Stop Paying $8 a Jar: The Ultimate Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe
Let’s face it: the Everything bagel is a culinary masterpiece. It’s got crunch, it’s got onion, it’s got garlic, and it’s got those irresistible poppy and sesame seeds. It’s truly everything you want. But why is the seasoning mix sold in tiny, overpriced jars that run out the second you start sprinkling it on literally everything?
I used to be a victim of the tiny jar scam. Then I realized: I could make this myself. And I could make a HUGE batch for pennies. The first time I served my homemade blend over avocado toast, my friend demanded to know where I bought the “artisanal” mix. When I told her it was DIY, she swore I was lying. Get ready to stop running to the store and start owning your own Everything bagel spice empire. This recipe is viral-worthy because it’s cheap, easy, and profoundly delicious.
Why Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning Wins
The best part about this recipe? It takes exactly five minutes to make. Seriously, no cooking, no heating, just measuring and stirring. You get the fresh, potent flavor that stale store-bought versions simply can’t touch.
This recipe is awesome because it’s completely customizable. Want more garlic? Add it! Need less salt? Reduce it! You are the boss of your breakfast. Plus, imagine the look on your friends’ faces when you gift them a cute jar of this. Instant popularity, guaranteed. IMO, having this mix on hand is a fundamental quality-of-life upgrade.
The Essential Ingredient Lineup (The Perfect Ratio)
The key to a perfect Everything bagel blend is the ratio. We want a balance of crunch, texture, and pungent flavor. Do not skip the flaky salt!
- White Sesame Seeds: Provides the neutral, nutty base. 2 tablespoons.
- Black Sesame Seeds: Adds visual contrast and a slightly more intense flavor. 1 tablespoon.
- Poppy Seeds: The classic crunch. 1 tablespoon.
- Dried Minced Garlic: Must be minced, not powder, for crunch and flavor. 2 tablespoons.
- Dried Minced Onion: Must be minced, not powder, for crunch and flavor. 2 tablespoons.
- Flaky Sea Salt (Crucial!): Flaky salt gives the perfect texture and burst of salinity. 1 tablespoon.
Key Substitution Note: You can substitute the flaky sea salt with regular kosher salt, but cut the amount to 2 teaspoons. Flaky salt provides texture that table salt just can’t, so try to find it! If you only have garlic/onion powder, you can use it, but use 1 tablespoon of each, as powder is stronger.
Tools & Kitchen Gadgets Used
For this simple blend, you only need the basics. No need for any fancy, expensive kitchen gadgets.
- Small Mixing Bowl: To combine all the magical ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons: Accuracy is key for the perfect flavor ratio.
- Small Whisk or Spoon: For stirring everything together.
- Rubber Spatula: To scrape every bit of the finished product into the jar.
- Airtight Spice Jar or Container: For long-term storage and easy sprinkling. Mini mason jars look super cute for gifting!
The Ridiculously Easy, Three-Step Spice Assembly
Get ready to feel like a spice sorcerer. This is the simplest recipe you will ever conquer.
Step 1: Combine the Seeds
In your small mixing bowl, dump in the white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, and poppy seeds. Give them a quick stir with a spoon. We start with the seeds because they form the bulk of the mix.
Step 2: Flavor Bomb Activation
Now, add the pungent ingredients: the dried minced garlic and the dried minced onion. Finally, add the star salt: the flaky sea salt. Use your spoon or whisk to stir everything together thoroughly. You want a perfect, homogenous blend where all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Don’t leave any lonely seeds at the bottom!
Step 3: Storage and Sprinkle Strategy
Transfer the finished, glorious Everything bagel seasoning into your airtight jar. Seal it tightly. Store it in a cool, dry place (away from the oven or direct sun) to maintain the crunch and potency of the dried garlic and onion. You can use it immediately—no chilling required! Congrats, you are now a spice blend master.
Estimated Calories & Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
This mix is mainly seeds and dried aromatics, so the caloric density is low, but the flavor payoff is enormous. We calculate based on a standard 1-teaspoon serving size.
- Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
- Estimated Calories Per Serving: Approximately 20-30 calories. (Mostly from the sesame seeds.)
- Nutritional Notes (Per 1 tsp):
- Fat: Roughly 1-2g (Healthy fats from the sesame seeds).
- Sodium: Moderate to High (Varies significantly based on the salt type and amount used).
- Micronutrients: Seeds are tiny powerhouses! This mix contains small amounts of Calcium, Iron, and Fiber.
- Flavor Power: Maximum. (This is the important metric, right?)
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Don’t Mess This Up!)
It’s simple, but there are still ways to sabotage your spice blend. Avoid these rookie moves!
- MISTAKE: Using Fine Table Salt. Table salt is dense and dissolves quickly, leading to an overwhelmingly salty flavor without the satisfying textural crunch. Always use flaky sea salt or coarse kosher salt for the best texture and control.
- MISTAKE: Ignoring the Freshness of Ingredients. If your sesame seeds have been sitting in the pantry since the last millennium, they will taste bitter and oily. Use relatively fresh seeds for the best nutty flavor.
- MISTAKE: Using Powdered Garlic/Onion (Exclusively). The minced versions are essential for the Everything bagel crunch and texture. Using only powders will result in a dusty flavor, not a crunchy coating. Don’t substitute the minced ingredients.
- MISTAKE: Storing it Near Heat or Steam. Moisture and heat are the enemies of crunch. Keep the jar tightly sealed and away from the stove or dishwasher to prevent the salt and dried onion/garlic from clumping.
Variations & Customizations (The Everything-er Bagel)
You mastered the basic blend. Now, let’s get crazy with a few high-impact tweaks!
1. The Spicy Everything Kick
For a subtle warmth that works great on eggs and chicken, add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes (red pepper flakes) to the mix. For even more heat and a smoky background, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. It adds a gorgeous depth without overwhelming the classic flavor.
2. The Umami Bomb (The Everything-But-The-Kitchen-Sink)
Take this blend to the next level of savory umami goodness. Add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast (for a cheesy, savory flavor) and 1/2 teaspoon of mushroom powder (for deep earthiness). This version is incredible on roasted root vegetables and popcorn.
3. The Savory Herb Addition
If you are using this blend primarily for savory items like focaccia or dips, try adding 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or 1 teaspoon of dried dill weed to the blend. The herbaceous notes add a delicious Mediterranean flair that pairs beautifully with feta or cream cheese.
FAQ Section: Answers to Your Bagel Bliss Queries
Q1: Why did my seasoning start clumping in the jar?
The most common reason is moisture! You may have stored it near steam (like the stovetop) or didn’t seal the jar tightly. You can try drying it out on a baking sheet at a very low temperature (about 200°F) for 10 minutes, but prevention is best!
Q2: What can I use Everything bagel seasoning on besides bagels?
Oh, sweet summer child. The possibilities are endless:
- Avocado toast (obviously).
- Hummus or cream cheese dips.
- Roasted vegetables (potatoes, broccoli).
- Sprinkled on baked salmon or chicken.
- Popcorn (a revelation!).
Q3: How long does this homemade seasoning stay fresh?
Because it contains dried ingredients, the blend will stay potent and crunchy for about 3-6 months if stored in an airtight, cool, dark place. After that, the onion and garlic flavors may start to fade.
Q4: Can I toast the sesame seeds before mixing?
Yes, you can! Gently toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool completely before mixing them with the other ingredients. This deepens the nutty flavor, making it even more intense.
Q5: Is Everything bagel seasoning high in sodium?
The sodium content depends entirely on the amount and type of salt you add. If you use the full 1 tablespoon of flaky salt, it will be salty. Reduce the salt or use a low-sodium salt substitute to keep the sodium low.
Q6: What is the best way to get the seasoning to stick to a bagel?
Before baking or toasting, brush the surface of your bagel (or bread) with an egg wash (egg white whisked with a splash of water), or simply use a coating of olive oil or melted butter. The wet surface acts as glue.
Q7: Can I omit the poppy seeds if I don’t like them?
Yes, absolutely! Feel free to omit any of the seeds if they aren’t your favorite. Just increase the quantity of the remaining seeds slightly to maintain the texture and volume of the blend.
Final Thoughts: Go Forth and Sprinkle Everything
You just armed yourself with the ultimate flavor bomb, and it only cost you about fifty cents. You’re too smart to buy that sad, tiny, expensive jar again! Now, go forth and sprinkle this magic on every food item in your kitchen. Seriously, everything. You’ll never look at plain bread or boring eggs the same way again. Don’t forget to tag me in your Everything bagel creations!
