Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe

Poppy seeds: Tiny black seeds that add a nutty crunch and a little texture to the seasoning.

Sesame seeds: Small, pale seeds that bring a mild, nutty flavor and a bit of crunch.

Dried minced garlic: Garlic that’s been chopped and dried, giving a strong, savory taste without needing fresh garlic.

Dried minced onion: Small pieces of dried onion that add a sweet and slightly sharp flavor.

Coarse sea salt: Larger salt crystals that give a crunchy texture and a clean salty taste.

Mixing your everything bagel seasoning ingredients well is a simple step that makes a big difference. When you combine the poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse sea salt in a bowl, you want to make sure everything is spread out evenly. Here’s a little trick to get it just right:

1. Use a spoon or small whisk to gently stir the ingredients.
2. Move the spoon around the bowl in circles, scraping the sides and bottom so nothing gets stuck.
3. Keep stirring until you don’t see any clumps or piles of one ingredient—it should look like one smooth mix.

Doing this helps every pinch of your seasoning taste balanced. If the ingredients aren’t mixed well, you might get a bite that’s too salty or too garlicky, which can throw off the flavor when you sprinkle it on your food. When everything is blended, each sprinkle will have a little bit of everything, making your bagels, eggs, or avocado toast taste just right.

I remember the first time I made this seasoning, I didn’t stir enough and ended up with a handful of mostly salt in one spot. It was a bit too salty! Now, I always take a little extra time to mix it well. Also, storing it in an airtight container keeps the seeds fresh and crunchy longer, so your seasoning stays tasty for weeks.

Mixing might seem small, but it’s one of those easy steps that makes your homemade everything bagel seasoning feel like it came from a deli. Give it a good stir—you’ll taste the difference!

• poppy seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds have a similar size and texture, providing a comparable crunch and visual appeal.

• sesame seeds - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds offer a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a suitable alternative.

• dried minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder provides the same garlic flavor, though it is finer in texture. Use slightly less to avoid overpowering the mix.

• dried minced onion - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder delivers the same onion flavor but in a finer form. Use a bit less to maintain balance in the seasoning.

• coarse sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar coarse texture and clean salt flavor, making it an excellent substitute.

• Choose an airtight container: Opt for a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a high-quality plastic container. This will keep your everything bagel seasoning fresh and prevent any moisture from seeping in.

• Label your container: Use a permanent marker or a label maker to note the contents and the date you made the seasoning. This helps you keep track of its freshness.

• Store in a cool, dry place: Place the container in a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid storing it near the stove or oven, as heat can affect the flavor and potency of the spices.

• Avoid moisture: Ensure that your mixing bowl and utensils are completely dry before combining the ingredients. Moisture can cause clumping and reduce the shelf life of your seasoning.

• Shake before use: Before using your everything bagel seasoning, give the container a good shake to redistribute the ingredients evenly. This ensures you get a balanced mix of flavors every time.

• Freezing option: If you want to extend the shelf life even further, consider freezing the seasoning. Place the mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

• Portion control: If you frequently use the seasoning, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This way, you only open a small amount at a time, keeping the rest fresh.

• Thawing: When you're ready to use the frozen seasoning, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. It will thaw quickly and be ready to sprinkle on your favorite bagels, avocado toast, or even roasted vegetables.

• Avoid contamination: Always use a clean, dry spoon to scoop out the seasoning. This prevents any unwanted moisture or contaminants from getting into the container.

• Check for freshness: Over time, the potency of the spices may diminish. If you notice a loss of flavor or aroma, it might be time to make a fresh batch.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the everything bagel seasoning evenly on a baking sheet. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until fragrant. This will revive the flavors and make them pop.

• For a quick fix, use a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the everything bagel seasoning and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until you smell the aromatic blend of garlic, onion, and sesame seeds.

• If you prefer a microwave method, place the everything bagel seasoning in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on high for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat if necessary. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can burn quickly.

• For a more intense flavor, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and spread the everything bagel seasoning on a small tray. Toast for 3-4 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the everything bagel seasoning in a small, heat-resistant dish and air fry for 2-3 minutes. This method ensures a quick and even reheating process.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring out the poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse sea salt.

• Spoon: Used to stir the ingredients until they are evenly mixed.

• Airtight container: Necessary for storing the seasoning mix to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Measure ingredients in advance: Pre-measure all ingredients and store them in small bowls to streamline the mixing process.

Use a funnel: Use a funnel to easily transfer the seasoning mix into an airtight container without making a mess.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of everything bagel seasoning and store it for future use, saving time on repeated preparation.

Label containers: Clearly label your airtight containers to quickly identify the seasoning mix when needed.

Keep tools handy: Have your mixing bowl and stirring utensil ready to go before starting.