Guest Post: Bagel Burger

We're so lucky that, today, Simon (of the Simon & Sara penned Weird Baby) is here to bring us this beautifully photographed cooking for one post. When I saw his bachelor burrito post on the Weird Baby Blog, I was instantly charmed. It was precise, but not presentational. A rare look into an honest for-one meal.

Like Simon, I generally find cooking alone pretty dull. So dull that I almost never share with you what I make for myself-only (which is less meal than a strange stream of snacks). But let's shine some light on the foods we eat alone. Be sure to check out that burrito post linked-to above and see also this newish release. Tell us in the comments what you eat when you eat alone!


There is nothing fun about cooking alone. When I was single, the act of absorbing nutrients was a herculean effort. Even now, when my wife goes out of town, the idea of food preparation becomes hellishly dull and complicated.

Thus: the bagel burger. Who keeps burger buns around? No one. The bagel is not just convenient, though. It is tasty, stays warmer longer than a bun, and adds necessary carb density to your meal.

For this dish, you will need to wash one medium-sized plate and a knife that can both cut cheese and spread peanut butter. If you already have these, there's no need to do the dishes. You'll get them tomorrow.


1 bagel (onion is best, but use whatever you have)
1 veggie burger patty (I prefer Morningstar's Garden Veggie patties for this recipe)
2 slices cheese
peanut butter

Separate the bagel halves. Hopefully you bought the bagels that are already cut in half, because slicing those things is a serious pain. Toast the bagel until the inside is nicely browned, but not charred.

While the bagel toasts, microwave your veggie patty until hot, but not hard (about 50-60 seconds). Cut two slices of cheese and set aside.

A superheated bagel will make the peanut butter too runny, so let cool for a minute.

Spread peanut butter on the top and bottom halves of the bagel. Place the patty and cheese slices in between bagel halves.


Optional: a squirt of honey mustard adds a sweet and tangy accent to this burger. I have been told that this may be an acquired taste.

The Rob Variation.

When I moved to Chicago with my brother, he refused to accept the peanut butter bagel burger as a regular menu item. However, he agreed that the bagel was superior to the standard burger bun, so we substituted tomato, lettuce, ketchup and mustard for the peanut butter.

Eat with a side of french fries and/or steamed asparagus (not pictured).

Serves 1.