Healthy Bagel Meals (gluten-free)

Is it possible to make healthy bagel meals? After all, when most people think of bagels, they picture a freshly toasted bagel topped with their favorite flavor of cream cheese.

However, bagels can be the star of healthy breakfasts, lunches, dinners, or snacks! They are the key ingredient in many delicious recipes. Read on to find out how you can make healthy bagel meals with these delicious circles of dough!

Can Bagels Be Healthy?

Bagels often get a bad reputation for being “empty carbohydrates” or being “unhealthy.” While bagels do contain carbohydrates, this is actually a good thing. That’s because carbs are actually the body’s main source of energy!

Bagels also can contain some fiber and protein, along with vitamins and minerals. Regardless, bagels are traditionally made with gluten-containing flour, making them unsafe for those with celiac disease, no matter their health profile.

Thankfully, there are still delicious, nutritious options for gluten-free bagels that can be used in place of gluten-containing bagels in any recipe. The Greater Knead offers bagels that are free of gluten, free of top 9 food allergens, and no preservatives but are still full of flavor. They use celiac-safe, nutritious ingredients like whole-grain sorghum flour and olive oil. Each bagel has an amazing texture and is packed with 3 to 5 grams of fiber and 3 to 6 grams of plant-based protein.

For more on if bagels are healthier, check out our blog post “Are Bagels Healthier Than Bread”.

How do Bagels Fit into Healthy Meals?

So the doubt of if bagels can be healthy aside, how can you make healthy bagel meals? First know that balanced meals contain the 3 macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat). Since bagels are a great source of carbohydrates (and also contain some protein), they can easily fit into healthy meals serving as the carb source.

They can serve as the base on which proteins like peanut butter, eggs, or cheese are served. They can be incorporated into recipes that include vegetables. They can be used to create a healthier DIY version of a commonly loved meal, such as takeout pizza. All you need is some creativity to make delicious, healthy, bagel meals.

10 Healthy Bagel Meals

Ready to make some healthy bagel meals? Below are 10 ways you can build a balanced meal using bagels!

Chicken Parmesan Bagel Sandwich - Are you craving a fancy Italian sandwich? No need to visit your local Italian restaurant. Create this celiac-safe version of the sandwich at home. Make it healthier by using lean chicken breast and part-skim mozzarella cheese.

And boost the vegetable content by adding some thinly sliced tomato and zucchini to your sauce. Score extra points by serving this with a side salad!

Quick & Easy Pizza Bagels - Are you craving pizza but want to try something creative while maybe getting the whole family involved in preparing dinner? Design these miniature pizzas! Make them more nutritious by topping them with all sorts of veggies (think tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.) and lean proteins (such as chicken breast or tofu). This is also another entree that is balanced nicely with a chopped side salad. (P.s. make this recipe gluten-free by using Greater Knead bagels!)
French Toast Casserole - Breakfast bagels don’t just mean toasted and topped with cream cheese. Try this unique spin on French toast to satisfy your sweet tooth at brunch! Make this a balanced meal by serving it alongside your favorite breakfast protein (such as cottage cheese or scrambled eggs) and some fresh berries.
Breakfast Pizza Bagels - Who says pizza can’t be breakfast food? This recipe combines some of your favorites... bagels, breakfast, and pizza! Plus, the hole in the bagel is a perfect place to nestle an egg for some tasty protein and you can add extra veggies! Try topping your breakfast pizza with spinach and serving it alongside a strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry fruit salad. And if you need it to be gluten-free, just swap the regular bagel for a Greater Knead bagel!
Dip Your Bagels in a Shepherd’s Pie Dip - If you’re wanting some comfort food, look no further than this recipe! With healthy ingredients like lentils, corn, and peas, you’re getting a nutritious meal. You can even add some extra veggies, such as frozen green beans. Additionally, you can boost the protein by adding shredded chicken or beans.
Tex-Mex Bagel Bake - Is the family divided over dinner plans? If you can’t decide between breakfast or dinner food, American or Mexican cuisine, this dish is for you! Make it healthier by using turkey sausage and adding some extra bell pepper and tomato to the batter. Serve alongside fresh fruit. And of course, make it gluten-free with Greater Knead Bagels.
Bagel Burger - Buns don’t have to be the only bread-based star of the cookout. Try this recipe for a fun twist the next time you grill. Make it more nutritious by choosing lean beef and topping your burger with lots of fresh veggies, such as lettuce, tomato, spinach, and even bell pepper!
Everything Avocado Turkey Sandwich - Are you bored with your brown bag lunch? Switch it up with this unique deli sandwich! The avocado offers healthy fats, and it's packed with protein from the turkey. The recipe calls for roasted tomatoes, but why not also add some roasted kale and bell peppers for extra nutrition? Yum!
Cheesy Skillet Pizza Dip - Are you trying to decide what to bring to your next party or game night? Friends and family will go crazy for this fun alternative to pizza that serves as a dip for bagels. Try adding some beans or veggies to increase the nutritional value, such as diced bell pepper and black beans. And serve with a side salad to boost the nutrition.
Cinnamon Bread Pudding - Have you enjoyed your healthy meal and want a little something to end the evening on a sweet note? This recipe is just what you need and is delicious served warm from the oven. Make it a bit healthier by using a bit less brown

sugar. You can make up for the sweetness lost by topping it with some warm peach slices and ground cinnamon, plus doing so adds some health benefits along the way!

Summary:

Making healthy bagel meals is totally possible. Bagels are a great source of carbohydrates, fiber, and even some protein. Although their health benefits are often overlooked, they are actually a great source of energy for your body and can be part of a balanced meal.

The Greater Knead Bagels can be purchased at stores or delivered straight to your home. Use them in any of the bagel recipes above to create healthy meals for you and your friends or family!