The Debate on Bagel Cutting Styles
The question of how to slice a bagel has sparked a lively debate. Should bagels be sliced horizontally to create two halves, or should they be sliced vertically like a loaf of bread? Here’s a look at the two sides of the argument.
The internet is a place where people passionately agree, disagree, or agree to disagree, often leading to interesting, if not heated, discussions. The most recent topic of contention is the cutting style of bagels. Some people stand by the traditional method of slicing a bagel into two halves, while others advocate for slicing it vertically, like bread.
The correct bagel cutting style is a matter of personal preference and doesn’t really affect the taste of the bagel. However, the debate is still a fun one to engage in, so let’s delve into the two viewpoints.
The Bread-Slice Method
A resident of St. Louis, Missouri, Alek Krautmann, where Panera Bread’s headquarters are based, took to Twitter to share a photo of bagels sliced vertically, just like a loaf of bread. He dubbed it the St. Louis secret, and his tweet quickly ignited an online debate.
The bagels in the photo appeared as if they had been put through a bread slicer, evident from the clean, uniform cuts. This unconventional slicing style made the bagels resemble oversized bagel chips, sparking curiosity and confusion among netizens.
However, detractors of the traditional cut argue that the bread-slice method isn’t as terrible as it first appears. They claim that it might take some time to get used to, but it offers several advantages. Slicing a bagel this way ensures that each piece has a bit of everything in it, rather than just the top or bottom half. This method also makes sharing easier and is a clever way to make a variety of bagel sandwiches.
Additionally, the bread-slice method reduces the mess that often comes with adding cream cheese to a traditionally cut bagel. With each thin slice, you can generously spread cream cheese without it oozing out or having to dig into the bagel. What’s more, the bagel-to-cream-cheese ratio is more evenly distributed, and the cream cheese can cover a larger surface area.
If you’re unable to finish your bagels in one sitting, or if you crave something crunchy, you can convert these slices into bagel chips. Just toast them until they’re crispy, and perhaps add some butter and garlic salt to create homemade croutons.
Even if you request Panera staff to slice your bagel like a loaf of bread, you’re unlikely to receive strange looks. It’s not a common request, but it’s not unheard of in St. Louis. And with at least 15 types of bagels available at Panera Bread, there’s ample opportunity to experiment with different cutting styles.
Traditional Half-Cut
However, many bagel enthusiasts argue that the St. Louis secret should have remained just that—a secret. Even among the residents of St. Louis, there’s no unanimous agreement about the proper way to slice a bagel. New Yorkers, often seen as the most devoted bagel connoisseurs, have vocally expressed their disapproval of the bread-slice method.
Their objections are not unfounded. The St. Louis style yields many slices, but they are of varying sizes, and the bagel’s chewy outer crust is often lost in the process. Moreover, a bagel’s traditional charm lies in its lengthwise cut, a practice that’s been followed for years and brings comfort and continuity to many.
So, which side is correct? Both the traditionalists and the proponents of the St. Louis style make compelling arguments. Ultimately, the choice is yours. In a country that values freedom of choice, you have the liberty to slice your bagel however you wish, as long as it’s within legal boundaries and satisfies your palate.
While the internet may buzz with opinions about your choice, what matters is that you relish your bagels, regardless of how they’re sliced!
