If you have 5-10 minutes, you can make this Everything Bagel Seasoning recipe at home. This small batch seasoning blend is as easy to make, versatile, and customizable. Don’t miss the list of ideas for ways to use it beyond bagels!
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One of my favorite weekend breakfasts has always been Everything Bagels with cream cheese. There’s nothing like biting into a chewy bagel with a sturdy crust and the crunch of Everything Seasoning on top. Toasty, garlicky, and delicious.
Thanks to a surge in popularity over the past few years and widespread commercial availability of pre-mixed seasoning blends (Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning perhaps being the most popular), “Everything Bagel” as found a life far past the bagel shop.
So, why make it when you can buy it? Customization. When you make any spice blend at home, you can tailor it to your personal preferences and needs. Here’s now I make it.
Ever wonder where the Everything Bagel originated? Check out Everyone Who Invented the Everything Bagel from Taste.
What Goes in Everything Bagel Seasoning
Everything Bagel Seasoning is a 6-ingredient mix of seeds, dried aromatics, and salt. You might already have some of the ingredients on your spice rack. If not, they’re easy-to-source in the regular grocery store, or your favorite spice shop. You’ll need:
- Poppy Seed. Adds a crunchy texture and subtle nutty flavor.
- Sesame Seeds. Brings the seasoning its classic toasty, nutty flavor and aroma. Using both black sesame seeds and white sesame seeds gives the mix its characteristic speckled appearance.
- Dried Minced Onion. Adds a sweet, oniony flavor.
- Dried Minced Garlic. Brings plenty of garlicky flavor to the seasoning. Dehydrated/dried garlic is mellower than the sharpness of raw garlic.
- Salt. I like to use my favorite Fleur de Sel or Maldon flaked sea salt. When using Maldon, I break up some of the larger flakes with my fingertips before measuring. If using coarse sea salt, be sure that the granules aren’t too large, so you get an even saltiness when sprinkling the seasoning. For more of a crunch, you can also use pretzel grain salt, which is what many of my local bagel shops use. Kosher salt can also be substituted.
Customizing Your Blend
When mixing the seasoning, adjust the ratios of each component to create your ideal Everything Bagel blend. Like more onion than garlic? Increase and decrease the proportions to your tastes. (I personally prefer a little less garlic in my seasoning.)
Want the seasoning to be less salty or need it to be salt-free? Decrease or omit the salt entirely. There’s no wrong way to make this!
I’ve visited a few bagel shops over the years that add additional seasonings to the classic blend, such as caraway or crushed fennel seeds. When I add either of these, I typically use equal proportions to the other seeds in the recipe.
Recipe Tip: Toasting the Seasoning
I always buy un-toasted seeds and aromatics when making this Everything Bagel Seasoning recipe, for the most versatility and the best shelf life. When using pre-toasted ingredients (such as sesame seeds), the seasoning risks burning and turning bitter when baked.
That said, some of my favorite uses for Everything Bagel Seasoning aren’t baked after sprinkling (see below). To get that nutty, delicious flavor right out the jar, you can simply toast the mixed seasoning in a dry skillet on the stove. I like to do this before adding the garlic (which can burn easily) and salt.
Toast the seasoning over moderate heat until aromatic and the sesame seeds and onion are light golden. Stir occasionally and watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Immediately transfer the mix out of the skillet to cool, and then add the garlic and salt.
How to Store Your Seasoning Blend
I like to store my Everything Seasoning in a glass spice jar or round clip top jar, but any airtight container will do. If you’re buying a spice jar with a shaker lid, make sure the holes are on the larger side or adjustable, so that the sesame seeds and minced aromatics fit through.
Store the jars in a cool, dark place (such as your pantry or spice cabinet). Un-toasted seasoning should last for up to a couple of months with proper storage. For the best flavor, I prefer to use toasted seasoning more quickly, within a few weeks to a month.
Ways to Use This Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe
Everything Bagel Seasoning adds a punch of savory flavor and crunch to bagels and more. Here are some of our favorite ways to use it:
- As a topping for homemade bagels, breads, and rolls (such as hamburger buns).
- As a seasoning in/on homemade crackers and pita chips.
- Sprinkled over roasted vegetables.
- As a crust for baked salmon fillets.
- As a finishing seasoning for scrambled eggs and egg sandwiches.
- Sprinkled over various toasts, such as avocado, lox, or sweet potato. Or, on tomato sandwiches and in grilled cheese.
- Mixed with panko as a coating for baked or air-fried chicken tenders.
- As a garnish for hummus.
- Sprinkled over buttered popcorn.
- As a coating for homemade cheese balls.
- Stirred into compound butter.
- Mixed with cream cheese and sour cream for an easy dip to serve with bagel chips.
- As a seasoning for brown or white rice, or a twist on fried rice.
- As a topping for Pigs in a Blanket.
What’s your favorite way to use Everything Bagel Seasoning? Tell us in the comments!
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Everything Bagel Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion (not toasted)
- 1-2 tablespoons dried minced garlic (depending on how garlicky you like your seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds (not toasted)
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 2-3 teaspoons Fleur de sel, flaked sea salt, or kosher salt (more or less, to taste, depending on the type of salt you're using)
Instructions
For Un-Toasted Seasoning (to be used on foods that will be baked after seasoning)
- Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl. Store the seasoning blend an airtight container in a cool, dark place at room temperature for up to 3 months.
For Toasted Seasoning (to be used on foods that won't be baked after seasoning)
- Combine poppy seeds, minced onion, and white and black sesame seeds in a dry skillet. Toast over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is fragrant and the sesame seeds and onions are light golden brown, 3-5 minutes. (Watch it closely so it doesn't burn!)
- Immediately transfer the mix to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Stir in garlic and salt. Store at room temperature in a cool, dark place, in an airtight container. I find that for the best flavor, toasted seasoning should be enjoyed within a few weeks, up to a month.
Notes
Nutrition Estimate
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
About our recipes
Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking.
