Spicy Veggie Bagel Sandwich

I love bagels, but more than bagels I love “bagel sandwiches,” the fancier the better. And today’s Spicy Veggie Bagel Sandwich is exactly that. This sandwich combines a toasted bagel with a gourmet banana hot sauce (courtesy of Millers), with cream cheese and mayo, layers of fresh red onion, capers, crisp romaine, and roasted red bell peppers. The end result is a pleasantly sweet and spicy sandwich, with savory notes, and just a hint of brine from the capers.

Easy to make, and make-ahead friendly, this is the perfect busy weekday indulgence when you’re craving something ‘a little extra’ to break up the day. Best of all, it uses only simple, affordable ingredients that are readily available at your local supermarket.

Now, without further delay, let’s get to it.

What to Expect – Recipe Overview

If you’ve read this far, I’ve probably caught your attention. That said, if you’re wondering what this recipe is like in terms of taste and texture, how hard it is to make, how long it takes to prepare, or what it pairs well with, then read on for the answer to those questions and more.

Taste and Texture

• Flavor Profile: Our Spicy Veggie Bagel Sandwich boasts a perfect balance of creamy and tangy spreads, combined with a nice chili kick from Millers Hot Sauce. The cream cheese and mayonnaise create a rich, smooth base that complements the zesty heat of the hot sauce. The addition of fresh red onion, brine from capers, and savory sweetness from roasted bell peppers, completes the flavor profile.
• Texture: We toast the bagel until crisp and golden, which offers a nice contrast to the layered, creamy interior, while fresh romaine adds some nice crispness.

Difficulty Level

• Very Easy: Couldn’t be simpler. From start to finish, this recipe could not possibly be more straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for starter home cooks. Basic sandwich assembly, and some sautéing for the peppers, are all that’s involved here. And yes, you can use jarred roasted peppers to save on sautéing, making this recipe even quicker and easier.

Prep Time

• Quick and Efficient: From start to finish, the sandwich really shouldn’t take more than ten to fifteen minutes to prepare. The recipe features minimal chopping, and basic sandwich assembly, and that’s it.

Preparation Process

• Step-by-Step:
  • Bagel Preparation: Naturally, the recipe starts off with slicing and toasting the bagel. I’m removing the middle before toasting, but that’s optional.
  • Spreading the Flavors: Once the bagel is toasty, we spread the cream cheese, mayo, and hot sauce on both sides of the bagel.
  • Assembling the Veggies: Next, it’s time to layer on the veggies. That means fresh romaine, thinly sliced onion, capers, and roasted peppers.
  • Final Assembly: Then close the sandwich, and you’re done.

Pairings

• Complementary Sides:
  • Light Soups or Salads: A light green salad or homemade coleslaw would be my go-to. You might also consider a light soup.
  • Homemade Fries: My homemade French fries are one of my favorite recipes here on Living the Gourmet, and they would pair deliciously with this sandwich.
  • Beverages: Personally, my go-to would be a light white wine. But you could also pair it alongside an iced tea or sparkling water.

Ingredient Checklist – Spicy Bagel Veggie Sandwich

As I mentioned above, this sandwich uses only simple ingredients that are readily available at your local grocery store.

With that in mind, here’s everything you’ll need:

1. Bagel
   • Note: Your preferred type of bagel works just fine. Plain, everything, sesame, or whole wheat, whatever you prefer.
   • Tip: Remove the extra dough from the inside for a lighter texture.
   • Substitute: And yes, this recipe works with Bialys or flagels (flattened bagels).
2. Romaine Salad Leaves
   • Note: For a bit of veggie crispness and a pop of color.
   • Substitute: Your choice of greens works just fine. Spinach, arugula, or plain lettuce all work.
3. Roasted Bell Pepper
   • Note: Brings savory depth and color to the sandwich. Also a nice background smoky sweetness.
   • Substitute: Your choice of peppers, or spicy chilis, will get the job done.
   • Store-bought: If short on time, feel free to use store-bought jarred roasted peppers.
4. Red Onion
   • Note: For mellow oniony bite and some sweet crunch. Also brings a nice pop of color.
   • Tip: If you don’t want any oniony bite, feel free to roast the onions with the peppers.
   • Substitute: Your preferred type of onion will work just fine. Opt for sweet onion if you want no oniony bite at all.
5. Capers
   • Note: I find that capers add a nice briny contrast to the creamy base of the sandwich. Basically, capers and cream cheese work well together.
   • Substitute: Olives, or just leave them out entirely.
6. Cream Cheese
   • Note: Provides the base for the sandwich, and binds the flavors together.
   • Substitute: Your preferred type of cream cheese. The sandwich would also be great with mascarpone.
7. Mayonnaise
   • Notes: Blends nicely with the hot sauce.
   • Substitute: Any creamy mayo alternative will get the job done.
8. Hot Sauce (e.g. Miller’s Hot Sauce)
   • Note: Brings mild spice and delicious chili flavor.
   • Tip: Adjust to taste.

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And that’s our Spicy Veggie Bagel Sandwich. If you enjoyed today’s recipe, or have any questions or suggestions, be sure to let us know in the comments below, we always love hearing from you.

Happy Cooking!

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