Genius Hacks on How to Toast a Bagel in the Oven

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A bagel, that is perfectly toasted, can make breakfast—or any meal—an occasion. However, did you know that the unassumingly underrated oven can yield better results than a toaster? Whether it’s just a reheat, a fresh toast, or some inspired toppings, the oven always gets the outside nice and crispy while keeping the inside light and fluffy.

Are you ready to master how to toast a bagel in the oven? This step-by-step guide will teach you everything you need to know (perfect for those of us who are beginners, busy professionals, or simply do not have a toaster).

Page Content

Why the Oven Needs to Toast a Bagel?

You might be wondering, “Why not just get a toaster?” But for those eager to learn how to toast a bagel in the oven, there are a few reasons to prefer the oven —

Multi-Directional Heating: An oven — unlike a toaster — heats primarily from the direction facing the heating elements, but it still provides all sides of the oven-accessible surface equally.

Toast More: This has to be one of the coolest, life-saving features, particularly when making breakfast for a group of mates (or family).

Perfect For Spreading: Do you need to spread a bit of cheese, garlic butter, or maybe sprinkle a bit of sugar over your bagel? The oven is your best friend. Well that broiler is pretty helpful for getting those toppings nicely caramelized.

Whether you’re trying with fresh or frozen—or even day old (gasp)—bagels, the oven is truly your best friend.

Quick Guide to Toasting a Bagel in the Oven

Preparation

Toast Prep: Get Your Bagel & Oven Ready Before toasting.

Choose Your Bagel Type

Boiling Bagels: If you are going to eat it solely to toast it.

Bagels in Frozen: Required a little extra time to defrost.

Stale Bagels: These can be revived with the proper know-how.

Preheat Your Oven

A bagel steamer oven takes versus 350–375°F (this also how hot your oven is when the bagel goes into the oven directly correlate to how hot the bagel toasts).

Ways To Toast Bagels

For Fresh Bagels

If you want a crunchy bagel, cut it in the middle. Or you can do nothing to it, and it will have a slightly softer center.
Place the halved bagels cut side up on a baking sheet.
Baste the bagel with butter, cream cheese or seasoning (optional) then toast.
Brown, 3 to 4 minute If you pay attention they won’t be burnt.

For Frozen Bagels

However, here is the alternative if you are pressed for time, simply place the frozen bagel in your oven. Toast for 7–8 minutes.
Warm them back up 15 seconds in the microwave to thaw then into the oven — if you like a softer bagel.
Wrap in foil if you would like to retain some softness on toasting.

For Stale Bagels

Mist or quickly rinse the bagel with tap water to restore some moisture and humidity.
Foil wrap the wet bagel to create an environment where steam can occur. In fact it will tenderize the bagel before cooking.
Next, put the bagel, wrapped, in the hot oven 5–7 mins. For a crustier topping, you can unwrap it for the last minute of the toasting, too.

Adding Custom Toppings

Make your bagel feel fancy by adding toppings during the toasting step:

Cheese: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella, or any cheese of choice from believed bagel halves Switch to the broiler for the last 1–2 min to melt and brown that cheese.
Pre-bake bagel and brush with garlic butter or little bit of olive oil.
Sweet notes: Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar, or brush with honey for a sweet caramelized crust.

Tip: If you are using the broiler for the topping of your bagel, please keep an eye on it. There is literally a razor-thin line between browned and burnt!

The Ultimate Oven Toasted Bagel with Cream Cheese & Pro Tips for the Perfect Oven Toasted Bagels

Crispier Hit it with the Broiler: If you love the crunchy bits, broil it the last minute or so of toasting. Keep a check so that it is not burnt.
Marking on a skillet for extra flavor: For some extra flavor, place the bagel in the cast iron skillet in the oven. The pan retains its heat really and gives you a nice crispy base.
Keeping Them Fresh: If you are not immediately eating your bagels then wrap in foil or an air-tight bag for freshness and moisture content.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Burnt Bagel — A bagel may become hard and dry if it had been in the oven for too long. Watch the clock at all times.
Should you place the baking sheet in the oven rack: You have to put the baking sheet in the top, middle, or bottom rack, the most ideal placement for your baking sheet is sliding on the middle rack.
The Broiler You Are Leaving Behind: The broiler is a super powerful tool, but it will roast your toppings if you step away for even a few moments.

Bizarre Things To Try On Your Next Toaster Bagel

These will bring your bagels beyond the plain toast. Explore more creative takes on how to toast a bagel in the oven, try these fun options:

Toasted bagel sandwiches: If you want a one-pan, in-your-face, warm sandwich, throw in some protein (eggs, ham or turkey slices) along with spinach or avocado in the pan before adding the bread.
Bagel Pizza: Spread marinara on bagel halves, top with mozzarella and pepperoni, and broil for a quick, fun snack.
Pairing Suggestions: Accompany your toasted bagel with a spread, like hummus, cream cheese, or jelly. Serve with coffee or side with fruit and Hersey’s.

Pro Tips for Bagels Well Done

Experiment with Bagel Types: And it doesn’t even have to be just a plain bagel — switch up to varieties like everything, cinnamon raisin, or sesame for a fun take on a piece of toast.
Get a little extra jazzy: Toast up an everything bagel then sprinkle on additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or chili flakes before spreading hêlaf in place of butter on a bagel to amp up the flavor level.
Experiment with Add-Ons: Finish them with slices of avocado, smoked salmon, or go the savory route and add roasted vegetables. Just follow your taste buds!
Tip for Save Time: If you are short in time or toasting 1 or 2 bagels, please avoid preheating a conventional oven and go with a toaster conventions. It saves time and energy.

FAQ About Baking Bagels In Oven

Convection oven (yes, even a convection oven can toast bagels!) Convection ovens often prepare food more rapidly than traditional ovens, so drop the temperature to 25°F.
These cookies can be made on a baking sheet. Just make sure to put your bagel in the oven rack. Hold foil beneath them to catch crumbs / toppings.
If your bagel turns out too dry after toasting: Alternate: Lightly spritz (mister style) with water or covered wrap in foil to trap in the steam. A trick for prep would be to place the bagel under the tap, of water, for only about 2 seconds before toasting them, this allows for some steam to be injected into the bagel as it cooks,
What to do with a doughy toasted bagel To get a more tender feel, start lowering the temperature and raising the time. Another option to help the bagel hold on to moisture while it is being toasted is to wrap the bagel in foil.
Is Any Other Bread Suitable Instead of Bagels? Yes! Even this is a nice for other denser breads include (the likes of English muffins or a thick-slice of bread).

Turn your bagels from basic to brilliant

Oven Bagel Toasting: In a Nutshell Now that you understand how to toast a bagel in the oven, you can practically please your taste buds. Customize an oven toast, anything from a simple fresh-bagel toast to more imaginative a bagel pizza.

Makes us all hyped on your bagel topping pairs! Try them out and let us know how it goes in the comments, or tag us on social media and you might even be a feature! If you are looking for instant breakfast upgrades, check our guide for delicious spreads that you can prepare yourself.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has set you up with everything you need to be making the most of your oven when it comes to toasted bagels. And always prepare your bagel and your oven first (though with greater difference when you go fresh and frozen or stale, creatives on the toppings transfer to create a beautiful tummily.

Public Service Announcement: Drop your other tips for how to bake one up to a perfect toasted bagel in the oven — it could be as easy as microwaving the bagel! If you try out any of our topping ideas, or make your own winning combinations, let us know how it goes! Follow us & tag us on your post on social media, and who knows, you might make it up there! Happy toasting!