Everything Bagel Seasoning – how to make and use this delicious, healthy condiment!

Everything bagel seasoning is a delicious blend of seeds, salt and spices that can transform a dish. From its savoury ingredients to its diverse uses, this seasoning blend offers an easy way to add both a burst of flavour and an increased nutritional value.

Tired of eating bland, uninspired meals when you’re short of time? Everything bagel seasoning (EBS) might just be the game-changer you’re looking for!

This all-star seasoning blend can elevate your food from ordinary to extraordinary with just a few shakes – and it couldn’t be easier to make at home!

The origins of Everything Bagel Seasoning

What began as a simple bread topping born in the bustling bagel bakeries of New York has grown into a worldwide culinary phenomenon.

This iconic seasoning dates back to the late 1970s or early 80s when it was first introduced. Legend has it that a thrifty bakery worker swept up the fallen seeds and toppings that were left after preparing multiple batches of different types of bagels. This mixture was then re-used on a final batch to ensure that nothing was wasted!

The “everything” bagel proved a hit, and has gone on to become one of the most popular flavours available. Although its original components were a happy accident, everything bagels are now sprinkled with a deliberate blend of seeds and seasonings designed for maximum deliciousness in each bite.

The everything bagel quickly moved from specialist bakeries to delis and grocery store shelves, and onward into homes everywhere. It was then that its unique topping took on a life of its own and escaped the bagel! These seed and spice blends were dubbed “everything bagel seasoning” or sometimes, “everything BUT the bagel seasoning”!

Today, everything bagel seasoning’s popularity has skyrocketed, thanks to its unique ability to add complexity and a pleasingly crunchy texture to countless dishes.

Ingredients and flavour profile

At the heart of everything bagel seasoning lies a delicious blend of simple, yet distinct ingredients. Each component of the medley plays a role in creating its signature flavour that’s both robust and unmistakable.

EBS typically begins with sesame seeds, both black and white, that contribute a nutty flavour and slight crunch to the mix. Poppy seeds add a subtle, earthy undertone, while dried garlic and onion add a pungent kick that elevates the seasoning’s aromatic qualities.

Coarse or flaky salt rounds out the blend, enhancing the overall taste and bringing all the other flavours into balance.

Variations on everything bagel seasoning

Some variations of EBS may include other types of seeds, such as caraway, fennel or nigella, each of which adds its own unique character. While not entirely traditional, I also like to add cracked black pepper or even a pinch of crushed chilli for a little spicy heat.

What’s important is that no single ingredient is allowed to overpower the others. Everything bagel seasoning is the perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can leave a memorable and lasting impression on the palate.

Favourite seasoning

Although it has now made its way across the Atlantic, it’s not always so easy to find everything bagel seasoning in UK stores. Fortunately, it’s super-easy to mix up a batch yourself at home. I’ve found that my everything bagel seasoning recipe produces a blend that’s just as good as any you can buy.

Lucky really, because my daughter Kipper is obsessed with it! Her breakfast of choice right now is scrambled eggs with a generous sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning scattered over. I’m not going to argue, because it’s a much healthier start to the day than many other things a teenager might choose!

She also loves to shake some over humous, or into a sandwich, or anywhere that salt and pepper might otherwise be added. With one shake, food is perfectly seasoned and ready to be enjoyed.

Culinary uses

At this point, everything bagel seasoning is far more than just a topping for bagels! It’s a versatile condiment that can elevate a wide range of dishes with its distinctive texture and flavour. EBS is a culinary chameleon that goes well with all manner of different ingredients.

For breakfast, follow Kipper’s lead and try incorporating everything bagel seasoning into an omelette or scatter it over your eggs. Or do as I do and sprinkle it over avocado or cream cheese on toast for an instant upgrade.

Lunchtime sandwiches and salads can be transformed by a generous sprinkle, adding a crunchy, savoury note that complements greens, grains and proteins alike. Scatter over soups as a delicious garnish that adds tang and texture.

For dinner, use everything bagel seasoning it to form a tasty crust on fish, or sprinkle over roasted vegetables or pasta dishes. Whatever’s cooking, everything bagel seasoning will enhance it!

Dips, snacks and beyond

Everything bagel seasoning is also a quick and easy way to upgrade your everyday dips and spreads. Stir some into plain cream cheese or humous and you’ll create addictive spreads for crackers or dips for crudités.

EBS also makes great snacks! Plain popcorn tossed with a little melted butter or warmed evoo and a dusting of everything bagel seasoning makes for an irresistible treat. Or add some to toasted mixed nuts for a sophisticated nibble with drinks.

Given its origins, of course everything bagel seasoning is also great with bread. Serve strips of focaccia or sourdough with olive oil and a dish of EBS for dipping, to make a delicious and easy starter. The robust flavours of garlic and onion balance out the richness of the oil, while the seeds contribute a pleasant crunch. You can also add the seasoning to your favourite homemade bread recipes when baking, giving an aromatic lift to challah, soda bread, loaves or rolls.

In essence, everything bagel seasoning can be your go-to condiment to add a crunchy, aromatic twist to nearly any dish. Let your culinary imagination run wild and explore the potential this unique spice blend has to offer.

Health benefits of everything bagel seasoning

While everything bagel seasoning offers an explosion of flavour, it also has a number of health benefits. The mix is rich in essential minerals from the sesame and poppy seeds, including calcium, iron, and magnesium. Additionally, the onion and garlic provide antioxidants that support immune function and overall well-being.

However, moderation is key. Since EBS contains a generous amount of salt, it’s essential to use the seasoning judiciously. By being mindful of the quantity and frequency of use, you can enjoy its punchy flavour while maintaining a health-conscious diet.

You can also adjust the amount of salt, if necessary, although be aware that this will affect the flavour.

Making everything bagel seasoning at home

Making homemade everything bagel seasoning is a straightforward and easy process. Simply mix equal parts of the various ingredients, then store in an airtight jar ready to use!

To make EBS yourself, you will need:

• Sesame seeds – both black and white
• Poppy seeds
• Garlic powder, or granules – I like it garlicky, but if you prefer a less intense garlic flavour, use granules instead of powder, or simply reduce the amount of garlic powder used.
• Onion granules or powder – I prefer the little chunks of onion, but powder also adds a delicious onion flavour.
• Coarse sea salt or flaky salt

You might also like to add any of the following ‘optional’ ingredients:

• Cracked black pepper
• Crushed chilli
• Other seeds such as caraway, fennel or nigella

Delicious homemade gifts

Homemade everything bagel seasoning makes a lovely gift, especially here in the UK where it can sometimes be hard to find in the shops. A pretty jar with a handwritten label turns your homemade EBS into a cute and thoughtful present.

Add little jars to your mishloach manot on Purim, your sweet and spicy gift baskets on Rosh Hashanah, or any time you want to give a thoughtful little something.

EBS conquers the world!

It’s fair to say that everything bagel seasoning has transcended its New York bagel bakery origins, to become a beloved addition to tables and recipes worldwide. It embodies the unifying power of good taste and the common currency of deliciousness!

Mixing your own means you’ll never run out of this culinary essential seasoning. Mix it up, then add some EBS magic to your meals.

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📖 Recipe

Everything bagel seasoning

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An easy-to-make, delicious and healthy condiment.

5 from 7 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 54 shakes

Calories 4 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder (or granules) (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon onion granules (or powder)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt or flaky salt (or to taste)

Optional extras

• 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
• 2 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 2 teaspoon nigella (black onion) seeds
• 2 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon crushed chilli

Instructions

 

• Mix all the ingredients together. Store in an airtight jar and sprinkle over food as desired!

Notes

Nutritional values are given as a guide only and will vary depending on which (if any) of the optional ingredients you include, and whether you increase or decrease the amount of salt.

I like it garlicky, but if you prefer a less intense garlic flavour, use granules instead of powder, or simply reduce the amount of garlic powder used.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Everything bagel seasoning

Serving Size

 

0.5 tsp

Amount per Serving

Calories

4

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

0.2

g

0

%

Saturated Fat

 

0.03

g

0

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

0.1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

0.1

g

Sodium

 

130

mg

6

%

Potassium

 

10

mg

0

%

Carbohydrates

 

0.5

g

0

%

Fiber

 

0.2

g

1

%

Sugar

 

0.02

g

0

%

Protein

 

0.2

g

0

%

Vitamin A

 

12

IU

0

%

Vitamin C

 

0.1

mg

0

%

Calcium

 

8

mg

1

%

Iron

 

0.1

mg

1

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword garlic, onions, pepper, seeds, sesame

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Everything bagel seasoning FAQ