Bagels are a simple yet tasty food, perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack to get some energy into your body. The only question is: what to put on it? Are you looking for something sweet, savory or healthy? The options are endless, but here are my top five favorite additives to dress up a bagel and elevate it to peak deliciousness.

#5: Almond butter

Almond butter offers a simple, sweet combination you can’t go wrong with. The creamy, rich texture of the almond butter mixed with a crispy, toasted bagel is pure perfection. It serves as a sweet yet healthy breakfast as the almond butter contains fiber and nutrients, fueling your body for the day. For those with allergies, have no fear; almond butter can easily be replaced with sunflower butter, peanut butter or Nutella while still having a similar great taste. To spice it up further, use a chunky spread, and bonus points for adding sliced banana or smooth honey.

#4: Butter

I’m salivating just thinking about a crispy bagel with a spread of melted butter. Though it may not be the healthiest option, it is definitely one of the most underrated pairings. This combination feels warm and cozy, not to mention nostalgic. One bite of the crunchy bagel and I’m in heaven. The butter melting on your tongue and the delicious aroma overloads your senses in the best way possible.

#3: Cream cheese

You can’t go wrong with a bagel and cream cheese; it is one of the most iconic pairings out there. Every time I eat this, the retrospective combination brings me back to my childhood, as it used to be (and still is) one of my favorite breakfast foods. There’s something special about this simple combination. These two seemingly boring foods taste simply amazing together, complimenting each other perfectly and causing an explosion of flavor that makes your taste buds sing. While the original cream cheese is simple and delicious, variations such as strawberry or pumpkin spice cream cheese can add a touch of unique sweetness to really spruce things up.

#2: Egg and cheese

Egg and cheese on a bagel is a hearty, delicious combination. I always eat this for breakfast when I know I have a long, tiring day ahead of me. Though there are many ways to prepare it, my favorite is to place avocado and a melted piece of cheese atop a sesame bagel complete with slices of hard-boiled eggs. The fusion of flavors wakes up your palate and is utter perfection. This pairing  is great to give hardworking students a bit of brainpower, gym rats a boost of energy and just about anyone else a tasty breakfast that will fill and fuel them for the day.

#1: Avocado 

Finally, securing the top spot is an avocado bagel. Like avocado toast, it is perfect in every way: mouth watering, healthy and simple yet flavorful. I always like to spruce mine up with a drizzle of olive oil and of course a crack of salt and pepper. It is the perfect fusion: a slightly sweet sesame bagel with the refreshing, cool avocado spread. Whether a light breakfast or a fast, easy snack, an avocado bagel always hits the spot, and it is not filled with sugar and preservatives that upset your stomach. Instead, it is a healthier choice that will nonetheless put a pep in your step and provide a quick boost of energy to brighten your day.