Martha Stewart Shares Her Bagel-Making Technique, Sparking Online Debate

Martha Stewart has shared her unique method for enjoying bagels, prompting a variety of reactions online.

“How to eat a bagel!!!!!! Taught years ago by my daughter Alexis Stewart,” the 84-year-old entrepreneur posted on Instagram on Friday, December 12, along with a slideshow detailing her technique. “1. Choose a @popupbagels bagel; I love poppyseed.”

Martha included a picture of the bagel, a tub of cream cheese on a plate, and a lemon wedge. The bagel was marked with a red X, indicating that it should not be enjoyed in that manner.

Next, she revealed her method of cutting the bagel in half. While most would stop there, Martha encouraged her followers to stick around for her additional steps.

“Take a half of a half and break into sweet little pieces,” she continued.

In another image, Martha demonstrated how she takes “one quarter” of the bagel, breaking it into small pieces scattered around the plate. She then tops these with a “modicum” of her “favorite cream cheese.”

“Sweet little pieces can be topped with flavored or unflavored cream cheese,” she noted. “Always satisfied, never too full!”

Many fans shared their thoughts in the comments section about Martha’s bagel approach.

“Love you Martha but it’s 2025; we can eat whole bagels now ❤️,” one user commented, while another added, “Queen Martha, this is a violation of the bagel code of ethics 🚫.”

Some expressed concerns that Martha’s method was perpetuating unhealthy dietary habits.

“I love you but this is straight-up boomer diet culture. Eat the bagel, girl,” one user remarked, while another quipped, “Almond mom tips.”

Several users were also curious about the lemon slice that appeared in her initial photo but was absent in the following images.

“What about the Lemon?” one person wondered, while another joked, “Are we drenching the 3/4 of the bagel we’re not eating with the lemon wedge, queen?”

Martha has established her reputation in the lifestyle space, penning cookbooks and hosting her own cooking show. She is also the founder of the home and hospitality brand Martha Stewart Living, where she has shared countless tips on meal preparation and hosting.

Earlier this month, she surprised many by stating her desire to be composted after she passes away.

“I’m going to be composted,” Martha mentioned on a December episode of the “50 & Unfiltered” podcast. “When one of my horses dies, we dig a giant hole really deep in one of my fields — we have a pet cemetery — and the horse is wrapped in a clean, white linen sheet and very carefully dropped down into this giant, lovely grave. I want to go there.”

Martha elaborated that she intends to be laid to rest on her property, assuring that her wishes won’t inconvenience anyone else.

“It’s not going to hurt anyone. It’s my property,” she clarified. “These coffin things and all that stuff? No way.”

The culinary mogul disclosed that her final meal would be scrambled eggs and butter.