Breakfast & Brunch > Breakfast & Brunch for a Crowd > Buffet-Style Brunch > Setting up a Brunch Buffet

Build-Your-Own Bagel Bar

Create a fun and interactive brunch experience with a DIY bagel bar. Offer a variety of bagels, spreads, toppings, and sides for guests to create their perfect bagel sandwich.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
None
Servings
Variable
Ingredients
  • Various Assorted Bagels
  • 1-2 containers Cream Cheese
  • Various Flavored Cream Cheeses
  • 1/2 lb Smoked Salmon
  • 2-3 Sliced Tomatoes
  • 1 Red Onion
  • 1/4 cup Capers
  • 1 Cucumber
  • 2-3 Avocado
  • 6-8 Hard-Boiled Eggs
  • Various Deli Meats
  • 1 container Sprouts
  • Various Other Toppings

Choose Your Bagels

Offer a variety of bagels to cater to different tastes. Some popular choices include plain, everything, sesame, poppy seed, cinnamon raisin, and whole wheat bagels. Consider having both regular-sized and mini bagels.

Prepare the Spreads

Cream cheese is a must-have for a bagel bar. Offer both plain cream cheese and flavored varieties like chive and onion, strawberry, or vegetable. Other spread options include hummus, peanut butter, Nutella, and avocado.

Assemble the Toppings

The toppings are where you can get creative! Provide a mix of savory and sweet options. Savory options include smoked salmon, sliced tomatoes, red onion, capers, cucumber, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, deli meats (turkey, ham, roast beef), sprouts, and lettuce. Sweet options include berries, sliced bananas, Nutella, and honey.

Don't Forget the Sides

Complement your bagel bar with some delicious sides. Fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, potato salad, and chips are all great options. You can also offer beverages like coffee, tea, juice, and mimosas.

Arrange the Buffet

Arrange all the ingredients on a buffet table in an organized and visually appealing manner. Place the bagels in a basket or on a platter. Arrange the spreads in bowls with serving spoons. Place the toppings in separate bowls or on platters. Don't forget to provide knives for spreading and plates and napkins for your guests.

← Black Bean and Corn Freezer Breakfast Burritos Chorizo and Potato Freezer Breakfast Burritos →

FAQ

  • How much of each ingredient should I buy?

    The amount of each ingredient you need will depend on the number of guests you're expecting. As a general rule of thumb, plan for 1-2 bagels per person and about 2 ounces of cream cheese per bagel. Adjust the amounts of other toppings and sides accordingly.
  • Can I prepare the toppings ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare most of the toppings ahead of time. Slice the tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and avocado. Hard-boil the eggs. Prepare the fruit salad. Store all the prepared ingredients in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  • What are some other topping ideas?

    Get creative and offer toppings that you and your guests will enjoy. Some other ideas include everything bagel seasoning, olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, sprouts, balsamic glaze, hot sauce, and different types of cheeses.