinctive yellow hue and rich, almost custard-like interior. The addition of eggs to the dough creates a protein boost along with a subtly sweeter, more complex flavor profile that regular bagels can’t match.
Their slightly softer texture and eggy richness make them particularly fantastic when toasted—the exterior develops a beautiful golden-brown finish while the inside remains tender and flavorful. They’re the perfect foundation for breakfast sandwiches, as their flavor complements rather than competes with fillings.
15. Rosemary Olive Oil Bagel
Mediterranean vacation in bread form! Rosemary Olive Oil bagels bring sophisticated herbal notes and a subtle fruity undertone that elevates the humble bagel to gourmet status. Those fragrant green flecks studding the dough release aromatic oils with each bite.
The olive oil in the dough creates a more tender crumb with a slightly richer mouthfeel than traditional bagels. When toasted, the herbs become more pronounced, filling your kitchen with a scent that would make an Italian grandmother proud.