Scooped Bagel Recipe: How to Make This Popular New York Breakfast at Home

What is a Scooped Bagel?

A Scooped Bagel is simply a bagel that has had some of its interior bread removed. This technique is popular for several reasons:

• Lower Carbs: By removing the dense interior, the bagel becomes lighter and lower in carbohydrates.
• More Room for Fillings: A scooped bagel provides more space for your favorite toppings, making it ideal for filling with cream cheese, smoked salmon, deli meats, or salads.
• Crispier Texture: The scooping process allows the bagel to toast more evenly, resulting in a crispier bite.

While some purists may frown upon the idea of altering the traditional bagel, the scooped version offers a different texture and experience that many have come to love.

Ingredients for Making a Scooped Bagel

To prepare a scooped bagel, you’ll need:

For the Bagel

• Bagels: 2-4 fresh bagels of your choice (plain, sesame, everything, etc.)
• Cream Cheese: 4 tablespoons, softened
• Smoked Salmon: 4-6 slices (optional)
• Tomato: 1, thinly sliced
• Cucumber: 1/2, thinly sliced
• Red Onion: 1/4, thinly sliced
• Capers: 2 tablespoons
• Lettuce or Arugula: For garnish

For Scooping Tools

• Spoon or Small Knife: For hollowing out the bagel

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Bagel

1. Select the Bagel:
   • Choose your favorite type of bagel. Fresh, bakery-style bagels work best for scooping. Popular choices include plain, sesame, and everything bagels.

Step 2: Scoop the Bagel

1. Cut the Bagel:
   • Slice the bagel in half horizontally as you normally would.
2. Scoop Out the Interior:
   • Using a spoon or small knife, carefully scoop out the soft inner bread from both halves of the bagel, leaving a hollow shell. Be gentle to avoid tearing the crust.
   • Discard the scooped-out bread, or save it for other uses, such as breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Toast the Bagel

1. Toast the Scooped Bagel:
   • Place the scooped bagel halves in a toaster or under a broiler until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Add Your Fillings

1. Spread the Cream Cheese:
   • Generously spread softened cream cheese on each half of the toasted bagel.
2. Layer the Toppings:
   • Add your desired toppings. For a classic combination, layer smoked salmon, tomato slices, cucumber, red onion, and capers.
3. Garnish:
   • Finish with a handful of fresh lettuce or arugula for added crunch and color.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Assemble:
   • Place the topped bagel halves together, creating a sandwich, or serve each half open-faced.
2. Serve:
   • Serve immediately while the bagel is still warm and crispy.

Tips for the Perfect Scooped Bagel

• Choose a Fresh Bagel: Freshly baked bagels are easier to scoop and hold up better after toasting.
• Don’t Over-Scoop: Remove just enough of the interior to lighten the bagel, but leave enough structure to support the fillings.
• Customize Fillings: Scooped bagels are versatile. Experiment with different fillings like avocado, turkey, bacon, or even scrambled eggs.
• Save the Scooped-Out Bread: Use the scooped-out bread to make croutons, breadcrumbs, or mix into stuffing.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used.

Conclusion

The Scooped Bagel offers a lighter and crispier take on the traditional bagel, making it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy their favorite breakfast with fewer carbs. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic lox and cream cheese bagel or want to experiment with new fillings, scooping your bagel can give you a fresh perspective on this beloved New York staple. Try making your own scooped bagel at home and discover why this trend has become a breakfast favorite.

External Links:

• Learn More About the History of Bagels