Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning: Your Ultimate Guide to a Flavorful, Budget-Friendly Blend

Discover the secret to making your own irresistible Everything Bagel Seasoning at home. This guide provides an incredibly easy and cost-effective recipe, allowing you to create a superior blend that far surpasses anything you’ll find in stores. Prepare to elevate your culinary creations with this crunchy, garlicky, and profoundly savory seasoning.

Everything Bagel Seasoning has taken the food world by storm, and for good reason. Its unique combination of flavors and textures adds an exciting twist to an astonishing array of dishes. From breakfast staples to gourmet dinners, this versatile blend is a true game-changer in any kitchen.

Like many, I first fell in love with everything bagel seasoning when I started sprinkling it on everything from creamy avocado toast to refreshing cucumber salads. The incredible flavor and satisfying garlicky crunch it added to virtually every dish I tried quickly made it a pantry essential. However, its widespread appeal also came with a steep price tag for store-bought versions.

The solution? Crafting my own copycat version. Not only is this homemade blend significantly more budget-friendly, but it also boasts a remarkable freshness that commercial blends simply cannot match. Once you try this DIY recipe, you’ll understand why so many home cooks are opting to make their own. It’s a simple change that delivers immense flavor and value.

Why Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning is a Culinary Must-Have

While store-bought Everything Bagel Seasoning offers convenience, crafting your own blend at home comes with a multitude of benefits that elevate both your cooking and your wallet.

Crafting the Perfect Blend: Essential Ingredients

The magic of Everything Bagel Seasoning lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of a few key ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the iconic flavor and texture profile that we all adore. Here’s what you’ll need to assemble your masterpiece:

• Sesame Seeds: The backbone of this blend, sesame seeds provide a nutty, slightly sweet base flavor and a satisfying textural crunch. We highly recommend using both white and black sesame seeds to achieve the authentic look and a more complex flavor profile. White sesame seeds are mild and nutty, while black sesame seeds offer a slightly stronger, earthier taste and striking visual contrast.
• Poppy Seeds: These tiny, dark seeds add a delicate, nutty flavor and a distinctive pop of texture that is essential to the “everything” experience. They contribute to the visual appeal and a subtle bitterness that balances the other ingredients.
• Dried Minced Onion: Providing a sweet and pungent onion flavor without the moisture of fresh onion, dried minced onion is a critical component for that classic savory depth. Ensure you use dried minced onion, not onion powder, for the correct texture and flavor intensity.
• Dried Minced Garlic: Similarly, dried minced garlic (also known as garlic flakes) delivers a robust, savory garlic punch. This dried form is perfect for seasoning blends as it maintains its flavor without clumping or adding unwanted moisture. Again, opt for minced flakes over garlic powder for superior texture and taste.
• Flaky Sea Salt: This is arguably the most crucial ingredient for achieving the authentic “everything bagel” texture and flavor. Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon sea salt, offers a delightful burst of salinity and a pleasant crunch that coarse kosher salt cannot fully replicate. Its irregular flakes adhere perfectly to foods, providing bursts of salty goodness. While Maldon is highly recommended for its premium quality, a good quality coarse kosher salt is a suitable budget-friendly alternative.

By selecting fresh, high-quality versions of these ingredients, you set the foundation for a truly exceptional homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning.

Effortless Creation: How to Make Everything Bagel Seasoning

Creating your own Everything Bagel Seasoning is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Follow these simple steps to assemble your perfect batch.

• Step One: Measure and Combine. Carefully measure out all of your chosen ingredients according to the recipe (found below in the recipe card). Transfer all the measured sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, and flaky sea salt into a small bowl or a container large enough for mixing.

• Step Two: Mix Thoroughly. Using a small spoon or a whisk, gently stir or whisk all of the seeds and seasonings together. Continue mixing until all the components are uniformly distributed throughout the blend. This ensures that every sprinkle delivers a balanced burst of flavor.

That’s it! In just two simple steps, you’ve created a versatile and delicious seasoning that’s ready to transform your favorite dishes. Now, let’s talk about keeping it fresh.

Unleashing Flavor: Creative Ways to Use Everything Bagel Seasoning

The beauty of homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning lies in its incredible versatility. Don’t limit yourself to just bagels! This savory, crunchy blend can enhance a surprising variety of dishes, adding a burst of flavor and texture. Use your homemade mix just as you would any store-bought version, but prepare for an even fresher taste. Here are just a few ideas to get you started on your culinary adventure:

Breakfast & Brunch Boosters:

• Avocado Toast: The quintessential pairing! A generous sprinkle over mashed avocado on toast adds the perfect garlicky crunch.
• Eggs of All Kinds: Transform scrambled, fried, poached, or boiled eggs with a simple dash. It’s fantastic on egg sandwiches or omelets.
• Cream Cheese Spreads: Mix it into plain cream cheese for a gourmet bagel spread, or sprinkle on top of cream cheese-stuffed celery or mini bell peppers for a quick, savory snack.
• Savory Oatmeal or Grits: For those who prefer a savory start to their day, a sprinkle can elevate these morning classics.

Savory Snacks & Appetizers:

• Popcorn Perfection: Toss freshly popped popcorn with a touch of melted butter or olive oil and a healthy sprinkle for an addictive snack.
• Roasted Nuts & Seeds: Lightly coat almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds with olive oil and seasoning before roasting for a savory treat.
• Hummus or Dips: Garnish your favorite hummus, labneh, or yogurt dips with a swirl of olive oil and a sprinkle of seasoning for added texture and flavor.
• Cheese Boards: Use it to coat soft cheeses like goat cheese or sprinkle over hard cheeses for an extra layer of flavor.

Lunch & Dinner Enhancements:

• Roasted Vegetables: A fantastic addition to almost any roasted vegetable – broccoli, asparagus, potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts all benefit from its savory notes.
• Grilled Chicken or Fish: Season chicken breasts, salmon fillets, or white fish before grilling or baking for a garlicky crust.
• Salad Topping: Sprinkle generously on green salads, potato salad, or pasta salad, like our refreshing cucumber and bell pepper salad, for an extra crunch.
• Stir-Fries & Noodle Bowls: Add a pinch at the end for an unexpected textural and flavor boost.
• Soups & Stews: Garnish creamy tomato soup or hearty lentil stew for an aromatic finish.

Baking & Breads:

• Homemade Everything Bagels: The most obvious, yet supremely satisfying, application! Make your own bagels and coat them generously before baking.
• Breadsticks or Soft Pretzels: Brush with an egg wash or butter and sprinkle before baking for a savory twist.
• Crackers & Flatbreads: Use it to flavor homemade crackers or flatbreads.
• Savory Muffins or Scones: Incorporate into the batter or sprinkle on top of savory baked goods.

This list is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment and discover new favorite pairings. The possibilities are truly endless with this versatile homemade seasoning blend!

Expert Tips for the Perfect Everything Bagel Seasoning

Achieving the ideal blend and maintaining its quality is simple with a few insider tips. These insights will help you maximize flavor, minimize costs, and ensure your homemade seasoning is always at its best.

• Smart Sourcing: Buy in Bulk for Maximum Savings: The most significant cost savings come from purchasing the individual ingredients in larger quantities. Stores like Costco or restaurant supply shops are excellent for bulk spices. For specialty items like black sesame seeds or premium flaky salt, online retailers like Amazon can be a good source. These bulk ingredients can also be utilized for your everyday cooking, expanding their value beyond just this seasoning blend. Consider your regular cooking needs and stock up on spices that have multiple applications.
• Combatting Humidity: Keep Your Blend Clump-Free: Humidity is the arch-nemesis of dry spice blends. If you live in an area with high moisture, your seasoning may clump during storage. To prevent this, ensure your storage container is truly airtight. As a proactive measure, you can sprinkle in a small amount of food-grade rice starch when you first mix the seasoning. This natural absorbent helps wick away moisture. If clumping still occurs, simply break it up with a knife or a fork before use – the flavor will remain intact.
• The Unrivaled Importance of Flaky Salt: While any coarse salt will work, using a high-quality flaky salt, such as Maldon sea salt, truly elevates this seasoning. The irregular, delicate flakes provide a distinctive visual appeal and a superior textural crunch that is integral to the authentic “everything bagel” experience. This isn’t just about taste; it’s about the full sensory experience. If Maldon is out of reach, a coarse kosher salt is the next best choice.
• Experiment with Ratios: Tailor to Your Palate: The beauty of homemade is customization. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ratios of the ingredients. If you adore garlic, add a bit more dried minced garlic. If you prefer a less intense saltiness, start with slightly less and add to taste. Over time, you’ll discover your perfect personal blend.
• Consider Grinding for Finer Texture: While the classic blend has distinct components, if you prefer a finer texture, you can lightly pulse a portion of the dried minced onion and garlic in a spice grinder before mixing. Be careful not to over-process, as you still want some texture.