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Is there any smell better than a toasted "Everything" bagel wafting through the kitchen?

Whether you like yours slathered in cream cheese, turned into a pizza, or just plain (we don't judge), today is your excuse to indulge in the best circular food invention since the donut.

This Thursday, January 15, is National Bagel Day.

Manny (our resident penguin) usually prefers raw fish, but he admits that a bagel with lox is the sophisticated choice.

Here is how to celebrate the chewy, doughy goodness without risking a trip to the ER.

Why We Celebrate: A "Holey" History

You might think bagels are a New York invention, but they actually originated in Poland in the early 17th century.

• The Origin: The word comes from the German beugel (meaning "ring" or "bracelet").

• The Fun Fact: The first written mention of bagels comes from 1610 in Krakow, where they were listed as a customary gift for women after childbirth. (Honestly, we would take a fresh bagel over a bouquet of flowers any day).

  Jewish immigrants brought the bagel to New York City in the late 1800s, but they didn't become a nationwide hit until the invention of the "Bagel Machine" in the 1960s, which allowed them to be frozen and shipped to supermarkets everywhere.

The Big Why: We celebrate because mornings are hard, and a warm bagel makes them 90% better.

3 Ways to Make Today Memorable

1. The "Safety First" Hack (The Gadget)

We have all done the "Bagel Dance"—trying to slice a stale bagel with a dull knife while praying for our fingers.

• The Move: Stop the madness.

• The Amazon Find: The Hoan The Original Bagel Guillotine Slicer. It sounds aggressive, but it is a kitchen essential. You put the bagel in the slot, push the blade down, and it cuts perfectly evenly while keeping your hands completely safe behind a shield.

• The Verdict: It is safer for kids who want to be independent, and it saves you from "lopsided bagel syndrome."

• Get the Bagel Guillotine on Amazon 

2. The "Flavor Bomb" Upgrade (The Ingredient)

Why should the flavor stay on the bagel?

• The Move: Put the bagel flavor on everything else (eggs, avocado, popcorn).

• The Amazon Find: The cult-favorite Everything But The Bagel Seasoning Blend. If you don't have this in your pantry yet, you are missing out.

• The Idea: Sprinkle it on plain cream cheese, mix it into scrambled eggs, or crust your chicken tenders with it for dinner. It makes even boring food taste like a fancy brunch.

• Shop Everything Bagel Seasoning on Amazon 

3. The "Pizza Bagel" Throwback (The Recipe)

Channel your inner 90s kid for dinner tonight.

• The Move: DIY Pizza Bagels.

• The How: Halve the bagels. Top with marinara, mozzarella, and mini pepperoni. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.

• The Tool: To spread the sauce (and the cream cheese in the morning) without tearing the bread, you need a Wide Blade Spreader Spatula. It grabs enough spread in one scoop to cover the whole bagel.

• Get the Ultimate Spreader Knife on Amazon 

The Perfect Gift for the Baker

If you know someone who loves to make their own dough (or just buys a dozen at a time), give them the gift of freshness.

Our Editors' Pick:

The LocknLock Large Bagel Storage Container

Why we love it: Bagels go stale fast in those paper bags. This container is specifically shaped to hold a stack of bagels. It is airtight, waterproof, and keeps them soft for days longer than the bread box.

Perfect for: The family that buys the "Baker's Dozen" on Sunday and wants them to last until Friday.

Shop the Bagel Storage Container on Amazon 

Join the Conversation

We need to settle the ultimate bagel debate.

Toast or No Toast?

(Some New Yorkers say toasting a fresh bagel is a crime. The rest of us like the crunch).

Cast your vote in the comments on Instagram or TikTok and tag us @OnManyOccasions!

Don't Miss the Next Celebration

January is flying by! Do you know when National Peanut Butter Day is? (It’s Jan 24!).

Download our Free 2026 Celebration Calendar and never miss a delicious excuse to party.