National Have A Bagel Day

Person holding a bagel with a variety of colorful toppings, casual clothing, cozy coffee shop setting.. — National have a bagel day illustration

Ah, National Bagel Day! A day that celebrates the doughy, delicious wonder that is the bagel. Whether you're a fan of the classic plain bagel or prefer your taste buds to be tantalized with a tempting variety of flavors, this is the day to honor this iconic breakfast staple. So grab your cream cheese and get ready to dive into the history and allure of the bagel!

When is Have A Bagel Day?

It's national have a bagel day on the 11th December.

The Birth of Bagels

The origins of the bagel are as mysterious as the Houdini-like way it disappears from breakfast tables. However, many believe that this ring-shaped bread has Jewish roots, dating back to the 17th century in Poland. According to folklore, a Jewish baker presented the Polish king with a bagel that resembled a stirrup, which led to its original name, 'bajgiel.'

As Jewish immigrants brought the bagel to the United States, it quickly gained popularity among different communities. But it wasn't until the 20th century that the bagel truly found its place in American culture, becoming a breakfast staple in New York City.

Bagelmania Takes Hold

Throughout the years, the bagel has transformed from a simple, chewy delight to a canvas for culinary creativity. From the classic flavors of poppy seed and sesame to more adventurous options like blueberry or jalapeño cheddar, the options are as varied as the tastes of bagel lovers everywhere.

Notably, the popularity of the bagel skyrocketed in the 1980s, thanks to the combination of beloved flavors and clever marketing campaigns. Bagel shops started popping up on every corner, giving birth to a phenomenon known as 'Bagelmania.' People couldn't resist the allure of sinking their teeth into a warm, freshly baked bagel, making it an essential part of morning routines and even gaining recognition as a symbol of New York City.

Celebrating National Bagel Day

Now that you know a little more about the history of the bagel, it's time to celebrate National Bagel Day in style! Start your day by visiting your favorite bagel joint and indulging in a classic bagel sandwich or a tasty cream cheese spread. Or better yet, try your hand at making your own bagel from scratch!

Invite your loved ones to join in the festivities and have a bagel-themed brunch. You can even turn it into a bagel buffet, offering an assortment of bagel flavors, spreads, and toppings to satisfy everyone's cravings. Don't forget to share your bagel creations on social media using the hashtag #NationalBagelDay!

History behind the term 'Have A Bagel'

1670

The Birth of the Bagel

The bagel, a round bread product with a hole in the center, is believed to have originated in Poland in the 17th century. Its name is derived from the Yiddish word 'beygl', which means 'ring' or 'bracelet'. In the Polish language, it is referred to as 'obwarzanek', which translates to 'something that has been twisted'. Initially, bagels were made using a yeast-based dough and were boiled before being baked, resulting in their signature chewy texture.

1880

The Bagel Arrives in America

The bagel made its way to America in the late 19th century, with Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe bringing their traditional recipes with them. It is believed that the first bagel bakery in the United States was established in 1880 by a Polish immigrant named Harry Lender in New Haven, Connecticut. Lender's Bagels eventually became a household name and played a significant role in popularizing bagels in America.

1960s

Bagel Boom and Cultural Integration

During the 1960s, bagels experienced a surge in popularity, becoming not only a Jewish staple but also a mainstream food item across the United States. This was largely due to the rise of bagel bakeries and franchises catering to a wider audience. Bagels became a symbol of cultural integration, representing the merging of Jewish and American culinary traditions. The bagel's unique shape, versatility, and delicious taste made it a beloved choice for breakfast, brunch, and snacks.

1984

The Bagel Celebration Day

In 1984, the Bagel Celebration Day was established as a way to honor and celebrate this iconic baked good. The day is typically observed on February 9th each year, providing an opportunity for bagel enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite flavors and variations. It has become a day to indulge in toasted bagels with cream cheese, lox, or various spreads, showcasing the bagel's versatility and cultural significance.

Present

Bagels Today

Today, bagels have become a quintessential part of American cuisine, with countless flavors, toppings, and fillings available. Bagel shops can be found in almost every city, offering a wide array of choices ranging from traditional plain and sesame seed to unique creations like blueberry, asiago cheese, or even rainbow-colored bagels. Bagels have even found their way into various fusion dishes, such as bagel sandwiches and bagel pizzas, blending flavors from different culinary traditions.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest bagel ever made weighed a whopping 868 pounds? It was created in 2004 in New York City and measured six feet in diameter. That's one giant bagel that would require a whole bathtub of cream cheese to spread on!