Unpacking the Everything Bagel Seasoning
The appeal of Dunkin's avocado toast lies in its simplicity combined with the robust flavor of the Everything Bagel seasoning. This seasoning mix, which is commonly sold in grocery stores or can be made at home, is not just about the seeds. It's a harmonious combination of savory, salty, and nutty flavors and textures that perfectly complement the creamy avocado. By understanding what goes into this blend, you can appreciate why it has become such a popular topping. The blend's composition is a testament to the classic bagel flavor profile, bringing a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory aromatics to each bite.
The Key Seed Ingredients
- Sesame Seeds (Black and White): These are the most prominent seed in the mix and provide a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. The mix of both black and white sesame seeds adds visual interest and a subtle difference in taste. White sesame seeds are milder, while black sesame seeds have a more pronounced nutty flavor.
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny, bluish-black seeds are prized for their subtle, nutty flavor and distinct texture. They contribute a characteristic crunch that is integral to the classic Everything Bagel taste.
The Aromatic Spices
While the seeds get the spotlight, the other non-seed ingredients are just as crucial to the overall flavor of the topping.
- Dried Minced Onion: These small, dehydrated onion flakes provide a savory, slightly sweet onion flavor without the moisture or sharp bite of fresh onion.
- Dried Minced Garlic: Similar to the onion, the minced garlic offers a concentrated, pungent garlic flavor that enhances the savory profile of the seasoning.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Unlike standard table salt, flaky sea salt offers a burst of salty flavor and a satisfying texture. It is a key component for balancing the other flavors.
The Anatomy of Dunkin's Avocado Toast
The Everything Bagel seasoning is just one component of the full Dunkin' avocado toast experience. It is thoughtfully combined with a few other simple ingredients to create the beloved breakfast item.
- Toasted Sourdough Bread: Dunkin' uses a thick, authentic sourdough bread that is toasted to a perfect golden crisp. The bread's slight tanginess and sturdy texture provide an excellent base that holds up well to the creamy avocado spread and crunchy topping.
- Avocado Spread: The spread itself is kept simple, allowing the flavor of the avocado to shine through. It's a creamy mash of avocado, seasoned with just sea salt, black pepper, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness.
This minimalist approach to the spread ensures that the Everything Bagel seasoning isn't overwhelmed but rather complemented by the creamy, fresh avocado and tangy sourdough.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: Homemade vs. Store-Bought
For those who love the flavor and want to recreate it at home, you can either buy a pre-mixed seasoning or make your own. Both options have their benefits.
| Feature | Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning | Store-Bought Everything Bagel Seasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Control over Ingredients | Complete control over the ratio of each component and the quality of the ingredients. | Limited control; ingredient list is predetermined by the manufacturer. |
| Cost | Often more cost-effective per ounce, especially if you already have the spices on hand. | Potentially more expensive, but saves you the time and effort of sourcing and mixing. |
| Convenience | Requires gathering and measuring several separate spices and seeds. | Ready to use straight from the jar, which is very convenient. |
| Freshness | You can create a fresh batch whenever needed, ensuring maximum flavor and aroma. | Flavor can fade over time once the jar is opened. |
| Customization | Easily adjust the salt level, garlic-to-onion ratio, or add other spices to your liking. | No customization is possible with a pre-mixed product. |
Other Popular Avocado Toast Toppings
While Dunkin' made its mark with the Everything Bagel seasoning, many other delicious additions can elevate avocado toast. For those looking to experiment, here are some popular options:
- Red Pepper Flakes: A simple way to add a bit of heat and spice to your toast. It provides a nice contrast to the creamy avocado.
- Hemp Seeds: A superfood topping that adds healthy fats, protein, and a subtle nutty flavor. They also provide a boost of nutritional value.
- Microgreens or Sprouts: For a fresh, earthy flavor and an aesthetic finish, toppings like alfalfa sprouts, radish slices, or arugula work well.
- Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): These offer a heartier crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that pairs nicely with avocado.
- Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy element that cuts through the creaminess of the avocado.
These toppings can be used alone or combined to create a unique flavor profile, allowing you to customize your avocado toast experience beyond Dunkin's signature style.
The Versatility of Everything Bagel Seasoning
The popularity of this particular seasoning blend extends far beyond avocado toast. Its balanced flavor makes it a versatile pantry staple that can be used on a variety of dishes. Many people sprinkle it on scrambled eggs, popcorn, hummus, or use it to coat chicken or fish before cooking. The savory, salty, and crunchy components make it an easy way to add instant flavor and texture to almost anything. This versatility is a key reason Dunkin' chose it for their toast, providing a recognizable and well-loved flavor profile to a fast-food staple.
Conclusion
Dunkin's avocado toast features a generous sprinkling of Everything Bagel Seasoning, which is made up of a savory blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, and dried garlic. This flavorful combination, along with flaky sea salt, creates the iconic salty, savory, and crunchy topping that provides the perfect contrast to the creamy avocado spread and toasted sourdough bread. While the seeds are the most visible component, it is the full blend of spices that defines the unique taste. Recreating this at home is straightforward, giving you control over the freshness and ratio of ingredients, but pre-made blends are widely available for a quick and easy option. This simple addition is what elevates a basic avocado toast into a fan-favorite menu item at Dunkin'.
