What's on an Everything Bagel? Key Ingredients, Storage Tips & Creative Uses

An everything bagel is topped with a signature blend of five core ingredients: poppy seeds, sesame seeds (white and black), dried onion flakes, garlic flakes, and coarse sea salt. This classic seasoning mix delivers the distinctive crunch, savory notes, and balanced flavor that makes everything bagels a global favorite.

In this guide, you'll discover exactly what's in the seasoning, expert storage techniques to preserve freshness, and creative ways to use everything bagel seasoning beyond traditional bagels.

Table of Contents

• What's On an Everything Bagel?
• Why Spice Storage Matters
• Top 5 Everything Bagel Spice Hacks
• Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Everything Bagel Seasoning
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

What's On an Everything Bagel?

The iconic everything bagel topping consists of precisely five ingredients, each contributing unique texture and flavor:

• Poppy Seeds - Provide subtle crunch and mild nuttiness
• Sesame Seeds (white and black) - Add toasted richness and visual contrast
• Dried Onion Flakes - Deliver sweet, savory umami notes
• Granulated Garlic - Contribute sharp, aromatic depth
• Coarse Sea Salt - Enhance all flavors without overpowering

Ingredient	Role in Flavor Profile
Poppy Seeds	Crunchy texture with mild nutty undertones
Sesame Seeds	Toastier richness and visual contrast
Dried Onion Flakes	Sweet savory umami foundation
Granulated Garlic	Sharp aromatic depth
Coarse Sea Salt	Flavor enhancer without dominance

Why Spice Storage Matters

Spices degrade when exposed to light, heat, moisture, and air. Proper storage ensures your everything bagel seasoning stays crisp, aromatic, and flavorful for months.

Mistake	Impact
Storing near stove or oven	Heat reduces potency and aroma
Using clear containers	Light breaks down flavor compounds
Leaving container open	Moisture causes clumping and mold

Best Practices for Storing Everything Bagel Spices

• Use dark glass jars or metal tins with tight lids
• Store in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cabinet away from heat sources
• Avoid humidity – consider silica gel packs if you live in a moist climate
• Label everything – track purchase date and contents clearly

Top 5 Everything Bagel Spice Hacks

Hack #1: Make Your Own Everything Seasoning

Create a custom blend tailored to your taste. Here's a basic recipe to get started:

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

Mix well and store in an airtight container. Customize by adding cracked black pepper, chili flakes, or even grated Parmesan!

Hack #2: Toast Your Seeds for Extra Flavor

Before mixing your spice blend, lightly toast the poppy and sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 2–3 minutes until they start to smell nutty.

This simple step enhances their natural oils and intensifies the flavor profile of your everything bagel topping.

Hack #3: Use It Beyond Bagels

Everything seasoning isn't just for bagels! Try it on:

• Avocado toast
• Scrambled eggs
• Roasted vegetables
• Cheese boards
• Homemade crackers or flatbreads

Hack #4: Freeze for Long-Term Freshness

If you buy spices in bulk or make large batches, consider freezing them. Poppy and sesame seeds retain their freshness much longer when stored at low temperatures.

• Use vacuum-sealed bags or mason jars
• Thaw only the amount needed each time
• No condensation means no clumping

Hack #5: Add Herbs or Citrus Zest for a Twist

Make your own fusion version by adding a few drops of lemon zest, chopped dried parsley, or a sprinkle of dried basil.

Perfect for spring or summer baking — and adds a refreshing edge to classic everything flavor.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Everything Bagel Seasoning

Whether you prefer pre-made blends or love crafting your own, here's what to look for when selecting or creating everything seasoning products.

Top 3 Pre-Made Everything Seasoning Brands

Product Name	Features	Best For	Price Range
O Organics Everything Bagel Seasoning	Organic, Non-GMO, No artificial additives	Health-conscious bakers and organic food lovers	$8–$10 / 2 oz
McCormick Everything Bagel Seasoning	Well-balanced flavor, trusted brand, consistent quality	Beginners or busy home cooks	$6–$8 / 2 oz
Bada Bing Bada Boom Everything Blend	Artisanal mix with added chili flakes for kick	Flavor hunters and adventurous eaters	$12–$15 / 3 oz

How to Choose Based on Your Needs

• For Health Focus: Look for organic, non-GMO labels with minimal preservatives.
• For Budget Cooking: McCormick offers great value and wide availability.
• For Unique Taste: Artisan brands allow customization and bold flavor twists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the exact ingredients in everything bagel seasoning?

The classic everything bagel seasoning contains exactly five ingredients: poppy seeds, sesame seeds (white and black), dried onion flakes, granulated garlic, and coarse sea salt. These components create the perfect balance of crunch, savory notes, and saltiness that defines everything bagels.

Is there a standard ratio for everything bagel seasoning?

While recipes vary slightly, the standard ratio is typically equal parts poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and dried onion flakes, with slightly less garlic and salt. A common homemade ratio is 2 tablespoons each of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and dried minced onion, plus 1 tablespoon of granulated garlic and 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt. This ensures no single ingredient overpowers the others.

Why is it called "everything" bagel?

The "everything" bagel gets its name because it's topped with "everything" - a generous mixture of multiple seeds and seasonings, as opposed to plain bagels or those with just one topping. The concept originated in New York City bagel shops in the 1970s-80s, where bakers would offer a bagel with "everything on it" as a way to use leftover toppings. The name stuck because it literally has multiple things (seeds and spices) on it.

How long does everything bagel seasoning stay fresh?

Properly stored everything bagel seasoning can stay fresh for 6-12 months. The seeds (poppy and sesame) maintain their crunch and flavor the longest, while the onion and garlic components may start to lose potency after 6 months. For maximum freshness, store in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Signs of spoilage include rancid smell, loss of color, or clumping due to moisture exposure.

Can I use everything bagel seasoning for things besides bagels?

Absolutely! Everything bagel seasoning has become incredibly versatile. Popular uses beyond bagels include: sprinkling on avocado toast, mixing into cream cheese, topping roasted vegetables, seasoning scrambled eggs, adding to salad dressings, coating chicken or fish before baking, and even incorporating into bread or cracker recipes. Its savory, salty, seedy profile complements many dishes beyond just bagels.

Is everything bagel seasoning gluten-free?

Yes, traditional everything bagel seasoning is naturally gluten-free as it contains only seeds, dried vegetables, and salt. However, if purchasing pre-made blends, always check labels for potential cross-contamination warnings if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. When making your own blend at home with pure ingredients, you can be certain it's completely gluten-free.

Conclusion

Knowing what's on an everything bagel isn't just trivia — it's the foundation for mastering one of today's most versatile seasonings. From proper storage techniques to creative usage hacks, this guide arms you with everything you need to elevate your culinary game.

Whether you're sprinkling it on warm bread or experimenting with new flavor combinations, remember: the best spice blend is the one that makes your kitchen feel alive.

So go ahead, grab your favorite jar of everything seasoning, toast those seeds, and make every bite count.