How to Build a Bagel Board for Brunch
A bagel board feeds a crowd and looks amazing. Here's exactly what to put on it, step by step, plus other ways to use a bagel tray.
A bagel board is the easiest way to feed a crowd at brunch, and it looks like you went to far more trouble than you did. Stack the bagels high, surround them with toppings and let everyone build their own. Here's how to put one together.
Blue Lattice Acrylic Bagel Serving Tray
Step 1: Stack the bagels
Plan on one to one and a half bagels per guest. Choose a mix: everything, sesame, poppy, plain and one sweet option like cinnamon raisin. Slice them ahead of time so guests don't have to wrestle with a knife. On our bagel tray, the clear dowels hold the bagels upright in tall, eye-catching stacks.
Step 2: Add the spreads
Offer two or three cream cheeses (plain, scallion and a sweet one like strawberry) plus butter. Put them in small bowls so they're easy to scoop.
Step 3: Layer on the toppings
- Fish: smoked salmon, lox or whitefish salad
- Fresh: sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion and capers
- Greens: butter lettuce, arugula or sprouts
- Extras: lemon wedges, fresh dill and everything seasoning
A three-well bowl keeps small toppings like capers, onions and lemon tidy and easy to reach.
Step 4: Fill in with fruit and flowers
Tuck grapes, berries and citrus slices into the gaps, then add a few edible flowers or fresh herbs. It makes the board look abundant and colorful.
Step 5: Set out the extras
Keep forks, knives and spreaders organized in a caddy, and set out napkins for easy cleanup.
Not just for bagels
The bagel tray works for much more than brunch:
- A donut tower for a birthday or shower
- A cheese and cracker board with breadsticks stacked on the dowels
- A dessert board with cookies, brownies or macarons
- A breakfast spread with muffins, croissants and fruit
Add a pitcher of orange juice, a pot of coffee and a few mimosas, and brunch is served.
