- Weekends deserve a softer pace. Make brunch the moment you reset—colorful, unfussy, and full of small joys. A bagel spread is perfect for New York kitchens: zero stove stress, minimal cleanup, maximum “wow.”
Your simple menu:
- Bagels: mix of sesame, everything, whole wheat, plus gluten-free.
- Schmears: plain, chive, vegan lemon-herb, and a sweet option (maple-cinnamon).
- Bright sides: tomato wedges, cucumber coins, capers, dill, pickled onions, sliced avocado.
- Proteins: smoked salmon, marinated tofu, soft-boiled eggs (store-bought is fine!)
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Extras: olive oil, flaky salt, pepper, lemon wedges.
Set it up buffet-style. Stack bagels in a shallow bowl, schmears in small jars, veggies in vibrant heaps. Hand everyone a plate and let them build their own balance. It’s welcoming for all diets and endlessly customizable.
Three crowd-pleasing combos:
- Garden Party (vegan): everything bagel, lemon-herb schmear, cucumber, sprouts, pickled onions, dill.
- Lox & Lift: sesame, chive schmear, smoked salmon, tomato, capers, lemon.
- Cinnamon Morning: whole wheat, maple-cinnamon schmear, apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Hosting tip: order ahead for local pickup so your bagels are oven-warm when guests arrive. Grab a couple of extra gluten-free bagels and label them clearly on a separate plate.
Turn on a mellow playlist, crack a window, and pass the coffee. Before you know it, the city’s noise fades and the good kind of weekend hum takes over—one wholesome bite at a time.
