asiago bagel sandwich photographed with hot sauce

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This is like eating a gourmet bagel sandwich!

It sounds kind of silly to write a blog post on how to make a Bagel Sandwich from an Asiago Cheese Bagel…

Because what can really be to it?! I mean they are one the easiest lunches/meals to make.

image of asiago bagel sandwiches photographed on parchment paper with hot sauce

But you have to try this combo! I mean you don’t even need a sauce for this sandwich (this asiago combo just works)!

After making these for beach trips and as quick meals that everyone enjoyed. I decided as easy as they are to make, they should be on the blog (been on this site 10+ years for a reason).

image of four asiago bagel sandwiches photographed with hot sauce on a cutting board lined with brown parchment paper
My favorite asiago bagel sandwiches made with my whole wheat sourdough bagels (just topped with grated asiago cheese after boiling).

Asiago Bagel Sandwiches

Asiago bagels have a sharp nutty flavor. Add some smoked meat, mild and creamy semi-soft cheese…And you have one mighty delicious sandwich, right there!

close-up of a delicious asiago bagel sandwich loaded with smoked ham, crunchy lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and Swiss cheese.

But here’s my tip to making the best bagel sandwiches. It’s to toast the bagels in order to revive the chewy texture.

Immediately after the toaster, I’ll smear some mayonnaise on each half, then squirt some Frank’s hot sauce on top (if using) followed by a slice of baby Swiss or Havarti cheese. Let that hang out while you prep the other ingredients and the cheese somewhat melts.

After I add the toppings it’s time to eat. I love these warm but we’ve eaten them at beach trips cooled off and they’re just as delicious!

I always add veggies like lettuce and tomatoes. Sometimes red onions and hot sauce for the adults. And some healthy homemade mayonnaise.

All of these simple ingredients add big flavor because I mean we are serving it with bold asiago topped bagels… As simple as this meal can sounds it does take intentional planning (the ingredients need to be added to your grocery list or made ahead of time if you’re a from scratch cook like myself).

Over the years I have made these Asiago bagel sandwiches healthier by making these whole wheat sourdough bagels and just topping them with freshly grated asiago cheese (immediately after boiling).

They are everything a cheesy bagel sandwich recipe should be. Chewy and savory. Bold and smoky. Filled with melted cheese. Enhanced with mayonnaise or hot sauce. What more do you need?!

Try this chewy asiago bagel with ham and Swiss cheese! Let me know what combo did it for you!

image of chef Alyona holding an asiago bagel sandwich

Mise en PlaceEverything you need! :

Equipment:

Asiago cheese bagel sandwich Ingredients & Substitutes:

There’s something about aged cheese and salty ham paired with fresh tomatoes and crunchy sweet onions that just make a scrumptious bagel sandwich!

  • Asiago cheese bagels- I highly recommend chewy Bakery-style bagels! Look for bagels in the bakery section, fridge or freezer for best flavor. To make chewy New-York Style bagels at home use this recipe and just sprinkle grated asiago cheese after boiling bagels.
  • Swiss cheese- like baby Swiss or Havarti cheese tastes best. They are mild and melt well. They are also not too sharp (the asiago is already aged). So, opt for a mild Swiss-type cheese here. Nothing too bold.
  • Ham- Black Forest ham or smoked ham is what I use to make these bagel sandwiches. Honey ham can be too sweet for these. Use savory deli-meat to complement the sharp cheeses here.
  • Sandwich Toppings- my favorite (and ones I typically have on hand) are tomatoes, lettuce (romaine or any green leaf), and purple onions. That’s it! Simple and delicious (you don’t need much to dress a good sandwich).
  • Sauces- mayonnaise and Franks sauce is my favorite combo for these. I leave out the hot sauce for the younger kids. You won’t believe how good hot sauce is in these sandwiches! I just do a few squirts for each bagel half and it adds so much flavor and zip.
  • Additional Toppings- I like to add red onion for myself and my husband along with hot sauce. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the tomatoes to really bring out the flavors. Really, just add anything you think would be good (like Peperoncino peppers or hot mustard sauce)!
All ingredients for Asiago Cheese Bagel Sandwiches (pictured: chewy asiago bagels, ice berg lettuce, Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, and tomatoes off the vine).

How to make Asiago Cheese Bagel Sandwiches:

Let’s walk through how to make Asiago bagel sandwiches, step-by-step and don’t forget to try my homemade bagels topped with asiago cheese (so good)!

1. Slice the bagels in half and broil them face up just until softened. I usually use my toaster if I’m making them for a quick lunch.

Asiago Cheese Bagel Sandwich Recipe: step 1: slice and toast bagels

2. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over each slice. Squirt some hot sauce in (if using). Immediately top with a semi-soft slice of cheese like baby Swiss. Then top with ham, lettuce, and tomatoes. This is the order to do it if you want the cheese to sort of melt on the toasted bagel.

Asiago Cheese Bagel Sandwich Recipe: step 2: assemble sandwiches in the order given; mayo, hot sauce (if using) ham, tomatoes, and lettuce.

3. Serve warm or wrap in plastic wrap and pack into a lunch box or cooler. If plastic wrap isn’t your thing, wrap it with sandwich paper.

Serve

A bagel sandwich like this is the perfect lunch idea or side to hot bowl of soup! 

We like to serve these Asiago bagel sandwiches with a side of chips. However, here are more ways to make these even more delicious (if your not in such a rush).

  • Baked fries (air-fry a bag of frozen fries).
  • Veggie tray with a creamy ranch dip.
  • Light garden salad or soup
  • Crunchy pickles or favorite condiments.

I’d love to know what sides you think are best with bagel sandwiches (leave a comment)!

P.S. These make a great catering idea. Want to make this for breakfast? Slap a cooked egg on top! If you’re a making these for a crowd and want melted cheese quick, just broil the assembled sandwiches open-faced for hot, toasted bagel sandwiches! Then add the veggies and sauces.

image of three asiago bagel sandwiches

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Asiago Cheese Bagel Sandwich Recipe

5 from 1 vote
My favorite savory, chewy bagel sandwiches topped with sharp asiago cheese! We load them up with smoked ham, creamy baby Swiss, lettuce and tomatoes. I pack these for beach trips and quick lunches, they are so delicious!
image of a homemade asiago bagel sandwich
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Main Dish, sandwiches
Cuisine: American

Ingredients 

Asiago Bagel Sandwiches:

  • 4 asiago cheese bagels
  • 4 slices baby Swiss cheese, (or havarti)
  • 16 slices black forest ham, (or smoked ham)
  • 1 medium tomato, (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 head romaine lettuce
  • 1/4 cup homemade mayonnaise, (divided, about 1 Tbsp per bagel)
  • toppings as desired: hot sauce, red or green onion, salt and pepper

Instructions

How to make Asiago Bagel Sandwiches:

  • Slice the bagels in half and toast or broil them in the oven face up just until softened.
  • Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over each toasted slice and top with a squirt of hot sauce (if using). Top with one slice of baby Swiss, 4 slices Black Forest ham, 2 lettuce leaves, and 2 thinly sliced tomatoes. Add any additional desired toppings.
  • Serve warm! **See notes to reheat.

Notes

  • To reheat wrap each bagel sandwich in foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. You can pop these in the air-fryer for 8-10 minutes, too (just cover tops with foil). 
  • If making for crowds, broil the bagels to toast, then top with cheese and put them back in the oven to melt. Finish and top with toppings. 
  • Add salt and pepper for more flavor. I love adding Frank’s hot sauce over the mayonnaise

Nutrition (per serving)

1asiago bagel sandwich Serving595kcal Calories66g Carbs37g Protein20g Fat5g Saturated Fat7g Polyunsaturated Fat4g Monounsaturated Fat0.03g Trans Fat82mg Cholesterol1856mg Sodium704mg Potassium4g Fiber8g Sugar1083IU Vitamin A8mg Vitamin C199mg Calcium4mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Asiago Cheese Bagel Sandwich Recipe
Serving Size
 
1 asiago bagel sandwich
Amount per Serving
Calories
595
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
20
g
31
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Trans Fat
 
0.03
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Cholesterol
 
82
mg
27
%
Sodium
 
1856
mg
81
%
Potassium
 
704
mg
20
%
Carbohydrates
 
66
g
22
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
8
g
9
%
Protein
 
37
g
74
%
Vitamin A
 
1083
IU
22
%
Vitamin C
 
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
199
mg
20
%
Iron
 
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tried this recipe?

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asiago-cheese-bagel-sandwich-ham-swiss
Original asiago cheese bagel sandwich images published back in June 2016. Photos have been updated.
asiago-cheese-bagel-sandwich-ham-swiss
Old images of the Asiago bagel sandwiches published back in 2016.
Asiago_Bagel_Sandwich_IMG_3527_FotorF
Original images of the asiago bagel sandwiches, published 2016.