Discover the most popular Types of Bagels, from classic plain to everything and beyond. Learn what makes each one unique—and which to try next!
I didn’t grow up with a bagel shop on every corner, but the first time I had a warm, freshly toasted everything bagel with cream cheese? Game over. That chewy, golden crust pulled me into a lifelong love affair with all the different types of bagels out there. Since then, I’m on a mission to try them all—sesame, poppy, cinnamon raisin, you name it. Because honestly, there’s a bagel for every mood. Am I right?!
Whether you’re a die-hard plain bagel fan or someone who lives for the wild flavours (jalapeño cheddar, anyone?), this post is for you. We’re diving into the most popular types of bagels, what makes them unique, and how to enjoy every last bite. Toasted or not, sweet or savory—bagels just get us. Don’t they?!
THE ULTIMATE BREAKDOWN OF TYPES OF BAGELS
1. PLAIN BAGELS
Let’s start with the OG. After all, plain bagels are the ultimate blank canvas—perfectly chewy with that signature golden crust. Therefore, they go with literally everything: cream cheese, peanut butter, deli meats, bacon, eggs, you name it. If you’re indecisive or just love keeping it classic, this one’s for you.
2. EVERYTHING BAGEL
Ah, the everything bagel. It’s salty, garlicky, oniony, seedy, and basically a full-flavour punch in the face—in the best way possible. It’s amazing with cream cheese or turned into a next-level breakfast sandwich. Once you go everything, you kinda never go back.
3. SESAME BAGEL
Toasty, nutty, and just a little underrated. Sesame bagels bring a mellow crunch and a whole vibe of their own. They’re great with butter, smoked salmon, or even avocado if you’re feelin’ fancy. Basically, a grown-up version of plain.
4. POPPY SEED BAGEL
These are a little messier (hello, poppy seeds in your teeth), but worth it. Poppy seed bagels have a subtly nutty flavour and a nostalgic vibe. Try them with deli meats or lox, but they’re even great with just a swipe of butter. Bonus points for looking super aesthetic in brunch spreads.
5. CINNAMON RAISIN BAGEL
Sweet bagel lovers, this one’s your jam. Cinnamon raisin bagels are cozy, soft, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat. Therefore, they’re killer with honey walnut cream cheese, or toasted with butter on a chilly morning. Trust me, they don’t get enough love.
6. BLUEBERRY BAGEL
Yep, fruit in a bagel is totally a thing. Blueberry bagels are sweet, slightly tart, and make your kitchen smell amazing when toasted. Therefore, they go great with plain or vanilla cream cheese, or go wild and make a sweet breakfast sandwich. They’re basically the muffin’s cooler cousin.
7. ONION BAGEL
If you love savory flavours, onion bagels are your soulmate. They’re topped with dried onions that caramelize while baking, giving them that rich, roasty flavour. Incredible with scallion cream cheese or piled high with turkey and cheddar. They smell amazing—and taste even better.
8. GARLIC BAGEL
A little bold, a little pungent, and 100% delicious. Garlic bagels are for the flavour-forward crowd (aka garlic girlies unite). Toast one up and add veggie cream cheese or go big with bacon and eggs. Just maybe keep some gum nearby if you’re headed to a meeting.
9. CHEDDAR OR CHEDDAR JALAPEÑO BAGEL
Cheese lovers, this one’s for you. These bagels are baked with real cheddar—some also have spicy jalapeños for a little kick. They’re hearty, flavourful, and make amazing sandwich bases. Basically a grilled cheese waiting to happen.
9. ASIAGO BAGEL
Fancy vibes incoming. Asiago bagels are cheesy, slightly sharp, and totally indulgent. They toast up beautifully and pair well with eggs, ham, or even a swipe of garlic butter. It’s like a bakery-level upgrade to your breakfast routine.
10. WHOLE WHEAT BAGEL
Trying to keep it a bit more wholesome? Whole wheat bagels are slightly nutty, more fiber-packed, and still totally delicious. They’re a little denser than white flour ones, but still chewy and satisfying. Perfect for avocado or veggie-based spreads.
11. MULTIGRAIN BAGEL
Seeds! Grains! Texture! Multigrain bagels are the earthy, health-forward cousin in the bagel fam. They’ve got flax, oats, sunflower seeds—sometimes all of the above—and are amazing with hummus, turkey, or veggie cream cheese. Basically the “I eat bagels but still care about fiber” option.
12. MONTREAL-STYLE BAGEL
A little smaller, a little sweeter, and baked in a wood-fired oven, Montreal bagels are next level (as a Canadian, eh?!). They’re often boiled in honey water first, giving them that subtle sweetness and glossy finish. What’s more, that touch of sweetness sets them apart from their New York cousins in the best way. Sesame and poppy seed are the usual go-tos, and they’re perfect just as-is or with a schmear of cream cheese. If you’ve never had one—bucket list it.
13. RAINBOW BAGEL
Okay, this one’s all about the vibe. Rainbow bagels are bright, swirly, and obviously straight out of a unicorn dream. They usually taste like a plain bagel but bring MAJOR visual appeal (kids love them, obviously). Go all in with sweet cream cheese or funfetti frosting—because why not?
And there you have it—the ultimate list of all the different types of bagels, from the classics to the quirky, with a few regional favourites thrown in for good measure. Whether you’re team everything bagel with cream cheese or all about that cinnamon raisin life, there’s a bagel out there calling your name. The fun part? You can dress them up or keep it chill—bagels are basically the choose-your-own-adventure of breakfast foods.
Want to take things to the next level? Try turning your favourite type into a loaded sandwich or slathering it with herbed cream cheese, smashed avocado, or a swipe of butter and jam. Better yet, mix and match your toppings depending on your mood—sweet, savory, or somewhere in between. In fact, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a good bagel. However, just promise me you’ll toast it first—because life’s too short for soggy bagels.
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