In Search Of The Perfect Onion Bagel

A few weeks ago I got it in my head that I needed to find the perfect onion bagel. I wanted one. The problem is that it was and is a very specific want. I have a vision of what the perfect onion bagel would be like. A crisp exterior, loaded with lots of amazing crispy onion bits on top. A very soft inside with no onion bits. The onion bits on the inside isn’t a huge deal but the other ideas are absolute requirements. You can picture it right?

So far I’ve only  been to one place to look for the perfect bagel. We don’t really have a ton of options around here. It’s Dunkin Donuts and more Dunkin Donuts with a very rare local place and the even less common Panera. Yep, that’s pretty much it.

This bagel is not what I wanted. Sure, it’s an onion bagel. But does it have crispy bits on top? Does it even look like an onion bagel? It doesn’t scream onion to me at all outside of the light smell. A moderate amount of bits inside – again not a huge deal. It was chewy even after toasting. The flavor was light. It was okay, but not awesome. I’ll stick to plain Dunkin bagels in the future.

My search for the perfect onion bagel continues. Next stop… Panera Bread.

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12 Responses to “In Search Of The Perfect Onion Bagel”

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    amanda @ fake ginger — November 16, 2011 at 8:40 am

    LOL! I can’t believe you did a post about it! But yeah, looking at that bagel I would’ve never guessed onion.

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    Julie @ Willow Bird Baking — November 16, 2011 at 9:01 am

    I know some folks love Dunkin Donuts, but honestly, I’ve never had anything there that REALLY stacked up. Their cake donuts taste so artificial and dry to me in comparison to other donuts.

    And yeah, this onion bagel is… clearly lacking. Ha!

    Now I’m craving an onion bagel. With some cream cheese, lox, capers, red onions, and a spritz of lemon juice, please! Maybe a slice of tomato if you’re feeling sassy.

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    nicole — November 16, 2011 at 9:19 am

    Come down to Boston! we’ll hang for a day stuffing out face with bagels. ha!

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    mjskit — November 16, 2011 at 10:13 am

    I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I love the onion bagels and the everything bagels from Costco!

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    Michelle Collins — November 16, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    If you ever make it to Nashua, N.H. – Bagel Alley has incredible bagels. Best I’ve had outside of NY!

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      Rachel — November 16, 2011 at 2:51 pm

      Thanks for the tip Michelle! I don’t get there often but I’ll try to remember that the next time I head that way.

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    Chris @ TheKeenanCookBook — November 16, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    Oooh come on down to NJ – we’ve got a bagel place almost every block (well, just about). I think your quest for a perfect onion bagel will be fulfilled here

    I’m not one for onion bagels. I’m currently in love with salt bagels. I always ask for extra salt – for some reason, that request seems to mean “grab the one with the least amount”. Sigh. Good luck with your onion bagel search. Want me to ship some up to you? ^_~

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      Rachel — November 16, 2011 at 2:53 pm

      I don’t think I’ve ever had a salt bagel before. Sounds interesting though! Since we don’t have a real bagel shop nearby we’re limited to the basic uninteresting varieties. For other options I have to travel a bit.

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    Tina@flourtrader — November 16, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    Oooh-did not know these were at Dunkins. Definitely need to go give them a try. Good luck on your quest.

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    Nutmeg Nanny — November 16, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    I should look around my local bagel shops and send you a little onion bagel package… :)

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    BigFatBaker — November 17, 2011 at 10:34 am

    MM I love a good bagel. Hopefully you find the perfect one soon!

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    Curtis Blankstein — December 15, 2012 at 9:23 am

    Gonna be honest, I came to this page expecting a journey through the process of finding the perfect onion bagel RECIPE. Oh well, that particular search continues for me. I’m gonna have to second that recommendation for New Jersey bagels. There’s an Amish market around here that produces what remains in my mind, years later, the PERFECT onion bagel. Just as you described. Glorious onion bits on top and all. I have the bagel proper down pat, but so far have yet to find the right way to make it sufficiently oniony. Probably gonna have to go undercover at a legit bagel shop. Or, you know. Get hired at one.

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