The etiquette rules on how to serve and eat bagels. Tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest and avoid any embarrassment.
What bagels etiquette is
Bagels etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat bagels. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect your hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.
If you are hosting, follow the etiquette to serve bagels to your guests appropriately.
As a guest, respect the etiquette rules to properly eat bagels at the dining table and avoid offending your hosts or embarrassing yourself.
What you should know about bagels
Bagels are a type of bread that originated in Jewish communities in Poland in the 16th century. They are shaped like a doughnut, with a dense and chewy texture.
Bagels come in different flavors and colors, but traditional bagels are typically round, with a golden brown crust and a soft and chewy interior. The texture of a good bagel should be slightly chewy, with a hint of sweetness. Bagels can come in various flavors, including plain, sesame seed, poppy seed, and everything bagels, which are covered in a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt.
Etiquette rules to serve and eat bagels
1) How to store bagels
The ideal temperature to store bagels is room temperature. If you need to store them for a longer time, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. To store bagels in the pantry, keep them in an airtight container or plastic bag. In the fridge or freezer, use freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. It is best to slice and toast bagels before freezing them. Once thawed, they can be toasted or warmed in the oven.
To store sliced or cooked bagels, keep them in an airtight container or plastic bag in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
You can tell when bagels have gone bad by their smell and texture. If they have a sour or moldy smell or are hard and stale, they have gone bad and should be discarded.
2) How to clean bagels
You do not need to clean bagels, but you can wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
3) How to prepare & cook bagels
Bagels should be cooked before eating. To prepare bagels, you can use a toaster, oven, or stovetop. Toasters and ovens are the most common appliances used to prepare bagels. You can also boil bagels before baking them to get a crispy crust. The most common ways to eat bagels are toasted with butter or cream cheese, or used as a base for sandwiches.
They are a popular choice for breakfast and brunch. You can also use them to make French toast or bread pudding.
Bagels are generally okay for vegan and paleo diets, but they are not suitable for the keto diet as they are high in carbohydrates. Some people may be allergic to sesame seeds, which are a common topping for bagels. There are no religious dietary restrictions that forbid eating bagels.
4) How to serve & present bagels
Bagels are appropriate for any occasion, from formal to informal meals. They are commonly served for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. You can serve them as a side dish or as the main course, depending on how they are prepared.
When serving bagels to guests, it is polite to offer a variety of toppings and spreads such as cream cheese, butter, jam, smoked salmon, or lox. The ideal serving temperature for bagels is warm or at room temperature. It is best to present bagels on a plate or platter with a separate dish for each topping or spread. A serrated knife or bagel slicer is the ideal tool for cutting bagels.
The most popular seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic, onion, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds. Vegetables such as sliced tomato, cucumber, red onion, or avocado make great additions. Fruit such as berries, sliced apples, or grapefruits can also be a tasty pairing.
5) Food and wine to pair bagels with
Bagels pair well with savory flavors like chives, dill, garlic, and onion. Vegetables like arugula, spinach, and kale are also great choices. Fruits such as apples, pears, and berries can pair with cream cheese or jam. It is best to avoid pairing bagels with overly sweet or acidic fruits like citrus or pineapple.
You can use a variety of cheeses and dairy products such as cream cheese, cheddar, brie, or goat cheese. It is best to avoid very strong or pungent cheeses that may overpower the flavor of the bagel.
Bagels can pair with meat like bacon, ham, turkey, or chicken. Smoked salmon or lox is also a popular ingredient. It is best to avoid pairing bagels with heavily spiced or seasoned meats that may clash with the bagel’s flavor. Bagels also pair well with fish like whitefish or herring.
You can serve them with a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, juice, or water. When it comes to wine pairings, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc can be a good match. It is best to avoid pairing bagels with very sweet or heavy wines that may overpower the flavor of the bagel.
6) How to eat bagels
It is acceptable to eat bagels with your fingers. You can eat the whole bagel, including the crust. Use a butter knife or fork to spread toppings or cut the bagel.
Bagels etiquette: the worst mistakes
The Rude Index identifies and ranks negative behaviors.
A high score (8-10) means that the behavior has the potential to trigger a conflict with others. A medium score (4-7) means that the behavior risks making you look inelegant and unsophisticated. Read more about the Rude Index and its methodology here.
Avoid the most common bagels etiquette mistakes:
- 8/10. Overloading the bagel with too much topping.
- 5/10. Eating the bagel without toasting it first.
- 5/10. Using a non-serrated knife to cut the bagel.
Additional information for properly serving bagels
How many calories per serving?
Counting calories is important to stay healthy and correctly plan a menu.
The number of calories in a bagel varies depending on the size and type of ingredients. On average, a plain bagel contains around 280-350 calories per serving or 300-350 calories per 100 grams.
How to buy the best bagels
A crucial factor in bagel etiquette is serving your guests the best product possible.
Season and availability
Bagels are typically available year-round at most grocery stores and bakeries. There is no specific season for buying bagels.
Choose the best
Bagels can be available in commerce in various forms including fresh, frozen, or packaged. You can find fresh bagels at bakeries or specialty shops, while packaged bagels are available at most grocery stores.
Some popular varieties of bagels include plain, sesame, poppy seed, everything, cinnamon raisin, and blueberry. Plain and everything bagels are typically the most popular and widely available.
When buying bagels, look for ones that are fresh and firm with a shiny surface. The crust should be slightly crispy and the interior should be soft and chewy.
Alternatives to bagels
Some common alternatives include:
- English Muffins – These are similar to bagels in texture and can be a replacement for sandwiches or a base for toppings.
- Croissants – These are flaky and buttery pastries that can be ideal for breakfast or as snack food.
- Toast – Toasted bread can be used as a replacement for bagels in many situations, such as for sandwiches or as a breakfast food.
- Pita Bread – Pita bread is a Middle Eastern flatbread that can be used in place of bagels for sandwiches or as a base for toppings.
- Rice Cakes – Rice cakes are a low-calorie alternative to bagels and can be used in place of bread for sandwiches or as a snack food.
- Bagel Thins – These are a thinner version of a bagel and can be used as a lower-calorie alternative to regular bagels.
- Crackers – Crackers can be used as a replacement for bagels as a base for toppings or as a snack food.
- Donuts – Donuts are a sweet alternative to bagels and can be used as a breakfast food or as a snack.
It is worth noting that these alternatives may not have the same taste or texture as a bagel, but they can still be used in similar ways.
Resources
- Bagel – an overview: sciencedirect.com