- Bagels should be as fresh as possible. Pick them up on the morning of the party from a spot that you know makes them fresh daily. Get a variety: I opted for plain, everything, and cinnamon raisin to please all palates. You can certainly go for the full-sized bagels, but I loved how our mini versions let people try a variety of different topping combinations.
- Toast them just before serving. I split bagels and placed them cut side up on a sheet pan under the broiler for about a minute just before serving. You want them lightly toasted — make sure to keep an eye on them under the broiler so you don’t end up with blackened bagels.
- Go crazy with toppings. Here are the accompaniments that I set out on our bar:
- a variety of cream cheese: plain, herbed and strawberry are popular choices
- sliced heirloom tomatoes
- capers
- cucumbers and radishes, sliced thinly (I used a mandoline)
- red onion, sliced thinly
- smoked salmon
- fresh herbs, like dill, chives, and basil
- lemon wedges
- coarse sea salt, like maldon (I sprinkled this over all the vegetables on the serving platter, too)
Most importantly, have fun with it! This is a party menu that requires zero kitchen skills, so just buy great ingredients and go to town with styling a pretty buffet setup using a big cutting board and mismatched bowls and platters. Set out the mimosas and maybe a fruit salad, and you’ve got all the makings for the ultimate brunch.
*photos by Wynn Myers
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I love that idea! Looks so colourful and pretty <3
A bagel bar is genius, and I just had a “Why didn’t I think of that?” moment. Thanks for sharing, Camille!
Adorable idea! 🙂
Build your own bagel bar. It sounds like my dreams. I love the savory items and unexpected items you put out on your spread. How about a few things for those with a sweet tooth? Fresh sliced strawberries or blueberries. Apple butter. French vanilla cream cheese. You could even make a yummy coffee cake crumb topping for guests to sprinkle over the top of their bagels.
Can you tell I have trouble with dieting?
Hope it was a success!
xo Rachel
Haha, LOVE these ideas. I would definitely slather a cinnamon raisin bagel with apple butter and that crumb topping. So decadent and delish!
Great idea! This just made me want to have a summer brunch ASAP!
http://www.livinginsteil.com
What a fantastic idea! I love the combo of savory and sweet – something for everyone.
WHAT…. a great idea! I love me some bagels and of course some good toppings to match. Crowd pleaser for sure.
xoxo, Kali
oh my goodness! I am totally doing this at my next party – love it xx
http://www.yellowpeachesblog.com/
It looks lovely! Bagels aren’t obvious, but everyone likes them – perfect for an event like this.
http://www.currentlylovingblog.com/
genius! definitely doing this for our next get-together! thanks so much for the inspiration!
love, arielle
a simple elegance
Love the idea! good excuse to have my friends over soon!!
Hi, Camille–I love your site! Washington, DC’s first Bagel Bar, Bullfrog Bagels, is opening tomorrow ! My daughter, Abby Sexton is co-owner. I’m so proud! You are welcome to visit anytime.
I love bagels. Definitely on board with the smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers. This is a beautiful spread!
http://www.leahmariepaperco.com
Great ideas for a bagel bar setup. I’m thinking of picking up one of these, probably in the 3 or 4 rod version. https://www.etsy.com/listing/482668980/bagel-stand-bagel-bar-breakfast-bar. These would work great for bagels and donuts.