If regular blueberry bagels are like a cozy weekend brunch, lemon blueberry sourdough bagels are a full-on sunshine breakfast. They’ve got that sweet berry pop with a zesty citrus kick, all wrapped up in a chewy sourdough bagel. It’s basically summer in bagel form, and honestly, they taste so fresh they don’t even need cream cheese (but who are we kidding, cream cheese makes everything better).
Table of Contents
1. Why Lemon and Blueberry Just Work
Blueberries are naturally sweet and juicy, while lemon brings that bright, tangy contrast that makes the flavor pop. Add in sourdough’s gentle tang, and you’ve got layers of flavor that hit all the right notes. If you’ve ever had lemon blueberry muffins and wished they had that bagel chew, this is your sign to make it happen.
2. Fresh vs Frozen Blueberries
Both options are viable, but fresh blueberries provide a somewhat firmer texture within the bagel. Frozen ones work great too, just don’t thaw them first or you’ll end up with purple dough. If you’re after that bakery-style swirl, frozen berries are actually your secret weapon.
3. Adding Lemon Without Overdoing It
For lemon blueberry sourdough bagels, you want balance. Incorporating a hint of lemon zest into the dough brings a gentle brightness, and adding a dash of lemon juice to the boiling water can amplify the citrus scent. If you really want to lean into it, you can whisk up a light lemon glaze to drizzle on top after baking.
4. Keep the Dough Happy
Blueberries are full of juice, which can make dough a bit tricky. Gently fold them in during the last stretch-and-folds to avoid bursting too many berries. If you’re worried about tearing the dough, chill the blueberries first so they stay firm and don’t bleed everywhere.
5. Serving Ideas
These lemon blueberry sourdough bagels are amazing with a smear of whipped cream cheese or even a lemony mascarpone. For a dessert vibe, add a drizzle of honey or that lemon glaze we talked about. Toasted, they taste like a cross between a bagel and a blueberry lemon cake, and no one’s going to complain about that.
Final Thoughts
Lemon blueberry sourdough bagels are the perfect upgrade to the classic. They’re fresh, tangy, slightly sweet, and have that chewy sourdough texture that keeps you coming back for another bite. Whether you’re making them for brunch, meal prep, or just because you need a little sunshine in carb form, this combo never disappoints.
Ready to bake a batch?
Use this variation with our Blueberry Sourdough Bagels recipe and add a bright, citrusy twist to a classic favorite.
