Unleash the iconic flavor of your favorite bagel shop right in your kitchen! With a handful of pantry staples and mere minutes of your time, you can craft your very own Everything But The Bagel Seasoning to elevate virtually any dish. Get ready to sprinkle magic on everything from avocado toast to roasted vegetables and beyond!
Crafting the Ultimate 5-Minute Everything Bagel Seasoning Mix
For enthusiasts of the classic Everything Bagel, there’s no mistaking the distinctive, savory blend that defines this beloved New York culinary icon. That irresistible mix of crunchy seeds and aromatic dried spices transforms a simple bagel into a taste sensation. But why limit that incredible flavor to just bagels? Imagine infusing that same magic into countless homemade dishes, knowing exactly what goes into every sprinkle.
Making your own Everything But The Bagel Seasoning isn’t just about saving a trip to the grocery store; it’s about culinary empowerment. You gain complete control over the quality of ingredients, the balance of flavors, and the freshness of the blend. If you’re a devoted fan, like many of us, you probably already have most of these ingredients tucked away in your spice rack. This versatile seasoning is more than just a topping; it’s a secret weapon for those moments when a meal needs an extra layer of savory depth, a burst of texture, or just a little something special to take it from good to absolutely unforgettable.
Its widespread appeal stems from its incredible adaptability. Beyond its namesake, this seasoning has transcended its bagel origins to become a mainstream favorite, celebrated for its ability to enhance everything from breakfast scrambles to gourmet popcorn. The beauty of a homemade blend lies in its unparalleled freshness compared to store-bought versions. Freshly mixed spices release more potent aromas and flavors, ensuring every bite is as vibrant and delicious as possible. Plus, it’s remarkably simple and quick to prepare, making it an ideal staple for any home cook looking to add a gourmet touch with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
Before you dive into mixing your own batch, let’s address some common questions to ensure your homemade seasoning is perfect every time. Understanding the nuances of each ingredient and potential substitutions will help you achieve the authentic flavor and texture you crave.
The quintessential Everything But The Bagel Seasoning is a harmonious blend of several distinct ingredients: crunchy white sesame seeds, nutty black sesame seeds, earthy poppy seeds, pungent dried minced garlic, aromatic dried minced onion, and a touch of coarse kosher or sea salt. This combination delivers a savory, garlicky-oniony flavor profile with a delightful textural crunch that enhances a wide variety of dishes.
While garlic powder and onion powder might seem like convenient substitutes, they are not recommended for this recipe. The key to the authentic “Everything Bagel” experience lies in the texture and distinct flavor release of the dried minced flakes. Powders are much finer and will dissolve or clump differently, leading to a pasty texture when moistened and a less pronounced, more generalized flavor rather than the bursts of garlicky and oniony goodness that the flakes provide. Stick to the dried minced (or flaked) versions for the best results.
Absolutely not. Substituting table salt for coarse kosher or sea salt is a critical mistake that will significantly alter both the flavor and texture of your seasoning. Table salt is much finer, denser, and has a more intense salinity by volume. Using it will result in an overwhelmingly salty blend that lacks the satisfying textural crunch provided by coarser salts. Kosher salt and sea salt offer a milder, cleaner flavor and a larger granule size that is essential for the characteristic crunch and balanced taste of this seasoning. Always opt for coarse kosher or sea salt for optimal results.
Black sesame seeds can sometimes be a bit elusive compared to their white counterparts, but they are increasingly available. Begin your search in the Asian food aisle of larger grocery stores or specialty markets, as they are a common ingredient in many Asian cuisines. If you have trouble finding them separately, look for “tuxedo sesame seeds,” which are a pre-mixed combination of both black and white sesame seeds. If using tuxedo seeds, simply use 3 tablespoons of the mixture in total, replacing the individual amounts of black and white sesame seeds called for in the recipe. Online spice retailers are also an excellent source for unique ingredients like black sesame seeds.
Yes, that’s an absolutely brilliant idea! Everything But The Bagel Seasoning is a match made in heaven for deviled eggs. The savory, garlicky, and oniony notes, combined with the delightful crunch of the seeds, elevate a classic deviled egg recipe to a gourmet experience. It adds both a visual appeal and a depth of flavor that complements the creamy filling beautifully, transforming a simple appetizer into something truly special. Be sure to sprinkle it generously just before serving for maximum impact!
The possibilities for using Everything But The Bagel Seasoning are genuinely limitless, extending far beyond its namesake. Its savory profile and irresistible crunch make it a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Here are some of our favorite creative applications:
- Breakfast & Brunch Boost: Sprinkle it generously over scrambled, fried, or hard-boiled eggs. It’s also incredible on deviled eggs, avocado toast, or even on top of cream cheese-slathered toast or biscuits for an instant upgrade. For bagels, lightly brush the surface with water before sprinkling for better adherence.
- Savory Snacks: Transform plain popcorn into a gourmet snack, season homemade french fries or roasted potatoes, or mix it into a plain hummus or a vibrant Greek layer dip for added flavor and texture.
- Main Course Magic: Use it as a dry rub or breading for chicken, fish, or pork roasts, adding a robust, garlicky crust. It’s also excellent sprinkled over grilled vegetables or baked potatoes.
- Salad & Side Dish Enhancer: Add a fantastic crunch and savory depth to fresh salads, pasta salads, or creamy coleslaw. Mix it into salad dressings or use it to season roasted chickpeas for a healthy salad topper.
- Dips & Spreads: Stir it into softened butter, cream cheese, or even cottage cheese for an instant savory spread. Combine it with olive oil for a quick bread dipper.
- Baked Goods (Savory): Sprinkle on top of homemade bread, focaccia, or savory muffins before baking. It can also be incorporated into savory scones or crackers.
When stored properly, your homemade Everything But The Bagel Seasoning will maintain its freshness and potency for a surprisingly long time. The key is to keep it in an airtight container, such as a small mason jar with a tightly fitting lid. Store it in a cool, dry, and dark place – like your pantry or a kitchen cabinet – away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Under these ideal conditions, it should remain fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months. While it may still be safe to consume after this period, the flavors and aromas might begin to diminish. Always give it a sniff test; if it no longer smells vibrant and fragrant, it’s time to make a fresh batch.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning
Crafting this iconic seasoning blend requires just a few simple ingredients, but selecting the right form of each is crucial for achieving that authentic taste and texture. Below is a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with tips and explanations to ensure your mix is absolutely perfect. For precise measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny, dark seeds add a subtle nuttiness and, more importantly, a distinctive textural crunch that is fundamental to the Everything Bagel experience. While some might consider them optional for taste, their contribution to the overall mouthfeel is undeniable and highly recommended for an authentic blend. They offer a very light, earthy background flavor that perfectly complements the other bold ingredients.
- White and Black Sesame Seeds: The combination of both white and black sesame seeds provides a beautiful visual contrast and a double dose of their characteristic nutty, slightly sweet flavor. White sesame seeds are the most common and contribute a classic sesame flavor, while black sesame seeds offer a slightly stronger, toastier aroma and a striking color. As mentioned in our FAQ, if you have difficulty sourcing black sesame seeds individually, look for “tuxedo sesame seeds,” which combine both varieties. You can simply use 3 tablespoons of this mix to cover both requirements.
- Dried Minced Onion (or Onion Flakes): This ingredient is paramount for the savory, pungent onion flavor and, crucially, for the texture. Dried minced onion consists of small, flaky pieces of dried onion, which are distinctly different from fine onion powder. These flakes rehydrate slightly when exposed to moisture (like on a bagel with cream cheese or a hot egg), releasing bursts of sweet and savory onion flavor and contributing a pleasing chewiness. Do NOT substitute with onion powder; the flavor profile and, most notably, the texture will be completely off.
- Dried Minced Garlic (or Garlic Flakes): Similar to the onion, dried minced garlic is essential for its robust, aromatic flavor and its textural presence. These small, dried garlic pieces provide a more intense and authentic garlic punch than garlic powder, which can be overly strong and lack the desired textural element. You might find it simply labeled as “minced garlic” in the spice aisle. Avoid garlic powder for the same reasons you’d avoid onion powder – it simply won’t yield the same complex flavor or satisfying crunch.
- Coarse Kosher or Sea Salt: This is a non-negotiable ingredient. The coarse nature of kosher or sea salt is vital for two reasons: flavor and texture. Coarse salt dissolves more slowly, providing intermittent bursts of salinity rather than a uniform, overwhelming saltiness. Its larger crystals also add to the characteristic crunch of the seasoning. Table salt is much finer and denser, making the seasoning excessively salty and lacking the desired textural pop. Always use coarse salt to ensure a balanced and enjoyable blend.
How to Make Homemade Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
You’ll be amazed at how incredibly simple and quick it is to prepare this versatile seasoning. Forget complicated steps or lengthy preparation times; this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, living up to its “5-minute” promise.
The process couldn’t be easier: simply gather all of your measured ingredients – the poppy seeds, white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, and coarse salt. Carefully add them into a small mixing bowl. Using a spoon or a small whisk, gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed. You want to make sure the different seeds, flakes, and salt are uniformly mixed so that every sprinkle delivers a balanced flavor profile. That’s it! Your homemade Everything But The Bagel Seasoning is now ready to use.
Now that your fresh, flavorful seasoning is ready, the real fun begins! Enjoy it in a myriad of recipes, limited only by your imagination. Experiment with different dishes and discover new favorites. From breakfast to dinner, and all the snacks in between, this homemade blend is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Store any leftover seasoning in an airtight container to preserve its vibrant flavors and aromas for future culinary adventures.
Explore More Homemade Pantry Staples and Seasonings
If you love the satisfaction and flavor of making your own Everything But The Bagel Seasoning, you’ll be thrilled to discover how easy and rewarding it is to create other common pantry ingredients from scratch. Homemade blends often taste fresher, allow for customization, and can be more cost-effective. Expand your culinary repertoire with these fantastic DIY recipes:
- Homemade Dry Onion Soup Mix
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- Homemade Apple Pie Spice
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
- Beau Monde Seasoning
- Taco Seasoning
- Homemade Ranch Dressing (+Video)
- Homemade Bisquick
- Homemade Velveeta
Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons poppy seeds
- 2 Tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 1 Tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher or sea salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a small bowl. Stir to combine thoroughly until all components are evenly distributed.
Notes
- For detailed explanations on ingredient substitutions and common inquiries, please refer to the comprehensive FAQ section and ingredient list provided above.
- Remember, table salt is not an appropriate substitute for coarse kosher or sea salt in this recipe, as it will drastically alter both the texture and the intense saltiness of the final blend.
- If you’re struggling to locate black sesame seeds, check the Asian food aisle in your local grocery store. Alternatively, search for “tuxedo seeds,” which are a convenient mix of both black and white sesame seeds. If using tuxedo seeds, simply use a total of 3 tablespoons of the mixture to fulfill the recipe’s requirement for both types.
- This homemade seasoning makes a thoughtful and unique gift for the foodies in your life! Simply prepare a batch, transfer it to an attractive mason jar, and add a decorative ribbon and a custom label. It’s a wonderfully personal present.
- To maintain optimal freshness and flavor, store your Everything But The Bagel Seasoning in a completely airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place (like a pantry cabinet) for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.