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 Ingredients Behind the Magic
• 50 Ways to Use Everything Bagel Seasoning (Okay, Maybe 10)
• Comparing Top Brands: Who Really Brings the Everything?
• Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Everything Bagel Seasoning
• DIY Everything Bagel Seasoning: Mix It Up at Home
• Final Thoughts: This Seasoning Really Is… Everything

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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! 🧑‍🍳