The build-your-own bagel bar at
our bachelorette brunch from this morning was such a major hit, I wondered why I hadn’t done this setup at countless gatherings before. It couldn’t have been simpler to put together, required zero cooking time (
a major plus when the weather’s as hot as it is in Austin right now), and apparently, everyone loves bagels. There are even loads of gluten-free versions on the market for your guests that opt for a GF diet. Keep reading for a few tips on making your bagel bar feel special enough for a party while keeping it effortless on the host.
- Bagels should be as fresh as possible. Pick them up on the morning of the party from a spot that you know makes them fresh daily. Get a variety: I opted for plain, everything, and cinnamon raisin to please all palates. You can certainly go for the full-sized bagels, but I loved how our mini versions let people try a variety of different topping combinations.
- Toast them just before serving. I split bagels and placed them cut side up on a sheet pan under the broiler for about a minute just before serving. You want them lightly toasted — make sure to keep an eye on them under the broiler so you don’t end up with blackened bagels.
- Go crazy with toppings. Here are the accompaniments that I set out on our bar:
- a variety of cream cheese: plain, herbed and strawberry are popular choices
- sliced heirloom tomatoes
- capers
- cucumbers and radishes, sliced thinly (I used a mandoline)
- red onion, sliced thinly
- smoked salmon
- fresh herbs, like dill, chives, and basil
- lemon wedges
- coarse sea salt, like maldon (I sprinkled this over all the vegetables on the serving platter, too)
Most importantly, have fun with it! This is a party menu that requires zero kitchen skills, so just buy great ingredients and go to town with styling a pretty buffet setup using a big cutting board and mismatched bowls and platters. Set out the mimosas and maybe a fruit salad, and you’ve got all the makings for the ultimate brunch.
*photos by Wynn Myers