When it comes to making sandwiches, bread has been the standard. You pull two slices out of the plastic sleeve and place them on a cutting board or plate, and then pile on meats and cheeses, layer with accompaniments, and slather on condiments. But now, when you want to make a sandwich, it’s time to consider the bagel.
Especially when it’s a New York bagel.
Tradition, technique, and the highest quality ingredients give New York bagels their signature chewy interior and crisp, shiny exterior. Each bagel is shaped by hand and then boiled in a kettle before baking, resulting in a distinctive texture and flavor that you’ll find in the Big Apple’s storied delis and bakeries.
Wolferman's New York bagels are not just perfect for breakfast and brunch but are a canvas for your culinary creativity. With a range of flavors — from plain and cinnamon raisin to everything and blueberry — you can build a bagel sandwich that's uniquely yours. The bagel’s robust structure holds up well to hearty fillings without getting soggy, and a gentle toast adds a satisfying crunch. Whether you prefer lox, cream cheese, fresh vegetables, or cheese and meats, the diverse flavors allow for exciting customization and irresistible deliciousness.
Here are seven combos for New York bagel sandwich bliss.
Peanut Butter and Fresh Fruit
The creamy rich texture of peanut butter is balanced by the natural sweetness and acidity of fresh fruit, such as sliced fresh strawberries. Remind you of a PB&J? Well, the chewy bagel texture adds a pleasure you just can’t get with sliced bread. Swap strawberries for blueberries, sliced apples, or bananas.
Cream Cheese and Harry & David Pepper & Onion Relish
Is there anything Harry & David’s Pepper & Onion Relish can’t make better? Experience a taste adventure in contrasts: smooth cream cheese topped with slightly chunky relish. The sweet, spicy, and savory notes enhance the mild flavor of your old standby, cream cheese. Or try Charred Pineapple with Candied Peppers — it’s good!
Avocado and Tomatoes
Juicy, ripe summer tomatoes befriend mild, creamy avocado, lending their slightly acidic and sweet taste. Both fresh fillings are packed with nutrients and vitamins, and bring vibrancy to a bagel. Gently toast the bagel or add Romaine lettuce for a bit of crunch. Or layer in fresh herbs, such as basil. Sprinkle it with sea salt and pepper, and start eating to feel pure elation.
Hummus and Cucumbers
Hummus is savory, slightly tangy, and thick, so it sticks, which makes it a fantastic sandwich spread. Add crispy, crunchy cucumbers and you’ve got a refreshing partner. We love this with a sesame or everything bagel, since the sesame seeds complement the tahini in hummus. And experiment with hummus variations, such as this recipe for beet hummus from Farmer Lee Jones at The Chef’s Garden.
Nutella and Banana
The harmonious pairing of hazelnut chocolate spread and the sweet, slightly tangy taste of bananas is off the charts! This kid favorite combo feels like an indulgence, but the bananas provide potassium, fiber, and vitamins. And we'll take this combo on a blueberry bagel in a New York minute for colorful visual appeal and how the blueberries' wonderful tartness plays with creamy banana and chocolate.
Lox and Dill Cream Cheese
Pairing wild caught and sustainably sourced lox with cream cheese is a classic bagel pairing for a reason: Smooth, tangy cream cheese contrasts beautifully with the tender, silky cured salmon. Finely chopping fresh dill and combining it with the cream cheese before spreading adds grassy citrus notes that elevate Gotham’s dynamic duo. Add thinly sliced cucumbers for crunch and capers for a salty pop of flavor.
Sardines, Tomato, and Red Onion
The rich, savory flavor of wild sardines, paired with juicy tomatoes and sliced crunchy red onion, is a protein and omega-3-packed flavor bomb.Add a schmear of cream or soft goat cheese for tang, or green olive spread or artichoke lemon pesto, and call it your Mediterranean-inspired go-to for lunch or dinner.
Charcuterie and Fruit Preserves
A wonderfully chewy New York bagel provides a sturdy base to build a gourmet meat and cheese sandwich. Pair sweet Gouda with salty prosciutto or robust dried salami and spicy pepper jack with smoky chorizo or pepperoni. Add a sweet preserve, such as fig or Oregold peach, to create a flavor harmony with wonderfully spicy, sweet, and savory notes.