Thu, 30 Apr 2026 03:31:37 +0000

The Real Reason This Bagel Is Considered America’s Ultimate Breakfast When it comes to defining America’s ultimate breakfast, one food stands out above the rest: the humble bagel. More than just a tasty baked good, the bagel has earned its place as a cultural staple and breakfast icon deeply rooted in American tradition. But what makes this round, shell-shaped bread so special? The answer lies in its unique combination of flavor, history, convenience, and versatility—traits that have cemented the bagel as a morning favorite from New York to Los Angeles. ### A Historical Journey Rooted in Tradition The bagel traces its origins back to 17th-century Poland, where it was crafted by Jewish bakers as a symbolic, hand-rolled bread baked in water and charred on an open fire—giving it that signature charred crust. Immigrants brought the tradition to the United States in the early 20th century, with thriving bagel shops opening across Brooklyn and the Bronx. American bakers embraced the bagel, adapting it to local tastes—most notably through the use of sugar in the dough, a signature feature of the classic American version.