Brian Nagele
Bagels have long been a breakfast staple, known for their chewy texture and ability to pair well with a variety of spreads and toppings. With so many flavors available, choosing the best one can be a challenge. Some bagels stand out for their rich taste and texture, while others may not be as exciting. In this ranking, we take a closer look at 16 different bagel flavors, from the most popular to those that might not be as impressive.
Classic options like plain and sesame bagels remain favorites due to their versatility. They provide the perfect base for both sweet and savory toppings, making them a reliable choice. Everything bagels, packed with a mix of seeds, garlic, and onion, offer a bold taste that many enjoy. Cinnamon raisin adds a hint of sweetness, making it a top pick for those who prefer a milder yet flavorful option. These well-loved choices continue to be among the best for a reason.
On the other hand, some bagel flavors cater to specific tastes and may not appeal to everyone. Blueberry bagels bring a fruity twist, which some love while others find too sweet. Pumpernickel bagels offer a deep, earthy flavor that pairs well with certain toppings but isn’t as widely preferred. Meanwhile, chocolate chip bagels provide a dessert-like option that may not always work well with traditional spreads. These flavors have their place, but they don’t always rank as high in popularity.
As we go through this list, we’ll highlight what makes each flavor unique and how they can be enjoyed. Whether you prefer something simple or a bagel with a stronger taste, there’s a flavor for every preference. From the most beloved to the more divisive options, this ranking will help you decide which bagels deserve a spot on your plate.
Cinnamon Raisin
Cinnamon raisin bagels offer a perfect mix of sweetness and spice, making them a favorite for breakfast lovers. The dough is infused with fragrant cinnamon, giving it a warm aroma, while plump raisins add natural sweetness. When toasted, the outside turns slightly crisp while the inside stays soft and chewy.
A spread of plain cream cheese enhances the flavors, adding a tangy contrast to the sweetness. The creamy texture blends well with the chewy bite, creating a satisfying balance. For extra flavor, a drizzle of honey or butter can highlight the cinnamon’s warmth.
Whether fresh or pre-packaged, this bagel remains a classic. Its sweet and spiced profile makes it a go-to choice for many.
Everything
The everything bagel is a beloved choice, especially in New York City, where it remains the most popular order. This bagel starts with a simple dough of flour, yeast, water, and salt but becomes something special with its bold seasoning. Before baking, it gets a coating of egg wash, allowing a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt to stick to its surface. The result is a flavorful crust with a satisfying crunch.
Each bite delivers a mix of savory, nutty, and slightly garlicky flavors, making it a standout among bagel varieties. Its crispy exterior contrasts with the soft, chewy interior, offering a perfect texture combination. Whether enjoyed plain or with toppings, it remains a go-to choice for many bagel lovers.
This bagel pairs well with almost anything, from classic cream cheese to smoked salmon or avocado. Its versatility and rich flavor make it just as enjoyable straight from the bag as it is toasted and topped.
Asiago
Asiago bagels offer a rich, cheesy twist on the classic bagel, making them a favorite for bold flavor lovers. Asiago cheese, a firm and sharp Italian variety, is shredded over the dough before baking, creating a crispy, golden crust. The melted cheese adds a savory depth that complements the bagel’s chewy texture.
The contrast between the crispy exterior and soft interior makes each bite satisfying. The cheese’s sharpness enhances the bagel’s slight tang, making it delicious alone or with toppings.
Perfect for sandwiches, Asiago bagels pair well with sundried tomatoes, provolone, and salami, offering a gourmet touch to any meal.
Blueberry
Blueberry bagels bring a sweet, fruity twist to the classic bagel, making them a favorite for breakfast lovers. Fresh blueberries and a touch of sugar are mixed into the dough, creating bursts of flavor in every bite. As the bagels bake, the blueberries release their juices, giving the dough a slight blueish-purple tint and a soft, moist texture.
Baking enhances the berries’ natural sweetness, balancing the bagel’s slight chewiness with a rich, fruity taste. The mild tartness of the blueberries adds depth, making each bite both refreshing and satisfying.
These bagels pair well with plain cream cheese or butter, offering a simple yet delicious way to enjoy them.
Egg
Egg bagels are a rich and flavorful take on the classic bagel, influenced by Jewish challah and French brioche. The addition of egg yolk gives the dough a golden color and a soft, moist texture. This ingredient also enhances the bagel’s flavor, adding a subtle sweetness and buttery depth that sets it apart from traditional plain bagels.
The chewy exterior contrasts beautifully with the tender, airy interior, making it satisfying on its own or with toppings. Its mild sweetness pairs well with both sweet and savory spreads.
Egg bagels also work as a sandwich base, complementing burgers or chicken perfectly.
Garlic
Garlic bagels offer a bold, savory flavor that stands out with every bite. The dough is coated with granulated or fresh garlic before baking, allowing the garlic to caramelize and create a rich, aromatic crust. The roasting process enhances its natural sweetness while maintaining the signature pungent bite that garlic lovers appreciate.
Often paired with sesame seeds or parmesan, garlic bagels have an extra layer of nuttiness or saltiness that deepens their flavor. Their crispy exterior and chewy interior make them a satisfying choice for any meal.
They work especially well as a base for Italian-inspired toppings like marinara, pesto, and mozzarella.
Onion
Onion bagels bring a savory depth to the classic bagel, with a rich, toasted onion flavor that enhances every bite. Dehydrated diced onions are sprinkled on top before baking, creating a crispy, golden layer that adds both texture and aroma. Some variations also incorporate granulated onion into the dough, ensuring a more uniform, bold flavor throughout.
As the bagel bakes, the onions caramelize, balancing their natural sweetness with a hint of sharpness. The crispy onion bits provide a satisfying crunch against the bagel’s chewy texture.
These bagels pair perfectly with lox, smoked salmon, and cream cheese for a classic combination.
Plain
Plain bagels are the foundation of all bagel varieties, offering a simple yet satisfying taste. Made with just yeast, flour, water, sugar, and salt, they have a chewy texture and a slightly crisp crust. Their mild flavor makes them a perfect base for both sweet and savory toppings, allowing endless customization.
Freshly baked, plain bagels have a comforting aroma and a soft interior that tastes great on its own. Whether toasted or eaten as is, they provide a satisfying bite with a classic bread-like quality.
They work well for sandwiches, pair beautifully with spreads, or simply shine with butter.
Poppy Seed
Poppy seed bagels bring a subtle crunch to every bite, thanks to their tiny black or dark blue seeds generously sprinkled on top. While poppy seeds don’t have a strong flavor, they enhance the texture of the chewy bagel, making each mouthful more interesting. Their mild taste allows them to pair well with a variety of spreads and toppings.
These bagels are a staple in European baking, often seen in bread and pastries. The seeds toast beautifully in the oven, adding a light nuttiness.
They’re perfect for breakfast sandwiches, especially with scrambled eggs, bacon, and melted cheese.
Salt
Salt bagels are a delightful fusion of two New York favorites: bagels and soft pretzels. Topped with coarse salt, they offer a savory crunch that enhances the plain bagel’s mild flavor. The dough is either sprayed with water or brushed with egg wash to ensure the salt sticks, giving the bagel its signature salty finish.
The coarse salt provides a satisfying, crunchy texture while seasoning the dough with a burst of flavor. Salt bagels are a perfect snack, especially when served hot, offering the comforting experience of a salted pretzel in bagel form.
They pair wonderfully with spicy mustard and melted cheese for a savory treat.
French Toast
French toast bagels bring together the best of two classic breakfast staples. Infused with cinnamon and sugar, they deliver the sweet warmth of French toast while maintaining the dense, chewy texture of a bagel. A crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust adds an extra layer of flavor, making each bite a delightful balance of softness and crunch.
Pairing a French toast bagel with plain cream cheese creates a taste reminiscent of cinnamon toast and a frosted cinnamon roll combined. It’s a satisfying way to start the day, offering indulgence without the hassle. The subtle sweetness makes it a great option for those who enjoy a hint of dessert for breakfast.
Unlike traditional French toast, this bagel keeps things mess-free and convenient. You can enjoy it toasted with butter or cream cheese, or even as a base for a sweet breakfast sandwich.
Multigrain
Multigrain bagels offer a heartier take on the traditional bagel, packed with a mix of grains that add both nutrition and flavor. They typically include wheat along with oats, barley, flax, or rye, creating a blend that enhances texture and taste. The addition of whole seeds or oats on top gives each bite a slight crunch, making them more satisfying than a standard plain bagel.
The combination of grains often results in a subtle sweetness, as many whole grains carry a naturally mild, nutty flavor. This makes multigrain bagels a great option for those who prefer a balanced taste without overpowering sweetness.
They pair perfectly with peanut butter and a drizzle of honey, adding both richness and a natural sweetness. Toasted or fresh, they offer a wholesome and flavorful bite any time of day.
Pumpernickel
Pumpernickel bagels distinguish themselves from traditional bagels due to their unique ingredients and rich flavor profile. Made with a blend of rye and wheat flour, they have the deep, earthy taste typical of pumpernickel bread. The dark brown hue is achieved with ingredients like molasses or cocoa powder, which also contribute a subtle sweetness.
Unlike regular bagels, pumpernickel bagels are fermented, giving them a tangy bite and reducing the gluten content. This results in a denser, drier texture that complements their hearty flavor.
Pumpernickel bagels are ideal for sandwiches, especially when paired with meats like pastrami, mustard, and Swiss cheese. Their robust texture holds up well to substantial fillings.
Rainbow
Rainbow bagels have become a vibrant and eye-catching addition to the bagel scene, bringing a burst of color to any breakfast or snack. These multicolored bagels are made by dividing plain bagel dough into separate sections, each dyed with food coloring before being twisted together. The result is a playful, tie-dye or striped effect that makes them stand out, especially in photos.
Though their striking appearance might steal the show, rainbow bagels still maintain the chewy, delicious texture of a traditional bagel. They’re often paired with colorful cream cheese, making them the perfect treat for parties or special occasions.
Sesame Seed
Sesame seed bagels are a popular, timeless classic that offer a unique blend of flavors. The dough is coated with raw sesame seeds after being brushed with an egg wash, resulting in a golden, crunchy exterior. This process creates a satisfying texture and depth of flavor in every bite.
The sesame seeds contribute a nutty taste that pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings. Their natural oils also help keep the bagel moist, adding to its overall richness.
Whether enjoyed with cream cheese, honey, or savory spreads like chive cream cheese, sesame seed bagels are a versatile and delicious choice.
Wheat
Wheat bagels stand out by using whole-wheat flour, which contains the entire wheat berry. This inclusion of bran and germ adds more nutrients, fiber, and protein, making these bagels a healthier option compared to their white flour counterparts. The result is a denser, more hearty texture.
The naturally sweeter taste of wheat flour complements both sweet and savory toppings. Wheat bagels go well with peanut butter, mascarpone and honey, offering a delightful combination of flavors.
For a savory twist, top a wheat bagel with smashed avocado, sriracha, and a fried egg. The result is a balanced, satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
