Everything Bagel Seasoning: The Crunch and Flavor Secret Beyond Bread
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna)
I first shook this blend onto cream cheese on a lazy Saturday and now it goes on my eggs, my popcorn, and my roasted vegetables. It is dangerously addictive.
I first shook this blend onto cream cheese on a lazy Saturday and now it goes on my eggs, my popcorn, and my roasted vegetables. It is dangerously addictive, and once you have a jar on the counter you will find yourself reaching for it at every meal. This is the crunch and flavor secret you did not know your kitchen needed.
What It Is & Where It Comes From
Everything bagel seasoning is a crunchy, savory mix of toasted white and black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt. Some versions add caraway seeds or a pinch of chili flakes. The blend started as a topping for bagels in New York City bakeries, but it has become a pantry staple far beyond the bread world. In many homes it sits next to the salt and pepper grinder as a finishing sprinkle.
The Blend: Ratios That Work
Here is the ratio we keep mixed in a small mason jar. It makes about a half cup, which lasts us a couple of months.
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon flaky coarse salt
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are just golden and fragrant. Let them cool completely before mixing with the remaining ingredients. The toast on the sesame seeds is what separates a good blend from a great one. If you want extra crunch, use larger-grain flaky salt like Maldon rather than fine table salt.
How to Use It
Spread cream cheese on toast and dust generously with the blend for a quick breakfast that tastes like your favorite bagel shop. Crack an egg into a skillet, sprinkle the seasoning on top while it cooks, and finish with a squeeze of lemon for a fast, flavorful breakfast.
Toss a tablespoon onto roasted vegetables right out of the oven. The residual heat wakes up the garlic and onion. Stir it into hummus, dip, or labneh for an instant party snack. Popcorn tossed with melted butter and a few shakes of everything bagel seasoning is our go-to movie night snack, and it is shockingly good.
Variations & Storage
Add a teaspoon of caraway seeds for a more European, rye-bread character. Toss in a half teaspoon of red chili flakes for heat. Some people add dried dill for a more distinctly bagel-shop flavor, and it works beautifully.
Store in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to six months. Keep it away from moisture and direct sunlight, as the garlic and onion can clump or lose their crunch. Stir the jar before using since the heavier seeds tend to settle at the bottom.
FAQ / Quick Facts
- What is everything bagel seasoning? A crunchy mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt, originally a bagel topping.
- Is it gluten free? Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free salt and dried onion, it is naturally gluten free.
- Can I add it to meat? Absolutely. Rub it onto chicken, fish, or steak before roasting or grilling for a savory crust.
- Does it need toasting? Toasting the sesame seeds is recommended for deeper, nuttier flavor, but the blend works without it.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →