Hey, food lovers! If you’re craving a fun, delicious, and protein-packed lunch, then these Cheeseburger Bagel Thins are just what you need! They take the classic cheeseburger to the next level by using bagel thins instead of a regular bun. Not only are they super easy to make, but they’re also way higher in protein, making them the perfect meal for a busy week. Let me show you how to make these mouth-watering bagel burgers!
Method
Toast the Bagels
Start by lightly toasting your bagel thins in a toaster. Be careful not to overdo it; you want them crispy but not burnt. It’s easy to go a little overboard here, and trust me, I’ve made a few too crispy by mistake. A quick golden-brown toast will give you the perfect base for your cheeseburger.
Make the Burger Sauce
While the bagels are toasting, it’s time to prepare the delicious burger sauce that will bring everything together. In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of no-sugar ketchup, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon of lighter-than-light mayo, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir well until all the ingredients are smoothly blended together. This sauce is tangy, creamy, and the perfect complement to the savory burgers.
Cook the Burgers
Next, heat up a frying pan or grill and lightly spray it with oil. Once the pan is hot, place the 5% fat beef burgers on it, pressing them down slightly to make sure they fit the size of the bagel thins. Cook the burgers for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and nicely browned. While the burgers are cooking, slice half of a red onion and toss the slices into the pan with the burgers. This will give the onion a bit of extra flavor and a slight caramelization that will elevate the taste of the burger.
Assemble the Bagel Burgers
Once the burgers are fully cooked, it’s time to assemble the bagel burgers. Start by spreading a generous amount of the prepared burger sauce onto the top and bottom of each toasted bagel thin. On the bottom half, layer a few leaves of fresh baby gem lettuce. Then, carefully place the cooked burger patty on top of the lettuce. Follow with a cheesy single slice placed on top of the hot burger to melt it just right. Add a few of the sautéed onion slices to finish off the burger.
Wrap and Refrigerate
After assembling the burgers, wrap each one tightly in foil. This will help keep them fresh and make them easy to grab for a quick meal during the week. You can store these wrapped burgers in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead meal for busy times.
Optional Reheat
If you prefer your bagel burger warm, no worries! Simply pop the wrapped burger in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at a medium heat to reheat it. The foil keeps the moisture in, so you’ll get a hot, crispy, and delicious burger. Whether hot or cold, these bagel burgers are sure to satisfy your cravings!
Necessary Tools
- Frying pan or grill
- Knife for slicing onion and lettuce
- Toaster for bagels
- Foil (for wrapping and refrigerating)
- Air fryer (optional, for reheating)
Cheeseburger Bagel Thins A Delicious, Protein-Packed Lunch!
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes10
minutes15
minutesIngredients
4 protein bagel thins (I used ones from @lidlgb)
4 x 5% fat beef burgers (I grabbed these from @aldiuk)
1/2 red onion (sliced)
4 cheesy single slices
A handful of baby gem lettuce
For the Burger Sauce
2 tbsp no sugar ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp lighter than light mayo
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Directions
- Toast the Bagels Start by lightly toasting your bagel thins. Be careful not to overdo it (I may or may not have made a couple a bit too crispy oops!).
- Make the Burger Sauce In a small bowl, mix together the no sugar ketchup, yellow mustard, lighter than light mayo, and garlic powder. Stir well until combined.
- Cook the Burgers Heat a frying pan with a spray of oil. Flatten each burger a bit to match the size of your bagels. Fry them until fully cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. While the burgers are cooking, toss in the sliced red onion for a bit of extra flavor.
- Assemble the Bagel Burgers Once the burgers are done, spread the burger sauce on each toasted bagel thin. Layer on some lettuce, top with the cooked burger, add a cheesy slice, and finish off with some onion.
- Wrap and Refrigerate Wrap each assembled burger in foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Optional Reheat If you prefer your bagel burger hot, just pop it in the air fryer (wrapped in foil) for about 3-5 minutes to warm it up. It’s delicious both hot and cold!
Notes
- When toasting the bagels, keep an eye on them to prevent them from getting too crispy or burnt.
- Make sure to flatten the burgers to the size of the bagels so everything fits perfectly.
- If you plan to refrigerate them, ensure they’re tightly wrapped in foil so they don’t dry out.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Cheeseburger Bagel Thins with some crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh side salad.
- You can also serve them with a tangy pickled cucumber or a side of chips for that extra crunch!
Fun Fact
Did you know that bagel thins have fewer calories than regular bagels but still give you that satisfying bagel experience? They’re the perfect swap when you want a lighter but still filling option!
Conclusion
These Cheeseburger Bagel Thins are a fun and flavorful twist on your usual sandwich. Packed with protein and full of deliciousness, they’re perfect for meal prepping during a busy week. Whether you enjoy them hot or cold, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your lunch rotation. Happy cooking!
