Why Eat Plain Bagels? — Gotham Bagels (2024)

Good bread doesn’t need to be fancy. Even if your bagel shop is bursting with baskets of sesame, cinnamon raisin, rye, everything… a plain bagel remains a respectable choice. After all, it’s the first kind of bagel ever made!

Why Eat Plain Bagels? — Gotham Bagels (1)

Ok, so there’s no nuttiness of sesame, no fragrant onion, no sweet bits of fruit. But that means there’s no distraction from the flavor that the “crumb” (a baker’s term for the inside part of bread) brings to the table. Plain bagel dough contains multitudes. Ingredients like malt syrup and high-gluten flour create a slightly sweet dough with an unmistakable chewiness. The overnight “curing” that rising bagel dough undergoes adds a very subtle tang that makes bagels stand out from regular bread. All of these elements can be tasted much, much easier without the distractions toppings bring.

Why Eat Plain Bagels? — Gotham Bagels (2)

A great advantage to serving plain bagels at your next get-together is the fact that they instantly exhibit the quality of the bagel. The crust of bagels should be shiny as opposed to dull. The presence of small “blisters” on the crust surface are a sign of proper boiling before being baked. The moment you put high-quality plain bagels on the table, it becomes clear that you didn’t buy these from the frozen section.

When you’re a kid, you hate little flecks of anything on your food, regardless of actual taste—even if basil really does make cheese pizza better, for example. This means plain bagels are naturally kid-friendly! They can serve as a neutral base for those science experiments children sometimes undertake in the kitchen, like this (monstrous) PB&J bagel, for instance. In fact, anyone who’s a picky eater won’t say no to a plain bagel.

Why Eat Plain Bagels? — Gotham Bagels (3)

Dress it up, dress it down. Plain bagels are a great starting point for your kid’s breakfast, but also hold a key role in your next extravagant open-face sandwich, as well. Take this caviar-topped creation, for example. Without toppings, the plain bagel forms a solid bread base that can be a vessel for something truly incredible.

Sarah Kutz

Why Eat Plain Bagels?  — Gotham Bagels (2024)

FAQs

Why are plain bagels the best? ›

The overnight “curing” that rising bagel dough undergoes adds a very subtle tang that makes bagels stand out from regular bread. All of these elements can be tasted much, much easier without the distractions toppings bring.

Are plain bagels healthy? ›

The good news is that the calories from bagels are nutritious and good for you (when you forgo the chocolate chips or sugary toppings), so you can make room for them in your diet. As is often the case, portion size is most important. Opt for smaller bagels and stick to just a half.

What are the benefits of eating bagels? ›

Whole-grain bagels provide more fiber-rich carbohydrates, which take longer to digest and promote more stable blood sugars. While carbs are crucial for fueling, B vitamins are also critical for energy production, notes a 2020 study in the journal Nutrients.

What is the healthiest bagel? ›

The healthiest bagel is one made with whole grains. For a healthy bagel option, look for whole wheat or rye bagels. Sourdough bagels are also a healthy option, since sourdough bread varieties are more nutritious than white bread options.

What's so special about bagels? ›

But what sets it apart from other bread is its unique texture and flavor, which comes from its special preparation process. Bagels are first boiled in water (sometimes with malt syrup or honey added) before being baked, resulting in a crisp and shiny crust that encases a dense and chewy interior.

Why are bagels better for you than bread? ›

Unfortunately there's no simple answer to this question. In terms of calories, on average one bagel has more calories than one slice of bread. However, if you choose to have a bagel with more fibre, this may help you feel fuller for longer and potentially reduce your snacking throughout the day.

Is it good to eat a bagel every day? ›

Every food can be enjoyed in moderation. If you want a fresh bagel smothered in cream cheese every so often, go for it. However, if you want to eat a bagel every day, there are many ways you can make them more healthy. Instead of eating a regular-sized bagel each morning, opt for a mini one instead.

Are bagels good for your stomach? ›

Bagels made with whole-grain are typically filled with more fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. The other nutrients are the same in whole wheat bagels vs. those made with enriched flour.

Are bagels healthier than pancakes? ›

Winner: Neither. “Both pancakes and bagels are high in refined flour, which has important B vitamins removed,” says Thomas. “The toppings can also blow your healthy eating habits, as bagels typically come slathered in cream cheese and pancakes come with empty-calorie syrup.”

What's healthier eggs or bagels? ›

In one study on overweight women conducted at Saint Louis University in Missouri, the subjects consumed an average of 163 fewer calories for lunch after an egg breakfast. Over a 24-hour period, they consumed about 418 fewer calories than those who ate the bagel breakfast.

Are bagels healthier than ice cream? ›

Some good news if you love sweets and are trying to maintain a healthy diet. A new study suggests ice cream is better for you than a multigrain bagel. Researchers at Tufts University ranked the nutrition of foods on a scale of one to 100, with 100 being the most healthful.

What is the best bagel for diabetics? ›

One option is to choose smaller bagels or to cut a larger bagel in half to reduce the carbohydrate content. Another option is to choose whole grain bagels, which are higher in fiber and lower on the glycemic index, resulting in a slower and more gradual increase in blood sugar levels.

Why are everything bagels the best? ›

A nice spice

The everything bagel is for those okay-it-I'm-going-for-it days. It's the perfect level of extra and over-the-top. The saltiness of the seasoning pairs very well with a generous spread of cream cheese or avocado, and in fact it gives eggs, veggies, and meats a boost as well.

What's the difference between a plain bagel and an everything bagel? ›

An everything bagel is made with spices such as poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Underneath an everything bagel's seasoning is a plain bagel, so the food gets the majority of its flavoring from the spice mix.

Why are bagels the best breakfast food? ›

Bagels are loaded with carbs that your body needs to function properly. They give you the energy boost you need to power through your morning commute or tackle your to-do list. And let's not forget about the protein-packed cream cheese, lox, or eggs that can take your bagel to the next level.

Why do NYC bagels taste so good? ›

a regular bagel is the water you boil them in. Much like a specific vineyard terroir is used to make a wine, certain minerals in New York City tap water are attributed to creating the best bagels. These include low concentrations of calcium and magnesium and a high level of sediment.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 5526

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.