First off, I just want to say thank you—truly! If you’re here, it’s because you love bold, satisfying, flavor-packed meals that don’t take forever to throw together. And this one? It’s a total stunner. These California BLT Chopped Bagels take the heart of a traditional BLT, give it a sunny West Coast twist with creamy avocado and tangy lemon, and chop it all into a creamy, crunchy filling that gets piled high on a toasted everything bagel.
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
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Why You’ll Love This Chopped Bagel
This isn’t just a bagel sandwich. It’s texture, it’s flavor, it’s everything (pun fully intended).
The chopped filling gives you the perfect bite every time—creamy avocado meets crispy bacon, sweet-tart tomatoes, and crunchy romaine. The cream cheese and mayo blend it all together into a spreadable, scoopable salad that’s anything but boring. I’m kicking myself for not having shot it—the colors pop and the smell when the bacon hits the board is incredible.
What Makes This Recipe Shine
Benefits of This Recipe
- Quick & easy: 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Meal-prep friendly: Make the filling ahead and assemble later.
- Customizable: Add a little heat, swap proteins, or go veg—your call.
- Balanced: A mix of protein, healthy fats, veggies, and carbs in every bite.
The Taste
Savory, smoky bacon paired with the richness of avocado, brightened by lemon and the unmistakable zip of red onion. The cream cheese gives it a luscious body, and the everything bagel adds that salty, seedy finish that keeps you coming back.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 everything bagels, halved and lightly toasted
- 6 slices of crispy bacon, chopped
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- ¼ red onion, finely diced (optional)
- 4 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Tools to Have on Hand
- Large mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife (you’ll need a good one for chopping)
- Cutting board
- Toaster or toaster oven
- Spoon or spatula for spreading
Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper.
- Swap the protein: Turkey bacon, grilled chicken, or even smoked salmon.
- Go dairy-free: Use plant-based cream cheese and mayo.
- Make it low-carb: Skip the bagel and serve in lettuce cups or over greens.
How to Make California BLT Chopped Bagels
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Filling
In a large bowl, toss together chopped bacon, diced tomatoes, avocado, chopped romaine, and red onion (if using). Add the softened cream cheese, mayo, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. - Chop and Mix
Transfer the mixture to a cutting board. Using a large chef’s knife, chop everything together, folding and pressing as you go, until the mixture is well combined and creamy. - Assemble the Bagels
Spoon the filling generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bagel. Cap them with the top halves. - Serve
Slice in half for that wow factor and serve right away. These are best fresh—cool, crunchy, and full of life.
What to Serve With It
- Cold drinks (iced tea, lemonade, or even a chilled white wine)
- Fresh fruit like grapes or melon
- Kettle chips or veggie sticks for some extra crunch
- Soup pairing: A creamy tomato or gazpacho in the warmer months
Tips for Perfect Chopped Bagels
- Use ripe avocado but not too soft—it should hold its shape when diced.
- Toasting the bagels adds texture and prevents sogginess.
- If you’re prepping ahead, add avocado and lettuce last to keep things fresh.
- Chop on a large cutting board—you’ll need the space!
Storage Instructions
The chopped filling can be made up to one day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Don’t assemble until ready to serve—bagels get soggy fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap out bacon for crispy tempeh, coconut bacon, or even roasted chickpeas for crunch.
Can I use other types of bagels?
Yes! Plain, sesame, or whole wheat all work great here.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
A little extra lemon juice helps. If prepping ahead, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the chopped filling.
In Summary
This California BLT Chopped Bagel is everything I love about fast, feel-good food. It’s crisp, creamy, full of flavor, and ridiculously satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a brunch crowd, upgrading your lunch game, or just want something delicious in a pinch—this is your new go-to.
Love this one? Try these next:
- Peach Caprese Toasts
- Grilled Peach & Prosciutto Flatbreads
- Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Let’s Make It a Meal Together
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your take! Leave a review, pin your photo, and tag me—I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
These values are approximate and can vary based on brand and substitutions.
California BLT Chopped Bagels
Equipment
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Toaster or toaster oven
Ingredients
- 2 everything bagels halved and lightly toasted
- 6 slices bacon cooked until crispy and chopped
- 2 Roma tomatoes diced
- 1 ripe avocado diced
- 1 cup romaine lettuce chopped
- ¼ red onion finely diced (optional)
- 4 tbsp cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped bacon, diced tomatoes, avocado, chopped romaine lettuce, and red onion.
- Add Creamy Dressing:
- Add the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
- Chop and Combine:
- Transfer everything to a cutting board and use a large chef’s knife to chop and fold the ingredients together until evenly coated and well-mixed.
- Assemble the Bagels:
- Spoon the chopped BLT mixture generously onto the bottom halves of each toasted everything bagel. Top with the other halves.
- Serve:
- Slice the bagels in half and serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
