What's in Everything But the Bagel Seasoning? An In-Depth Guide

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Legend has it that the iconic 'everything' topping was created in the 1980s by a baker who used leftover seeds and spices, and this delicious blend is what's in everything but the bagel seasoning, now a global phenomenon.

Quick Summary

This article explores the classic combination of ingredients in everything but the bagel seasoning, including sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and sea salt. It details versatile uses and provides a simple recipe for a homemade version.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: The blend typically features sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and flaky sea salt, creating a complex savory profile.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Making it yourself offers maximum freshness and ingredient control, though store-bought is highly convenient.
Versatility is Key: This seasoning goes beyond bagels, perfect for eggs, roasted vegetables, avocado toast, dips, and popcorn.
Texture Matters: Using dried minced flakes of garlic and onion, not powders, is crucial for achieving the classic crunch and flavor burst.
Health Conscious: The seeds offer fiber and healthy fats, but be mindful of the sodium levels in commercial versions; homemade allows for low-sodium adjustments.
Easy Customization: You can easily adjust the ingredient ratios or add new flavors like red pepper flakes, black pepper, or caraway seeds.

The Classic Components of Everything But the Bagel Seasoning

At its heart, everything but the bagel seasoning is a simple yet brilliant combination of just five key ingredients. The specific blend is designed to replicate the savory, crunchy topping found on a classic everything bagel, minus the bagel itself. These ingredients work together to create a complex flavor profile that is salty, nutty, and savory all at once.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

White and Black Sesame Seeds: These are the foundation of the mix, providing a pleasant, nutty flavor and a satisfying textural crunch. The combination of both white and black seeds adds visual appeal and a slightly different toastiness.
Poppy Seeds: Known for their distinct nutty flavor and subtle crunch, poppy seeds are a signature component, adding texture and earthy notes to the mix.
Dried Minced Garlic: This ingredient provides a powerful, pungent flavor that is central to the seasoning's profile. Using dried minced flakes, rather than powder, is crucial for achieving the characteristic texture and flavor burst.
Dried Minced Onion: Complementing the garlic, dried minced onion offers a sweet, savory note and another layer of crunchy texture. Like the garlic, flakes are preferred over powder for the best result.
Flaky Sea Salt: The salt provides the essential salty balance and, most importantly, texture. Flaky sea salt stands up better than fine table salt, delivering bursts of salty flavor and a coarser texture.

Homemade Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Recipe

Making your own version at home is quick, easy, and allows you to customize the ratios to your liking.

Ingredients

2 tbsp white sesame seeds
1 tbsp black sesame seeds
2 tbsp poppy seeds
2 tbsp dried minced garlic
2 tbsp dried minced onion
1-2 tbsp flaky sea salt, to taste

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, add all the ingredients. Stir them together until they are evenly distributed.
Optional Toasting: For a deeper, nuttier flavor, you can lightly toast the sesame seeds, dried garlic, and dried onion in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Let them cool completely before mixing with the poppy seeds and salt.
Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or a spice jar. Store in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

How to Use This Versatile Seasoning

This blend is not just for bagels—its versatility is what has fueled its immense popularity. Here are just a few ideas:

Avocado Toast: A generous sprinkle takes this breakfast staple to the next level.
Eggs: Use it on scrambled, fried, or deviled eggs for a savory kick.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss with roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus for added flavor and texture.
Dips and Spreads: Stir it into cream cheese, hummus, or yogurt dips.
Popcorn: Mix it with melted butter and popcorn for an addictive snack.
Meat and Fish: Use as a flavorful crust on grilled chicken or salmon.
Salad Topping: Sprinkle it over salads for a bit of crunch.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Comparison


Feature	Homemade	Store-Bought
Ingredients Control	Full control over quality and ratio	Rely on manufacturer's formula and quality
Freshness	Maximum freshness and flavor potential	Can lose potency over time due to storage and processing
Cost	Generally more cost-effective per volume	Price can vary, often with a premium for convenience
Convenience	Requires a few minutes to mix and store	Shake-and-go convenience

Is It Healthy? Nutritional Considerations

While everything but the bagel seasoning offers a flavor punch, its health profile is a mix of pros and cons. On the plus side, the seeds and dehydrated vegetables are a source of fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. For example, sesame seeds provide essential minerals like calcium and iron.

However, it is also important to be mindful of the sodium content. Many commercial blends, including the popular Trader Joe's version, can have a high amount of sodium per serving. For those watching their sodium intake, especially due to high blood pressure or other health concerns, using a salt-free version or making a homemade blend with reduced salt is a great option. Overall, when used in moderation, it can be a part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Variations on the Classic Blend

Don't be afraid to experiment with your homemade everything bagel seasoning. You can add extra ingredients to customize the flavor. Some popular additions include:

Black Pepper: For a subtle spicy kick.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a more noticeable heat.
Caraway Seeds: To add a distinct earthy, aromatic note.
Nutritional Yeast: To incorporate a savory, cheesy flavor.

Conclusion

Everything but the bagel seasoning is more than just a passing food trend; it's a testament to how a simple, well-balanced blend of ingredients can become a kitchen staple. From its rumored humble origins to its present-day status as a flavor-enhancing powerhouse, this mix of seeds, garlic, onion, and salt has earned its place. Whether you buy a jar for convenience or mix your own at home for freshness and customization, its ability to transform everyday foods from bland to brilliant is undeniable. The next time you want to add a savory, crunchy burst of flavor to your meal, just reach for the shaker.

For more expert recipes and food inspiration, check out Simply Recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

A common homemade ratio involves using equal parts white sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, and dried minced onion, with a lesser amount of flaky sea salt, adjustable to taste.

While technically possible, it is not recommended for the classic mix. The dried flakes are essential for the distinctive crunchy texture and concentrated flavor, which powder cannot replicate.

Store the seasoning in a sealed, airtight container, like a spice jar, and keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This prevents clumping and preserves freshness.

When stored properly in a cool, dry place, homemade seasoning can last up to six months. While it may not spoil, the flavors and aroma will diminish over time.

Yes, toasting the sesame seeds, dried garlic, and dried onion in a dry skillet for a few minutes before mixing enhances their nutty and savory flavors. Just be sure to let them cool completely before combining.

Traditional everything but the bagel seasoning is naturally gluten-free, containing only seeds, spices, and salt. However, if purchasing a commercial brand, always check the label for potential cross-contamination warnings.

It is most famously used on avocado toast, but it also elevates scrambled eggs, roasted vegetables, popcorn, and homemade hummus. It also makes a great crust for chicken or fish.