Everything Bagel Seasoning: The Flavor That’s Everything You’ve Ever Wanted (And More)

Everything Bagel Seasoning: The Flavor That’s Everything You’ve Ever Wanted (And More)

Everything Bagel Seasoning: The Flavor That’s Everything You’ve Ever Wanted (And More)

If you've ever taken a bite of a classic everything bagel and thought, 'Wow, I wish this flavor could be on absolutely everything else,' then we’ve got good news for you. You’re not alone — and that craving has given rise to the wildly popular everything bagel seasoning. Whether you're a spice connoisseur or just looking for your next pantry staple, this magical mix is worth knowing inside and out.

Table of Contents

What Is Everything Bagel Seasoning?

The name might sound like a bold exaggeration, but once you try it, you’ll understand why it lives up to the hype. Everything bagel seasoning is a pre-mixed blend of spices traditionally used to top New York-style everything bagels. But now, it's found its way into kitchens across the world as a versatile condiment that adds a savory, crunchy, umami-rich kick to almost anything.

Everything Bagel Seasoning in a Glass Jar

This isn’t just about sprinkling sesame seeds and garlic salt on toast anymore — this is an explosion of flavors that brings texture and depth to both simple snacks and complex dishes. From avocado toast to grilled chicken, from roasted veggies to cocktails rimmed with this stuff, it’s the new go-to seasoning for foodies everywhere.

The Ingredients Behind the Magic

At its core, everything bagel seasoning is a carefully balanced medley of five key ingredients:

  • Sesame seeds (white and/or black)
  • Popped or crushed garlic granules
  • Dried minced onion
  • Poppy seeds
  • Salt (usually coarse or flaked)
Ingredient Flavor Profile Texture Contribution
Sesame Seeds Nutty, mild sweetness Crispy crunch
Garlic Granules Robust, earthy pungency Mild grit
Minced Onion Sharp, sweet-savory undertone Fine bite
Poppy Seeds Tangy, slightly floral Soft crunch
Coarse Salt Briny, salty balance Textural anchor

The beauty of this blend lies in how each element plays off one another. The salt balances the sweetness of the seeds; the garlic and onion bring a savory punch; and the seeds add that irresistible crunch that makes every bite memorable.

50 Ways to Use Everything Bagel Seasoning (Okay, Maybe 10)

We may have exaggerated the number, but trust us — there are so many ways to use everything bagel seasoning beyond just topping a bagel. Here are our favorite 10 uses that will make you wonder how you ever cooked without it:

  1. On Avocado Toast: A sprinkle over smashed avocado on crusty bread? Yes, please!
  2. In Salad Dressings: Add a teaspoon to vinaigrettes or mayo-based dressings for a flavorful twist.
  3. As a Popcorn Topping: Swap butter and cheese for a healthier, tastier option.
  4. On Roasted Vegetables: Especially great on Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes.
  5. With Cream Cheese: Mix it into softened cream cheese for a quick dip or sandwich spread.
  6. On Eggs: Sprinkle on scrambled eggs, omelets, or deviled eggs for an instant upgrade.
  7. As a Rim for Bloody Marys: Combine with chili powder or Tajín for extra zing.
  8. On Grilled Chicken or Fish: Press it into the meat before cooking for a crust-like finish.
  9. In Homemade Crackers or Flatbreads: Brush with oil and sprinkle on top before baking.
  10. Over Yogurt or Hummus: For a savory, textured garnish that elevates any snack bowl.
Everything Bagel Seasoning on Toast

Comparing Top Brands: Who Really Brings the Everything?

Now that you know what everything bagel seasoning can do, let’s talk about who’s doing it best. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular brands on the market right now:

Brand Key Features Price Range Best For
McCormick Mass-produced, consistent flavor, available in supermarkets $ Everyday use, beginners, budget shoppers
David’s Tea Finer grind, more aromatic, includes cracked pepper $$ Tea lovers, gourmet enthusiasts, gift-giving
Spice Islands Traditional blend, no extras, natural ingredients $ Simple recipes, everyday cooking
The Spice Lab High-quality spices, customizable portion sizes $$ Home chefs, spice collectors, health-focused cooks
Built by Bread Handcrafted, small-batch, premium ingredients $$$ Special occasions, artisanal foodies, gifting
Comparison of Everything Bagel Seasoning Brands

Each brand offers something unique, so your choice depends on what kind of cook you are, how often you plan to use it, and whether you care about sourcing, packaging, or organic certifications.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Everything Bagel Seasoning

When it comes to picking the perfect everything bagel seasoning, here are the key factors to consider:

  • Ingredient Quality: Look for brands that use real, whole spices — not fillers or artificial flavors.
  • Grind Size: Some blends are coarsely ground for texture; others are finer for mixing into sauces or batters.
  • Balance of Flavors: A well-balanced seasoning should highlight all five elements equally — don’t settle for a blend that skimps on garlic or salt.
  • Shelf Life: Since this seasoning contains oils from the seeds, it can go rancid if stored improperly. Choose smaller containers or vacuum-sealed packs if you don’t use it often.
  • Price vs Value: Sometimes spending a little more upfront means better flavor and longer enjoyment — especially if you use it regularly.

If you're a casual user, the standard McCormick blend might be enough. But if you’re really passionate about spices and flavor layering, investing in a premium brand like Built by Bread or The Spice Lab is definitely worth it.

Everything Bagel Seasoning Buying Guide Chart

DIY Everything Bagel Seasoning: Mix It Up at Home

Feeling adventurous? Making your own everything bagel seasoning is easy, cost-effective, and allows for customization based on your preferences.

Basic DIY Recipe

  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (mix white and black for color contrast)
  • 1 tbsp dried minced onion
  • 1 tbsp garlic granules
  • 1 tsp coarse sea salt

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and store in an airtight container. Adjust ratios to taste — want more garlic? Add another ½ tsp. Craving more saltiness? Go for another pinch of flake salt.

DIY Everything Bagel Seasoning Ingredients Laid Out

Pro Tip: Toasting the seeds before mixing enhances their nuttiness and brings out richer flavors. Just place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, then let cool before blending.

Final Thoughts: This Seasoning Really Is… Everything

From humble beginnings as a bagel topper to global culinary phenomenon, everything bagel seasoning has earned its spot in kitchens everywhere. It’s versatile, tasty, and incredibly easy to customize or find ready-made.

Dishes Featuring Everything Bagel Seasoning

Whether you’re using it to jazz up a boring work lunch or impress guests at your next dinner party, this seasoning is proof that sometimes, the simplest additions make the biggest difference. So go ahead — grab a jar (or make your own), and start seasoning your life with everything.

Happy Cooking! 🧑‍🍳

Sophie Dubois

Sophie Dubois

A French-trained chef who specializes in the art of spice blending for European cuisines. Sophie challenges the misconception that European cooking lacks spice complexity through her exploration of historical spice traditions from medieval to modern times. Her research into ancient European herbals and cookbooks has uncovered forgotten spice combinations that she's reintroduced to contemporary cooking. Sophie excels at teaching the technical aspects of spice extraction - how to properly infuse oils, create aromatic stocks, and build layered flavor profiles. Her background in perfumery gives her a unique perspective on creating balanced spice blends that appeal to all senses. Sophie regularly leads sensory training workshops helping people develop their palate for distinguishing subtle spice notes and understanding how different preparation methods affect flavor development.