Bagel 101: Plain vs. Everything vs. Sesame
You'd be surprised how much the bagel itself changes the whole sandwich. We break down each variety and what it pairs best with.
The Humble Bagel
A bagel is one of the simplest things in the world — flour, water, yeast, a little salt. But the differences between varieties matter more than most people realize, especially when you're building a breakfast sandwich.
Plain Bagel
The plain bagel is the blank canvas. It doesn't compete with your fillings — it lets the egg, cheese, and meat do the talking. If you're loading up with a lot of toppings or you want pure egg-and-cheese flavor, the plain bagel is your move.
Best with: BEC, sausage egg & cheese, avocado
Everything Bagel
Garlic, onion, poppy seeds, sesame — the everything bagel brings its own bold personality. It works best when you want the bread to be part of the experience, not just the vehicle. It stands up well to cream cheese, lox, and hearty fillings.
Best with: Cream cheese, lox, turkey, or anything you want a little extra kick with
Sesame Bagel
The sesame hits a nice middle ground — it adds nuttiness and texture without overpowering. It's the crowd-pleaser of bagels. If someone can't decide, we usually point them toward sesame.
Best with: Ham and cheese, classic BEC, or cream cheese and jam
The Rule of Thumb
- Simple filling? Go plain — let the food speak
- Cream cheese or spreads? Everything bagel all day
- Can't decide? Sesame is never wrong
- Sweet breakfast? Try an egg bagel — it's softer and slightly sweeter
Stop in and try them all. That's the only real way to know.
