What Makes Up Everything but the Bagel Seasoning?

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to culinary lore, the 'everything bagel' was invented in the 1980s by a baker using the leftover seeds and toppings from other bagels. Today, the popular 'Everything But the Bagel' seasoning is a versatile and much-loved blend that elevates countless dishes beyond just bagels.

Quick Summary

This article explores the core components of everything but the bagel seasoning, detailing the specific seeds and dried aromatics that give it its signature savory, nutty, and crunchy flavor. It covers variations, preparation methods, and its diverse applications in modern cooking.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: The seasoning is primarily made of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and flaky sea salt.
Texture is Key: The use of seeds and dried flakes gives the blend its signature satisfying crunch, which is a major part of its appeal.
Nutty and Savory Profile: The flavor comes from the nutty sesame and poppy seeds, combined with the pungent, savory taste of dried garlic and onion.
Versatile Use: It can be used on a vast array of foods, from avocado toast and eggs to roasted vegetables and soups, not just bagels.
Easy to Customize: The simple recipe is easy to make at home, allowing for adjustments and additions like red pepper flakes or other seeds.
Balanced Flavor: The flaky sea salt enhances all the other flavors without overpowering the seeds and aromatics.
Homemade vs. Store-bought: Making your own blend ensures cleaner ingredients without anti-caking agents often found in commercial products.

The Core Components of the Classic Blend

At its heart, everything but the bagel seasoning is a simple yet carefully balanced mixture of five key ingredients. The synergy of these components creates the signature flavor profile that is both savory and crunchy, making it a favorite for home cooks and chefs alike.

The Essential Five Ingredients

Poppy Seeds: These contribute a delicate, nutty flavor and provide a distinct, satisfying crunch. Their tiny size ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the blend.
Sesame Seeds (White & Black): The white sesame seeds provide a rich, toasted nuttiness, while the black sesame seeds offer a slightly earthier flavor and visual contrast. Many homemade recipes suggest toasting the seeds to amplify their nutty profile.
Dried Minced Garlic: This ingredient delivers a pungent, savory aroma and an earthy, garlicky bite without the harshness of fresh garlic. The minced flakes, rather than a powder, are key to achieving the correct texture.
Dried Minced Onion: Similar to the garlic, dried minced onion (or onion flakes) provides a sharp, savory flavor that sweetens slightly when toasted. It contributes significant umami depth to the blend.
Flaky Sea Salt: Crucial for enhancing all the other flavors, the coarse or flaky salt provides a crystalline crunch and burst of salinity. It is preferred over fine table salt, which can make the blend overly salty and interfere with the texture.

Variations and Customizations

While the classic five ingredients form the foundation, many creative cooks and brands have introduced variations to put their own spin on the blend. Some additions are designed to expand the flavor profile, while others focus on nutritional benefits.

Common Enhancements

Spiciness: For those who like a kick, red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can be added.
Nigella Seeds: Also known as black cumin, these can be included for a more exotic, savory, and onion-like note.
Caraway Seeds: Often used in rye bread, these can be added to give the seasoning a hint of anise and a unique, aromatic flavor.
Nutritional Boost: Some variations include seeds like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or hemp seeds to increase the nutritional density.

The Versatility of Everything But the Bagel Seasoning

What truly makes this seasoning a culinary superstar is its wide range of uses beyond its namesake. Its balanced flavor and satisfying texture allow it to enhance everything from simple snacks to complex main courses.

Everything But the Bagel vs. Traditional Spice Blends


Feature	Everything But the Bagel Seasoning	Traditional Onion/Garlic Powder Blend
Primary Texture	Crunchy, seedy, and flaky	Fine, powdery, and soft
Ingredients	Whole/minced seeds and dried flakes	Finely ground powders
Key Flavor Profile	Savory, nutty, and salty	Concentrated onion and garlic
Best Uses	Applications where crunch and visual appeal are desired (e.g., avocado toast, salads)	Blending into sauces, rubs for meat, and soups where a smooth texture is needed
Salt Component	Flaky sea salt for bursts of flavor	Fine table salt, often blended seamlessly

Creating Your Own at Home

Making your own everything but the bagel seasoning is simple and cost-effective, allowing you to customize the ratios to your liking.

A Simple Recipe

Combine 2 tablespoons each of white sesame seeds, dried minced onion, and dried minced garlic.
Add 1.5 tablespoons of poppy seeds.
Finish with 1 tablespoon of flaky sea salt.
Store the mix in an airtight container for up to six months.

Preparation Tips

Toast the Seeds: For a deeper flavor, lightly toast the sesame and poppy seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before mixing. Allow them to cool completely.
Choose the Right Salt: Using flaky or coarse sea salt is essential for the signature texture and allows for a more even distribution of saltiness.
Shake Well: Because the ingredients have different densities, give the jar a good shake before each use to ensure you get a bit of everything in every sprinkle.

Conclusion

From a serendipitous accident in a New York bakery to a viral sensation, everything but the bagel seasoning has cemented its place in modern kitchens. Its simple yet powerful combination of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and flaky salt offers a versatile way to add crunchy texture and bold, savory flavor to almost any dish. By understanding its core components, you can appreciate the balance of taste and texture that makes this seasoning truly special, or even create your own personalized blend at home. This pantry staple is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a global culinary phenomenon.

This article is for informational purposes only. For a detailed exploration of the seasoning's science, history, and applications, visit Everything Bagel Seasoning Decoded: Science, History & Customization Tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main ingredients are poppy seeds, sesame seeds (both white and black), dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and flaky sea salt.

While technically possible, it is not recommended. The minced flakes provide the distinct texture and flavor, while powders can lead to a less desirable, pasty result and an overly strong taste.

Store the seasoning in an airtight container, such as a spice jar or mason jar, in a cool, dry, dark place like a pantry. It can last for up to six months.

Yes, the seeds and dried vegetables provide fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. However, the high sodium content means it should be consumed in moderation, especially by those with high blood pressure.

Moisture is the primary cause of clumping. Ensure all seeds are dry before mixing, and store in an airtight container with a moisture-absorbing packet, if necessary. Avoid refrigerating it.

Flaky or coarse sea salt is preferred. Its larger crystals offer bursts of flavor and a better mouthfeel than fine table salt, which can make the mixture too uniformly salty.

Yes, for a unique twist. The savory and salty elements can create an interesting sweet-and-savory combination, especially in baked goods like shortbread or on chocolate-dipped pretzels.