Crackers step aside—bagels bring better texture and flavor to a cheese board. Their chew stands up to creamy ripened wheels, and seeds add nuance wines love. Build a tasting that moves from bright to bold with these pairings.
Start with bubbles:
- Plain bagel + triple-cream brie + fig jam + sparkling wine. The salt and fat play beautifully with acidity; tiny bubbles cut richness.
Lean and green:
- Poppy bagel + goat cheese + lemon zest + chive + Sauvignon Blanc. Herbal notes meet citrus in a clean, refreshing bite.
Nutty and mellow:
- Sesame bagel + aged Gouda or Comté + apple slices + honey drizzle + Chardonnay (unoaked) or a light lager if you’re beer-curious.
Smoky and briny:
- Everything bagel + lox + whipped cream cheese + capers + dill + dry rosé. Seeds echo savory notes; rosé bridges salt and fat.
Bold and savory:
- Onion bagel + sharp cheddar or blue + thin salami + whole-grain mustard + Syrah or Zinfandel. The wine’s dark fruit stands up to onion’s sweetness and blue’s funk.
Non-alcoholic wins:
- Poppy + ricotta + berries + sparkling water with citrus.
- Sesame + hummus + roasted peppers + iced herbal tea.
Board building tips:
- Slice bagels into thin rounds and half-moons for cracker-style pieces; toast lightly for added structure.
- Offer both sweet and savory accents: cornichons, olives, grapes, and hot honey.
- Label cheeses and highlight allergens. Keep a gluten-free option on a separate plate.
Order sliced bagels and spreads from Go Bagels, add your favorite bottles, and you’ve got an elegant gathering in minutes.
