There’s nothing like a bagel to jump start the workday. And for many on-the-go Americans, bagels are a top breakfast choice. Whether you like them toasted and slathered with classic cream cheese or prefer them sandwich-style with bacon and eggs, bagels are the perfect morning comfort food — and an ideal workplace meal. 

Known and loved for their crisp, chewy texture and soft inner dough, bagels date back to 15th century Poland, when they were gifted to new mothers as a symbol of long life. And we have Daniel Thompson, inventor of the bagel maker, to thank for their peak distribution across America in the mid-20th century. 

Today, bagels are more popular than ever. As a nation, we eat more than 200 million bagels every single year. You can find them everywhere, in grocery stores, food trucks, and corner coffee shops — all offering this delicious breakfast staple in about as many flavors as you can dream of. In fact, they’re so popular that they have their own dedicated holiday known as National Bagel Day on January 15. 

Another fun fact: Some bagel connoisseurs believe fresh bagels should never be toasted, as toasting may take away the perfect texture and taste. Alternatively, others feel a bagel isn’t complete unless it’s toasted, leaving many to ponder the question, “To toast or not to toast?”

If you’re planning an office meeting or breakfast bash with bagels as the main event, ezCater is here to help. Our biggest tip when it comes to bagel catering for the workplace? Don’t settle for just one staple flavor. Ensure you have a wide variety of options to please every kind of palate, from plain and simple to sweet and savory.

10 most ordered bagels

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are the 10 most-ordered bagels by ezCater customers.  

1. Plain bagel

The O.G. of bagel types, the plain bagel offers a slightly sweet taste and chewy outer texture that can’t be beat. One of the best aspects of classic plain bagels is you can top them with practically anything to elevate the flavor. Cream cheese, lox, butter, jam, peanut butter, (or maybe even a fudge sundae bagel), are just a handful of options making plain bagels a great choice for catered breakfasts at the office. 

2. Everything bagel

The everything bagel truly has everything you need for a flavor explosion. These tasty bagels start off plain. Then, they’re baked with seasonings including salt, garlic, poppy seeds, and dried onion. Specific recipes can vary slightly with the addition of black pepper or other spices, but the end result is an undeniable taste that pairs well with butter, cream cheese, or lox. Everything bagels can get a little messy, so be sure to order extra napkins to catch loose toppings. 

3. Asiago bagel

Asiago bagels have savory asiago cheese baked right into the chewy outer crust, making them a great partner to cream cheese, lox, and tomatoes. For something a bit heartier, ask your catering manager to prepare asiago bagel sandwiches with eggs, bacon, and extra cheese. Add some orange juice, tea, and coffee to your order for a deliciously complete breakfast. 

4. Blueberry bagel

For something fruity and sweet, blueberry bagels are a true front-runner. Packed with blueberries from the inside out, these bagels are perfectly tasty on their own or when paired with plain or flavored cream cheese, peanut butter, or jam for added sweetness. When lightly toasted and buttered, blueberry bagels are reminiscent of blueberry muffins.

5. Cinnamon raisin bagel

Cinnamon raisin bagels have just the right amounts of sweet and spicy for a tasty breakfast treat. When toasted and topped with butter, these bagels are crispy on the outside with soft, melty goodness on the inside. They pair nicely with coffee, juice, or your favorite morning beverage. 

6. French toast bagel

You read it right — French toast bagels are an actual thing, and they’re as good as they sound. Infused with cinnamon and brushed with a milk and egg wash before baking, these bagels taste just like traditional French toast, except you don’t need a fork to eat them. Serve French toast bagels on their own with butter or cream cheese, or order a tray of bagel sandwiches with cheese, egg, and bacon. 

7. Sesame bagel

Sesame bagels offer an egg-washed, salty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a good choice for catered breakfasts or lunches. Enjoy these classic bagels on their own with a dollop of butter, or serve them up with a tray of assorted cheeses, sandwich meats, tomatoes, and lox. 

8. Cinnamon sugar bagel

For the sweet tooths in your group, make sure to add some cinnamon sugar bagels to your bagel catering order. The crisp texture of baked cinnamon and sugar resembles coffee cake, which makes this bagel type perfect for pairing with (or dunking in) coffee. While the spicy sweetness of these bagels is enough to enjoy these treats on their own, topping them with cream cheese adds a bit of cool contrast. 

9. Chocolate chip bagel

Chocolate chip is another popular bagel type that’s sure to satisfy the chocolate lovers in the office. Featuring an abundance of chocolate chips that melt perfectly when toasted, there’s no need to add anything to these sweet treats. However, if you’re feeling a little indulgent, try serving them with whipped cream, jam, or fruit spread.

10. Pretzel bagel 

Last but definitely not least — drum roll, please — the pretzel bagel. If you’ve ever indulged in a burger or sandwich on a hot pretzel bun, its salty, savory bagel counterpart is equally enjoyable. Whether served with a schmear of cream cheese or used for breakfast or lunch sandwiches, the pretzel bagel adds a tasty, versatile option to any bagel catering order.

Helpful tips for bagel catering 

With so many delicious bagel options, it can be hard to choose just one flavor. The solution? Order an assortment of some of the most popular bagels to ensure everyone in the office can partake. If you intend to serve cold toppings and spreads such as cream cheese or lox, make sure to keep these items cold until you’re ready to serve. 

When you place your bagel catering order, let your caterer know if any of your attendees have special dietary needs or allergies to certain ingredients. Many caterers offer gluten-free and vegan options.

You’ll also want to order enough bagels for everyone in the group. While specific numbers can vary, here’s a general rule of thumb to follow:

• 1.5 bagels per guest
• 1.5 teaspoons of cream cheese per guest
• 4 ounces of lox per guest

Convenient bagel catering with ezCater

Another reason we love bagel catering for work? The convenient shape! Bagels are easy to hold and eat on the go, allowing employees to enjoy them from anywhere in the office. When you’re ready to tackle the ordering process, keep in mind that you don’t have to do it alone. With an experienced catering partner by your side, ordering bagel catering for work is simple. Learn how ezCater can help streamline the ordering process and ensure your bagels arrive on time, as ordered.