When I first came up with this California BLT Chopped Bagel, I was looking for a way to reinvent a classic. I have always loved a good BLT sandwich, but sometimes, I want something a bit fresher, more vibrant, and fun to serve. That’s when I decided to chop everything, toss it together, and load it onto a toasted bagel. The result was everything I hoped for — crunchy, creamy, smoky, and satisfying. It quickly became a go-to recipe in my kitchen, especially on days when I need something quick but still crave big flavor.
You will love this recipe because it turns a traditional sandwich into a playful, modern meal that feels fresh and new. Every bite delivers layers of textures — the crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, smoky turkey bacon, creamy avocado, and soft bagel all come together beautifully. The California twist brings in that extra bit of freshness, making it perfect for a light lunch, a weekend brunch, or even a casual dinner.
Another thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can swap the lettuce for spinach, use chicken ham instead of turkey bacon, or add cucumbers for a bit more crunch. The bagel can be everything-seasoned, sesame, or even gluten-free if that’s your preference. You can even turn this into a lettuce wrap if you’re skipping bread altogether.
It’s also surprisingly affordable. The ingredients are simple, easy to find, and can be scaled up or down to serve just one person or a crowd. Most of the components are pantry or fridge staples — which means you can make this whenever the craving strikes without a special trip to the store.
Ingredients for the California BLT Chopped Bagel
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2 bagels (plain, sesame, or everything)
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6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
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1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
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1 ripe avocado, diced
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2 slices chicken ham, chopped
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Prepare This Recipe
Making this California BLT Chopped Bagel is one of my favorite quick meal solutions. It is straightforward, doesn’t require special skills, and comes together in under 20 minutes. The result is fresh, flavorful, and satisfying — perfect for busy weekdays or a weekend brunch spread.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
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Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cooking the turkey bacon until crispy. I like to use a skillet over medium heat, flipping the slices halfway through for even cooking. Once cooked, place the turkey bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Chop it into bite-sized pieces once cooled. -
Toast the Bagels
Slice your bagels in half and toast them until golden brown. Toasting adds a crunchy texture and helps the bagels hold up to the creamy toppings without getting soggy. -
Chop the Vegetables
While the bagels are toasting, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and slice the cherry tomatoes in halves or quarters. Dice the avocado just before mixing to keep it fresh and green. -
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This simple dressing ties everything together and gives the filling its delicious flavor. -
Combine the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, turkey bacon, and chicken ham. Drizzle the dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Be careful not to mash the avocado while mixing — you want nice chunks for texture. -
Assemble the Bagels
Place the toasted bagel halves on a plate. Generously spoon the chopped BLT mixture onto each half. Press lightly so the filling stays in place. -
Serve Immediately
These bagels are best enjoyed right away while the bagels are still warm and the vegetables crisp. You can serve them open-faced for a casual brunch look or sandwich the halves together for a grab-and-go meal.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is designed to be fast and simple. Cooking the turkey bacon takes the longest, but you can speed things up by using pre-cooked turkey bacon from the store. Chopping the vegetables only takes a few minutes, and everything comes together in a single bowl for minimal cleanup.
Customizable
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you prefer a little spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing. For extra crunch, sprinkle sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds over the top before serving. You can also swap the mayonnaise for mashed avocado if you want a dairy-free option.
Popular with Many People
Whenever I make these California BLT Chopped Bagels, they are always a hit with friends and family. The combination of smoky turkey bacon, creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables appeals to almost everyone. It’s also a great option for brunch gatherings because you can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the bagels just before serving.
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California BLT Chopped Bagel: A Flavorful Twist Awaits!
This California BLT Chopped Bagel is a fresh and modern twist on the classic BLT sandwich. It combines crispy turkey bacon, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, crunchy lettuce, and chicken ham, all tossed together with a light dressing and served on a toasted bagel. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a quick dinner.
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
- 2 bagels (plain, sesame, or everything)
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 2 slices chicken ham, chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, let cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice bagels in half and toast until golden brown. Set aside.
- Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve or quarter cherry tomatoes, and dice avocado.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, turkey bacon, and chicken ham in a large bowl. Drizzle dressing over the mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Spoon the chopped BLT mixture generously over toasted bagel halves.
- Serve immediately while bagels are warm and vegetables are crisp.
Notes
Use gluten-free bagels if needed.
Add cucumbers or sliced radishes for extra crunch.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to the dressing.
Assemble just before serving to keep bagels from becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 7
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chopped filling a few hours in advance. Keep the mixture covered in the refrigerator and toast the bagels just before serving. To prevent the avocado from browning, squeeze in a little extra lemon juice when mixing.
What type of bagel works best?
I love using everything bagels for this recipe because they add a nice boost of flavor. Plain, sesame, or whole-wheat bagels also work well. For a lighter version, you can use thin bagels or even a toasted English muffin.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the mayonnaise for mashed avocado or a dairy-free spread. This keeps the creamy texture while making the recipe suitable for anyone avoiding dairy.
How can I add more protein?
If you want a heartier meal, add a sliced hard-boiled egg or grilled chicken strips to the mixture. This makes the bagel even more filling and perfect for a post-workout meal.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the crunchy and creamy textures. You can chop everything a bit smaller to make it easier for them to eat and use a mild-flavored bagel to keep it simple.