Martha Stewart, known for her culinary expertise, has sparked a lively debate online with her unconventional way of eating a bagel.
The Yes,Chef! judge revealed her method on Instagram, showcasing her approach to savoring the beloved baked good.
Typically, many in the U.S. enjoy bagels either whole or split in half, adorned with toppings like cream cheese, smoked salmon, or jam.
However, Martha prefers a different approach, opting to break the bagel into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
In a series of images demonstrating this technique, Martha explained: “Taught years ago by my daughter Alexis Stewart 1.choose a @popupbagels bagel I love poppyseed 2. Cut in half 3. Take a half of a half and break into sweet little pieces 4. Sweet little pieces can be topped with flavored or unflavored cream cheese.”
For the renowned cookbook author, this method is satisfying. Her fans, however, seemed split on this unique approach.
One commenter expressed, “Love you Martha but it’s 2025 we can eat whole bagels now ❤️,” humorously addressing her choice to stick with just a small portion.
Another fan remarked, “Idk about this one, diva.”
Someone else chimed in with, “This is unhinged, Martha.”
A follower added, “Martha I love you more than my own family but this is utterly unacceptable and I implore you to repent for your sins.”
One comment went further, joking, “Straight to jail” in reference to Stewart’s past legal issues related to an insider trading scandal in 2004.
Despite appearing unusual, the approach was intended humorously, as Stewart later updated her post, stating: “CAN’T ANYONE TAKE A JOKE?????? YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?!!!!anyway it’s very satisfying to eat a bagel like this.”
PopUpBagels, the brand mentioned by Stewart, also commented on the method. Founder Adam Goldberg told TODAY: “PopUp Bagels is known for eating bagels a little differently — Grip, Rip and Dip style. That being said, we encourage everyone to enjoy their bagel however they want, which is why we sell them hot and whole.
“Martha just took that idea to a whole new level, and we love seeing all the creative ways people make it their own.”