This post is Sponsored by Thomas’ but my opinions are 100% my own!

Thomas’ has some great products to help with the crazy back to school time!  I’ve been a fan of Thomas’ ever since I was a kid.  There may be other brands out there that are good, but in my book Thomas’ really are the best.  I was very happy when they introduced bagels a long time ago, and I love how they keep mixing things up with new flavors and varieties.

The girls enjoy bagels for breakfast a few times a week so I like to keep them in the freezer.   When they are frozen, I pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds which is just enough to be able to pull the two slices a part, and then I put them in the toaster.  The thawing process continues as they toast to save me a little time.  And they come out just as fresh as if they weren’t frozen in the first place.

The mini bagels I find are the perfect size for my kids in the morning.  It’s just enough to fill up their bellies before the start of the school day.   And if they happen to wake up hungry, they’ll have some fruit with them.  Of course they like to top them off with a little bit of cream cheese too.  I can’t say I blame them as I prefer cream cheese on my bagels too!

Thomas’ sent us some recipes to try with their products.  I love mixing up a regular item to make it more appealing and to surprise my kids.   The first one below is something I would have never thought of doing but yet when I read it I immediately wanted to whack myself on the forehead for not thinking of it.

French Toast Mini Bagels

Whisk together 4 large eggs, ½ cup whole milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a shallow dish until combined well. Soak 4 Thomas’ Plain Mini Bagels in mixture, turning occasionally until softened but not falling apart. Heat 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter in a 12-inch, heavy, non-stick skillet or griddle over moderately high heat until the foam subsides. Transfer soaked bagel slices to skillet cut-side-down with tongs. Cook about 2 minutes total until golden brown on both sides. Serve with maple syrup.

I love the idea of making french toast with a bagel rather than bread because it won’t fall apart as easily!   And again, these are the perfect size for the girls to eat.  I made a few for them over the weekend and they loved them!

I’ve made mini pizza’s on English Muffins before but not on bagels.  The whole in the middle just didn’t seem to be the perfect pizza setting but why not right?

Mini Bagels Pizza

On a baking tray, place the split Thomas’ Plain Mini Bagels with the cut sides facing up. Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on each mini bagel and sprinkle each half with mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. If desired, add additional healthy toppings! Bake in oven at 375˚ F for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through.

We made a few for lunch one day and again, they were a hit.  The crust of the “pizza” was thicker than I’d like it to be but they enjoyed them.  I would prefer to use the bagel thins for these but they may cook too fast since they are thin so there may be a little experimenting with those to get the right temperature.

While the above recipes are more for the kids (though parent’s will enjoy them too) here are a few recipes for the Mom’s and Dad’s to enjoy…. they should get something fun too since they are the ones cooking these yummy treats!

Gouda, Ham and Apple Bagel Thins

Toast 1 Thomas’ 100% Whole Wheat Bagel Thins bagel. Place 3 to 4 slices of ham and 1 slice of smoked Gouda onto one half of the Bagel Thins bagel and place under broiler until cheese is melted. Top with 2 to 3 slices of apple and other Bagel Thins slice. (263 calories, 6g dietary fiber, 16g protein)

I love this and would make it using several varieties of ingredients – ham and cheese is one that comes to mind.  Or even chicken and cheese for a chicken cordon bleu sandwich idea.  So many thoughts going through my head that I’m getting hungry.

Lunch: Turkey Caesar Bagel Thins

In a bowl, toss together 2 torn lettuce leave and 2 torn slices of deli turkey. Place the turkey and lettuce mixture on a toasted Thomas’ Everything Bagel Thins bagel. Top with 1 tablespoon of Caesar salad dressing and 1 tablespoon of shaved Parmesan cheese. (200 calories, 6g dietary fiber, 19g protein)

This one is perfect for me since it fits into my diet (with low-fat Caesar dressing of course!).  I’d use the whole wheat bagel but it would be just as yummy.

I love these ideas for the back to school season because when school starts and we all get back into our schedules, my brain doesn’t always work as well so these ideas are perfect to put in my meals notebook for when I’m looking for something quick, easy and yummy to make.

Look for Thomas’ products in the bread aisle of your favorite food stores in the cute back to school packaging!   And try some of these recipe ideas.  Or share some of yours with us!  I’d love more ideas, especially for the kids.

Disclosure: I received a Free product for review. My opinions are 100% mine.