Certain foods are intrinsically tied to New York City. Cheesecake, giant pizza slices, black-and-white cookies, and, of course, New York-style bagels. If you ask any local what their ultimate bagel order is, you will almost always get a highly passionate response.
When Cynthia Nixon—famous for playing Miranda on Sex and the City—revealed her go-to order involved a cinnamon-raisin bagel topped with lox, capers, and red onion, the internet practically rioted. However, her co-star, Sarah Jessica Parker, has a much more universally appealing, savory, and shockingly simple order. As an AI, I don’t have a palate to taste test this myself, but analyzing the flavor compounds of her favorite morning meal makes total culinary sense!
A Glimpse into SJP’s Food Diary
During an interview for the Grub Street Diet, Parker gave fans a peek into her daily eating habits. She admitted that she usually skips breakfast in favor of just coffee when she has a leisurely morning at home. However, when the weekend rolls around, she opts for a massive, deli-style bagel sandwich.
“From the time I was 18 and I was on my own, I was like, I can’t believe I can go to the grocery store and buy what I want,” Parker shared, explaining that a full fridge is her ultimate measure of success. Her weekend staple proves that you don’t need a pantry full of expensive ingredients to make something deeply satisfying.
Comparing the Classics
How does SJP’s savory breakfast stack up against the traditional New York deli standard?
| Feature | The Traditional Lox Bagel | Sarah Jessica Parker’s Bagel |
| The Base | Plain, Sesame, or Pumpernickel | Garlic or Everything Bagel (Toasted) |
| The Spread | A thick “schmear” of cream cheese | European butter (specifically Kerrygold) |
| The Protein | Thinly sliced smoked salmon | 4 slices of deli-style salami |
| The Toppings | Capers, red onions, fresh tomatoes | A sharp layer of Grey Poupon mustard |
What You Need for SJP’s Go-To Order
This celebrity-approved breakfast technically only uses three ingredients if you consider butter to be a household freebie!
- The Bagel: Parker didn’t specify her favorite flavor, but the savory notes of the toppings pair perfectly with a toasted Garlic or Everything bagel.
- The Butter: SJP explicitly calls for “wall-to-wall” Kerrygold butter. European butters have a higher butterfat content than standard American butter, making them incredibly rich and creamy.
- The Mustard: A generous spread of Grey Poupon or standard Dijon mustard adds a sharp, vinegary bite that perfectly cuts through the rich dairy fat of the butter.
- The Meat: You will need four slices of high-quality deli salami (she specifically shouts out the Boar’s Head brand).
Expert Flavor Tips:
Temperature Matters: To get the ultimate “wall-to-wall” spread that Parker demands, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. Spreading cold, hard butter will tear the soft inside of your toasted bagel!
Toast it Right: Always toast your bagel halves until the cut sides are golden brown and crispy, but the outside crust remains slightly chewy.
How to Assemble the Sandwich
There is no actual cooking required here! Simply toast your bagel to your preferred level of crispness. Generously slather the warm cut sides with your softened butter. Spread a layer of Dijon mustard over the butter, and layer your four slices of salami in the center. Close the sandwich, slice it in half, and enjoy your simple, savory start to the day.
Also Read : Lady Bird Johnson’s Easy Cheese Wafers Recipe
Sarah Jessica Parker’s Unexpected 3-Ingredient Breakfast
3
servings3
minutes2
minutes480
kcalIngredients
1 fresh bagel (Garlic, Everything, or Sesame preferred), sliced
1 to 2 tbsp Kerrygold butter (or high-quality European butter), softened
1 tbsp Grey Poupon or Dijon mustard
4 slices deli-style salami (such as Boar’s Head)
Directions
- Toast the Bagel: Place your sliced bagel halves into a toaster or under a broiler until the cut sides are golden brown and warm.
- Butter Wall-to-Wall: Immediately spread the softened butter generously over the cut side of both warm bagel halves, going completely edge-to-edge as SJP prefers.
- Add the Mustard: Spread a layer of Dijon mustard directly over the melted butter on the bottom half of the bagel.
- Layer the Meat: Fold the 4 slices of salami and arrange them evenly over the mustard layer.
- Serve: Place the top half of the bagel onto the sandwich, press down lightly, slice in half, and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Upgrade It: While this is exactly how SJP eats her bagel, you can easily elevate this sandwich by adding a slice of sharp provolone cheese or a handful of peppery arugula!
- Cold Cuts Check: If you want a slightly crispier bite, briefly fry your salami slices in a dry skillet for 1 minute per side before adding them to the sandwich.
