Toasted bagel with butter

A toasted bagel with butter is a simple, classic breakfast or snack consisting of a sliced bagel that has been toasted until golden and then spread with butter. The bagel itself is a ring-shaped bread product, traditionally made from wheat dough that is boiled in water before baking, a method that gives it its characteristic chewy interior and shiny crust. While originating in Jewish-Polish communities, it has become a ubiquitous staple in North American cuisine, particularly in cities like New York.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the bagel and fat from the butter, providing a quick energy boost. A typical serving offers moderate amounts of B vitamins (like thiamin and folate) and minerals such as selenium and iron from the enriched flour, along with a calorie count that generally falls between 300 and 400 kcal.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	350 kcal
Protein	10 g
Carbs	50 g
Fat	14 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	520 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.3 mg
Folate	100 mcg
Iron	3.0 mg
Selenium	25 mcg
Niacin (B3)	3.5 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.2 mg
Manganese	0.6 mg
Sodium	520 mg

Per 1 medium bagel (105 g), toasted, with 1 tablespoon (14 g) of salted butter · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The bagel's unique preparation—boiling before baking—is a centuries-old technique that creates its signature dense texture and glossy exterior, setting it apart from other breads. Nutritionally, the combination of complex carbs from the bagel and saturated fat from the butter creates a very satiating, energy-dense food that has fueled busy mornings for generations.