National Bagel Day

A Celebration of Everyone's Favorite Breakfast Bread

National Bagel Day is here to honor one of the most versatile and beloved bread options in the world! Whether you prefer them toasted with a schmear of cream cheese, piled high with lox and capers, or slathered in butter, bagels are a true culinary chameleon. Celebrated annually, National Bagel Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in this doughy delight—and maybe learn a little about its fascinating history along the way.

The Bagel’s Backstory

Bagels have a history as rich and flavorful as the toppings they’re paired with. Their origins are often traced back to Jewish communities in Poland during the 17th century, where they became a staple due to their simplicity, portability, and ability to stay fresh longer than most breads. The first known written mention of bagels appears in Kraków in 1610, in a set of community regulations that suggested giving bagels to women after childbirth as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

The bagel’s unique cooking method—boiling the dough before baking—gives it its iconic chewy texture and glossy crust. This technique, coupled with the addition of a hole in the center, made bagels easier to handle and transport. Bakeries would often thread bagels onto dowels or ropes, creating an efficient way to display and sell them at markets.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jewish immigrants brought the bagel to the United States, where it quickly gained popularity in cities like New York. Early bagel-making was labor-intensive and often controlled by unions, such as the Bagel Bakers Local 338 in New York City. These skilled bakers perfected the craft, making bagels a cherished part of urban life.

The bagel’s rise to mainstream fame came in the mid-20th century with the advent of mass production and freezing technology. Companies like Lender’s Bagels made it possible to distribute bagels across the U.S., transforming what was once a niche ethnic food into a household favorite. From there, bagels continued to evolve, with flavors, toppings, and styles multiplying to suit every palate.

Today, bagels are enjoyed around the world, from the classic New York-style bagels to the sweet Montreal variety. Whether slathered in cream cheese, stacked with deli meats, or topped with trendy spreads like avocado or Nutella, the humble bagel has cemented its place as a beloved breakfast (and anytime) bread.

Fun Facts About Bagels

Bagels aren’t just delicious—they’re also packed with history, quirks, and surprising tidbits. Whether you’re a lifelong bagel enthusiast or a casual consumer, these fun facts will give you a deeper appreciation for this beloved baked good. Dive in and discover some delightful details about the bagel’s journey through time and culture:

• Oldest Bagel Reference: The first known mention of bagels dates back to 1610 in Kraków, Poland, where they were given to women after childbirth as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
• The Hole’s Purpose: The hole in the middle of a bagel isn’t just for looks—it allows for even cooking and makes them easy to transport, often strung on dowels in bakeries.
• Record-Breaking Bagel: The world’s largest bagel was made in 2004 in New York. It weighed a whopping 868 pounds and was over 6 feet in diameter!
• Bagels in Space: In 2008, astronaut Gregory Chamitoff brought bagels from his hometown in Montreal aboard the International Space Station. They’ve truly gone out of this world!
• Everything Bagel Origin: The everything bagel, now a staple flavor, was reportedly invented by accident in the 1980s when a teenage baker swept up a mix of leftover toppings and sprinkled them on a bagel.
• Bagel vs. Doughnut: While they might look similar, bagels are boiled before baking, creating their signature chewy texture. Doughnuts, of course, are fried, making them much sweeter and fluffier.

A Trio of Bagel Celebrations

Bagel lovers have multiple opportunities to celebrate their favorite baked good. In December, National Have a Bagel Day encourages everyone to start their day with a delicious bagel breakfast. Then there’s National BagelFest Day in July, which originated in Mattoon, Illinois, the home of the first Lender’s Bagel factory, to honor the mass production of bagels and their spread across the country.

And now, National Bagel Day completes the trifecta, bringing bagel enthusiasts together to simply appreciate the bread itself—no frills required. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous foodie, National Bagel Day is about savoring the bagel in all its glorious forms.

Fun Ways to Celebrate National Bagel Day

National Bagel Day isn’t just about eating bagels—it’s about celebrating their versatility and sharing the joy they bring with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a bagel brunch or simply indulging on your own, there are plenty of creative and fun ways to make the most of this delicious day. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Bagel Buffet: Set up a spread of bagels, spreads, and toppings for friends or family to create their perfect bagel creation.
• Try Something New: Ever had a blueberry bagel with honey butter? How about a pizza bagel? Use this day to experiment with unique flavors.
• Support Local: Visit your favorite neighborhood bagel shop to grab a fresh batch and support small businesses.
• DIY Bagels: If you’re feeling ambitious, make bagels at home. Boiling and baking them from scratch is a fun kitchen adventure!

Spread the Love (and the Cream Cheese)

Bagels are more than just a breakfast food—they’re a cultural icon, a canvas for creativity, and a comfort food for many. On National Bagel Day, let’s celebrate the joy that bagels bring to our lives. Whether you’re having one fresh from a bakery, packed from your favorite deli, or baked at home, take a moment to appreciate the humble bagel and all its possibilities.

Happy National Bagel Day!

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