National Have a Bagel Day

A Celebration of the Hole-y Grail of Breads

December 11th is National Have a Bagel Day, a time to pay homage to the circular bread that’s more than just a breakfast staple—it’s a cultural icon, a carb-loaded comfort, and a conversation starter for anyone who’s ever debated the merits of sesame over everything seasoning. Whether you like them toasted, schmear-covered, or stacked with deli meats, bagels deserve their own day in the spotlight.

The Origins of the Bagel

The bagel’s origins are steeped in history, mythology, and a dash of culinary genius. The earliest mentions of this delightful ring-shaped bread date back to 17th-century Poland, where it became a staple of Jewish cuisine. The word “bagel” itself likely comes from the Yiddish term beygel, derived from the German word bügel, meaning “ring” or “bracelet.” And indeed, the bagel’s iconic circular shape has played a role in its symbolism, practicality, and enduring appeal.

One of the most charming legends surrounding the bagel is that it was created in 1683 to honor Polish King Jan III Sobieski. After he led a victorious charge to defend Vienna from Ottoman invaders, a local baker supposedly crafted a bread in the shape of a stirrup (beugel in German) to commemorate the king’s equestrian skills. While this tale is more folklore than fact, it’s a testament to the bagel’s storied past and its place in cultural memory.

What’s less mythical is the bagel’s function as a practical and portable food for Jewish communities in Poland. Boiled before baking, bagels developed a glossy, chewy crust that helped them stay fresh longer than traditional bread. Their compact size and durable structure made them easy to transport and sell—often strung together on dowels for street vendors to carry and display. This humble bread quickly became a staple, feeding families with its affordability and versatility.

When Jewish immigrants began arriving in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought their beloved bagels with them. These chewy delights first gained traction in New York City, where vibrant immigrant neighborhoods turned them into a local phenomenon. Small bakeries began specializing in bagels, often making them by hand in labor-intensive processes that required skill and patience. Bagel-making became something of an art form, passed down through generations.

The true revolution for the bagel came in the 1950s with the invention of the bagel-making machine. Murray Lender, of Lender’s Bagels fame, played a pivotal role in this transformation. By automating the production process, he made bagels more accessible to a wider audience, bringing them out of their niche markets and into the mainstream. Bagels soon graced supermarket shelves and breakfast tables across America, becoming a beloved staple for people of all backgrounds.

Despite its commercialization, the bagel has never lost its roots. It remains a symbol of Jewish culture, a nod to its Polish origins, and a testament to the ingenuity of food traditions that travel and adapt. Today, whether you’re enjoying a classic New York bagel slathered with cream cheese and lox or experimenting with a trendy rainbow version, you’re partaking in a piece of history that spans continents and centuries.

The Art of the Bagel

At first glance, bagels might seem simple: just a ring of bread. But true bagel enthusiasts know they’re anything but basic. The perfect bagel begins with the dough—a delicate balance of flour, water, yeast, and a touch of sugar. What makes a bagel unique is its boiling process, giving it that glossy, chewy crust while preserving its soft, doughy interior. This is not just bread with a hole; it’s a masterpiece.

And let’s talk about that hole for a moment. It’s not just there for aesthetics. Historically, the hole made bagels easier to string on dowels for transport and display. Today, it serves as a metaphor for modern life: full of potential but always with a little something missing.

If there’s one thing bagels do, it’s unite people—then immediately divide them over toppings. Plain, sesame, poppy seed, and everything bagels form the core pantheon, while cinnamon raisin bagels hover on the outskirts like the eccentric cousin who brings tofu to Thanksgiving. Then there’s the rainbow bagel, which made a splash on social media but left traditionalists questioning if food should look like it escaped from a unicorn.

And let’s not forget the ultimate showdown: toasted versus untoasted. Bagel purists argue that toasting ruins the texture of a fresh bagel, while the pro-toast camp insists that warmth enhances flavor. This debate has torn apart families and turned brunches into battlegrounds, but we can all agree that adding cream cheese is non-negotiable.

Bagels in Pop Culture

Bagels aren’t just a food—they’re a symbol. They’ve appeared in movies, TV shows, and internet memes, cementing their status as more than just a breakfast option. New York City, the unofficial bagel capital of the world, has elevated bagels to an art form. Walking into a New York deli and ordering a bagel is practically a rite of passage. Pro tip: if you hesitate, the person behind you will order for you and probably throw in a coffee you didn’t ask for.

Bagels have also become a point of nostalgia for those who grew up with them as a family staple. Who doesn’t remember the joy of opening a paper bag to reveal a warm, freshly baked bagel—or the crushing disappointment of discovering it was the last cinnamon raisin?

Creative Ways to Celebrate

While eating a bagel is the obvious way to celebrate, why stop there? Consider these creative bagel activities:

• Host a bagel bar brunch, complete with every topping imaginable. Go wild—lox, capers, honey, even Nutella if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Attempt to make your own bagels from scratch. Warning: you’ll likely gain a newfound respect for bakers and end up with flour in places you didn’t know existed.
• Explore bagel trivia. Did you know bagels have been to space? In 2008, astronaut Gregory Chamitoff brought a dozen bagels from Montreal to the International Space Station. No word on whether they were toasted.

Bagel Etiquette

Bagel etiquette may not be written in stone, but there are certainly unwritten rules that govern the proper enjoyment of this beloved baked good. First and foremost, let’s address the cardinal sin of slicing a bagel in any way other than halving it. Cutting it into thirds or, worse, quarters is akin to asking for a confused side-eye from anyone within arm’s reach. A bagel is meant to be split in two, ready to cradle a perfect schmear or a stack of toppings—not divided like a pizza.

Next, we come to the controversial practice of scooping out the doughy interior. While some swear by this as a calorie-saving tactic or a way to make room for more fillings, others argue it’s a travesty, stripping the bagel of its chewy essence. If you must scoop, at least ensure you don’t leave the remains sitting sadly on your plate like abandoned packing peanuts.

Using a bagel as a sandwich bun is, however, a delightful stroke of genius—within reason. Piling a bagel high with cream cheese, lox, capers, tomatoes, and onions? Classic. Subbing in a bagel for your burger bun? Adventurous but understandable. Attempting to use a bagel for a triple-stacked deli sandwich dripping with mustard and pickles? That might earn you a “let’s reevaluate our decisions” conversation.

And let’s not forget how you eat your bagel in public. No one wants to see you tackle a fully loaded bagel like a grizzly bear wrestling a salmon. A napkin is your best friend, and a little finesse goes a long way. If your toppings are spilling all over the table, it’s time to reconsider your approach—or your bagel’s topping load.

Finally, the ultimate faux pas: neglecting to toast or not toast when the situation calls for it. A fresh, bakery bagel still warm from the oven? Absolutely do not toast it—that’s like reheating a gourmet meal. But a bagel from the supermarket’s discount bin? Toast away, my friend. There’s no shame in giving it a second life.

Above all, bagel etiquette boils down to this: respect the bagel. Treat it with care, enjoy it with gusto, and share it with friends if you can—because nothing says “I value our relationship” like handing someone half a perfectly toasted everything bagel.

Bagels are more than just breakfast—they’re a culinary connector, a source of joy, and proof that simple things can be extraordinary. Whether you’re savoring a bagel in a bustling deli, sharing one with friends, or quietly enjoying one in the car before work, it’s a moment worth celebrating.

So, on December 11th, grab a bagel and take a bite out of history, culture, and chewy, delicious perfection. And remember, when life feels like it’s full of holes, sometimes the best thing you can do is fill them—with cream cheese.

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