Everything Seasoning: Complete Guide to Uses & Recipes

Everything seasoning is a popular spice blend typically composed of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt. This versatile condiment originated from the seasoning used on everything bagels and has become a kitchen staple for adding savory, crunchy flavor to various dishes.

When you sprinkle everything seasoning on your avocado toast or roasted vegetables, you're enjoying a perfect balance of nutty, salty, and umami flavors. This beloved blend has transcended its bagel origins to become one of the most versatile pantry staples in modern cooking. Understanding what everything seasoning contains and how to maximize its potential can transform your everyday meals with minimal effort.

What Exactly Is in Everything Seasoning?

The magic of everything seasoning lies in its simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients. While commercial blends may vary slightly, the core components remain consistent across most recipes. Each element contributes a specific texture and taste profile that creates the distinctive flavor we've come to love.

Ingredient	Percentage	Flavor Contribution
Coarse Salt	40%	Provides foundational saltiness and texture
White Sesame Seeds	20%	Offers nutty flavor and crunch
Black Sesame Seeds	10%	Adds visual contrast and earthy notes
Poppy Seeds	10%	Contributes subtle nuttiness and texture
Dried Minced Garlic	10%	Provides savory depth and aroma
Dried Minced Onion	10%	Offers sweet, pungent complexity

The Origin Story of Everything Seasoning

Everything seasoning traces its roots to New York City's bagel shops in the 1970s. The "everything bagel" was created when a customer requested "everything" on their bagel, referring to the standard topping assortment. This accidental creation quickly gained popularity, and by the 1980s, everything bagels were a standard offering at bagel shops across the United States.

It wasn't until the 2010s that everything seasoning emerged as a standalone product. Social media and food bloggers helped propel this once-niche bagel topping into a culinary phenomenon. The seasoning's versatility beyond bagels sparked a nationwide obsession, with home cooks discovering its potential to enhance everything from eggs to roasted vegetables.

Flavor Profile and Culinary Applications

Everything seasoning delivers a complex flavor experience in a single sprinkle. The salt provides immediate savoriness, while the sesame and poppy seeds contribute nutty undertones and pleasant crunch. The dried garlic and onion add aromatic depth without overwhelming heat or pungency.

Chefs and home cooks have discovered countless applications for this versatile blend. For breakfast, everything seasoning elevates avocado toast, scrambled eggs, and breakfast sandwiches. At lunch and dinner, it enhances roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and salad toppings. Even creative bakers incorporate it into breads, crackers, and savory pastries.

Nutritional Considerations of Everything Seasoning

While everything seasoning adds tremendous flavor with minimal volume, it's important to understand its nutritional profile. A typical one-teaspoon serving contains approximately:

• 5-10 calories
• 0-1g fat (primarily from sesame seeds)
• 150-250mg sodium
• Trace amounts of fiber and minerals

The primary nutritional consideration is sodium content, as salt comprises nearly half the blend. Those monitoring sodium intake should use everything seasoning judiciously or explore reduced-sodium versions. The seeds provide small amounts of healthy fats and minerals like calcium and magnesium, though these are present in minimal quantities due to the small serving size.

Creating Your Own Homemade Everything Seasoning

Making everything seasoning at home offers several advantages over store-bought versions. You control the quality of ingredients, can adjust ratios to your taste preferences, and avoid potential additives or anti-caking agents. The process requires just minutes and basic pantry staples.

For the best homemade everything seasoning, use freshly toasted sesame seeds for maximum flavor. Combine 4 parts coarse salt (like kosher salt), 2 parts white sesame seeds, 1 part black sesame seeds, 1 part poppy seeds, 1 part dried minced garlic, and 1 part dried minced onion. Store your blend in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve freshness.

Storage and Shelf Life Guidelines

Proper storage significantly impacts everything seasoning's longevity and flavor retention. The seeds in the blend contain natural oils that can become rancid when exposed to heat, light, or air. For optimal freshness, store your everything seasoning in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.

Commercial blends typically maintain peak quality for 6-12 months, while homemade versions last 3-6 months. You'll know your seasoning has gone bad if you detect any off smells (rancid or musty), changes in color, or loss of flavor intensity. To extend shelf life, consider storing everything seasoning in the refrigerator, especially in warm climates.

Creative Ways to Use Everything Seasoning Beyond Bagels

The versatility of everything seasoning makes it an invaluable kitchen staple. Try these innovative applications to maximize your blend:

• Everything roasted potatoes: Toss cubed potatoes with olive oil and everything seasoning before roasting
• Flavored cream cheese: Mix into softened cream cheese for an instant everything spread
• Salad croutons: Sprinkle over homemade croutons during the final minute of baking
• Avocado enhancement: Sprinkle directly onto sliced avocado with a squeeze of lemon
• Popcorn seasoning: Toss with freshly popped popcorn for a savory snack
• Deviled eggs: Mix into the yolk filling or sprinkle on top for extra flavor

Everything Seasoning Variations and Customizations

Once you've mastered the classic blend, experiment with variations to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. For a lower-sodium option, reduce the salt by half and increase the seed content. Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat, nutritional yeast for cheesiness, or dried herbs like dill or parsley for different flavor dimensions.

Some creative variations include everything seasoning with smoked paprika for a barbecue twist, everything seasoning with lemon zest for brightness, or everything seasoning with turmeric for color and potential health benefits. The basic formula serves as an excellent foundation for culinary experimentation based on your personal taste preferences.

Comparing Popular Everything Seasoning Brands

When selecting a commercial everything seasoning, consider these factors: ingredient quality, salt type, seed freshness, and additional components. Leading brands like Bragg, McCormick, and Trader Joe's each offer distinctive formulations. Some premium brands use Himalayan pink salt or include additional spices like coriander or fennel.

Read labels carefully to avoid unnecessary additives. The cleanest blends contain only the core ingredients without anti-caking agents or preservatives. Specialty stores and online retailers often offer artisanal versions with unique twists on the traditional formula. When possible, sample different brands to find your personal favorite based on flavor balance and texture.

What is everything seasoning made of?

Everything seasoning typically contains sesame seeds (both white and black), poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt. Some variations may include additional ingredients like crushed red pepper or dried herbs, but the classic blend consists of these five core components in varying proportions.

Can everything seasoning go bad?

Yes, everything seasoning can go bad, primarily due to the natural oils in the seeds becoming rancid. Properly stored in an airtight container away from heat and light, commercial blends last 6-12 months while homemade versions last 3-6 months. Signs of spoilage include off smells, changes in color, or loss of flavor intensity.

Is everything seasoning gluten-free?

Pure everything seasoning is naturally gluten-free as it contains only seeds, salt, and dried vegetables. However, always check labels of commercial products as some brands may process their seasoning in facilities that handle gluten-containing products, creating potential for cross-contamination.

How can I use everything seasoning in cooking?

Everything seasoning works well on avocado toast, roasted vegetables, eggs, popcorn, and salads. Mix it into cream cheese for spreads, sprinkle on homemade bread before baking, or use as a rub for proteins before cooking. Its versatility makes it suitable for enhancing both savory dishes and some creative sweet applications like everything-seasoned chocolate bark.

Can I make everything seasoning without salt?

Yes, you can create a salt-free everything seasoning by increasing the proportion of seeds and dried vegetables. Try a blend of 3 parts sesame seeds (white and black), 2 parts poppy seeds, 2 parts dried garlic, and 2 parts dried onion. Note that without salt, the flavor profile will be significantly different and less balanced than the traditional version.