Everything but the Bagel Seasoning

The “It girl”

Everything Bagel Seasoning is really the “it girl” lately. It’s everywhere. In Everything but the Bagel Dip and on homemade bagels.

It’s even shown up in the news when Jars of Everything But the Bagel seasoning were being seized at South Korean airports because they contain poppy seeds, which their law classifies as a narcotic.

But don’t worry, poppy seeds don’t have nearly enough opiates to intoxicate you.

Copycat version

This worldwide infatuation for the seasoning mix started with Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend. And it started popping up all over social media. But don’t worry, it’s easy to make your own at home if you don’t have the blend on hand.

It’s loved for its flavor as well as its versatility, the uses are seemingly limitless. Check below for lots of my suggestions.

How to make

Basically, you’re going to just toss everything together in a jar or bowl and this everything bagel seasoning is going to be the first thing you grab from the spice rack when you’re making breakfast.

You can measure everything directly into the jar. But I find it easier to measure it out onto a piece of parchment paper and use the paper as a funnel to pour it into the jar.

But, let’s be sure to get the seasonings right.

It’s a of mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic flakes, and dried onion flakes. And, like I said, I prefer to leave the salt out, but you can add it in if you want.

Pro tip: Be sure to get spices that are roughly the same size as each other so that nothing settles to the bottom of the jar.

• I recommend toasted sesame seeds because they have a bit more flavor than raw ones. You can buy them pre-toasted or you can toast them yourself. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sesames and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. If you want to use raw ones, they will work as well.
  
• You want dried garlic flakes, also called minced. Don’t use granulated garlic, powdered garlic, or garlic salt here.
  
• Get dried onion flakes, also called minced. Don’t use onion powder. I find onion flakes have lots of application in the kitchen so buy a big jar. I use them when I don’t feel like chopping an onion. They’re great in my oven baked mac & cheese and my homemade onion soup mix.

Storage

This seasoning mix can be made ahead and stored for a long time. I recommend storing it in the fridge in an airtight container, mason jar, or ziptop bag.

Many other recipes just tell you to store it at room temperature for up to a year. If you use it quickly, room temperature storage will be fine. But both sesame seeds and poppy seeds can go bad, primarily due to their high oil content which can become rancid over time if not stored properly.

To tell if they’ve gone bad, give it a sniff. If there’s a strong, metallic, or “off” smell or a bitter taste, they should be discarded. 

Everything but the bagel seasoning uses

So many ways to use this delicious blend, from the obvious topping for everything bagels with cream cheese to a great avocado toast. Here are some more ideas on how to use it.

• Sprinkle it over air fryer salmon
• Eggs: Top a fried get, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, deviled eggs, or try it on egg salad, or an egg salad sandwich
• Add it to 7 Layer Mediterranean Dip
• Snacks: it’s great on hummus, cottage cheese, or popcorn
• Veggies: just about any veggie will benefit from this spice: roasted potatoes, green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower to name a few.
• It’s a delicious addition to rice
• Add it to a salad or a salmon bowl for a boost of flavor
• Try it on my California Roll Sandwich or any sushi
• Add it to bread or garlic butter dipping sauce for bread

Changes to the recipe

This quick seasoning mix can be tailored to your taste.

I’ve seen many versions in the bagel store that have fennel seeds added. Add some crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Black onion seeds, cumin seeds, and black sesame seeds are all great additions.