Homemade everything bagel seasoning is easy to make, perfectly balanced for baking, and far more flavorful than store-bought blends. With simple ingredients and customizable options, it is a staple seasoning you will reach for again and again.
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There is something magical about a warm bagel fresh from the oven, especially when the crust is coated in crunchy seeds, savory garlic, and toasted onion. That bold, salty, nutty topping is what makes everything bagels so irresistible.
This homemade everything bagel seasoning is designed specifically for baking and bagels, not just sprinkling on eggs. It has better balance than store-bought versions, customizable salt levels, and the kind of flavor that actually sticks to dough.
This recipe doesn’t use any of my spice blends, but since you stopped by, you can browse my salt & sugar-free, culturally inspired seasonings and support a small woman-owned business. Click here to shop!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning
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Better flavor balance than store-bought blends
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Designed to work on bagels and bread dough
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Easy to customize for salt and spice level
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Made with simple pantry ingredients
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No fillers, preservatives, or added sugar
This blend delivers crunch, savory depth, and just enough salt to enhance baked goods without overpowering them.
What Is Everything Bagel Seasoning?
Everything bagel seasoning is a savory seed and spice blend traditionally used to top bagels before baking. It combines sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt to create contrast, texture, and bold flavor.
While many people use it as a finishing sprinkle, it truly shines when baked onto bread and bagels where the flavors toast and meld into the crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning
Using both white and black sesame seeds adds depth, visual contrast, and a more complex nutty flavor.
How to Make Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning
Toast the Seeds (Optional but Recommended for Bagels)
If you plan to use this seasoning on bagels or bread dough, lightly toasting the seeds makes a big difference.
Add the sesame seeds and poppy seeds to a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Do not toast the garlic or onion. They burn quickly and turn bitter.
Mix the Seasoning
Once the seeds are fully cooled, add them to a bowl or jar with the dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. Stir or shake until evenly combined.
Store for Later
Transfer the seasoning to an airtight jar or spice container. Store in a cool, dry pantry.
Everything Bagel Seasoning Ratios and Why This Recipe Works
This homemade everything bagel seasoning uses a higher seed ratio than most blends, which helps it cling to dough and create an evenly coated crust.
The garlic and onion are balanced to stay savory after baking, not harsh or bitter. The salt level is intentionally slightly lower than store-bought blends so the seasoning enhances bread instead of overpowering it.
This makes it ideal for homemade bagels, especially baked recipes.
How to Use Everything Bagel Seasoning
This blend is incredibly versatile, but it truly shines in baked applications.
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Homemade bagels, especially Greek yogurt bagels (recipe coming this week!)
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Bagel dough crusts before baking
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Cream cheese, whipped feta, or yogurt spreads
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Savory quick breads or rolls
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Roasted vegetables or potatoes
Everything Bagel Seasoning Variations
You can easily customize this recipe to fit your preferences.
- For a low-sodium version, reduce the salt by half or omit it entirely and add salt directly to recipes instead.
- For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- For a herb-forward version, add dried chives or onion flakes for extra texture.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Make-Ahead Tips
Store your homemade everything bagel seasoning in an airtight container in the pantry. It will keep well for up to 6 months.
If you toasted the seeds and allowed them to cool fully before mixing, the blend can last up to 9 months. Always keep it dry to prevent clumping.
This recipe is easy to double or triple and makes a great homemade gift.
FAQ: Everything Bagel Seasoning
How do you make everything bagel seasoning?
To make homemade everything bagel seasoning, combine sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. For bagels, lightly toast the seeds first, then mix everything together once cooled.
What is everything but the bagel seasoning made of?
Everything bagel seasoning is made from sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. Some versions include additional spices, but the classic blend keeps it simple.
What can I use in place of everything bagel seasoning?
If you do not have everything bagel seasoning, you can use a combination of sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This works in a pinch, but it will not provide the same texture or balance.
What makes everything bagel seasoning so good?
The combination of crunchy seeds, savory garlic and onion, and salt creates contrast and depth. When baked onto dough, the flavors toast and intensify, making it especially satisfying on bagels.
What to Make Next With This Seasoning
This homemade everything bagel seasoning pairs perfectly with homemade bagels, especially Greek yogurt bagels (recipe coming this week!). It also works beautifully in savory baking, dips, and roasted vegetables.
Once you try it on fresh bagels, you will never go back to store-bought.
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Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, and poppy seeds to a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Once the seeds are fully cooled, add them to a bowl or jar along with the dried garlic, dried onion, and salt.
- Stir or shake until evenly combined. Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
Video
Notes
- Designed for bagels, not just sprinkling: This blend uses a higher seed-to-salt ratio so it sticks to dough and creates an evenly coated, crunchy crust when baked.
- Why toasting matters: Lightly toasting the seeds deepens flavor and enhances the nutty aroma, which is especially noticeable on baked bagels. Always toast seeds only, never garlic or onion, which can burn and turn bitter.
- Salt control is intentional: Store-bought blends are often overly salty. This recipe keeps salt balanced so it enhances bread and dough instead of overpowering it. For a low-sodium version, reduce salt by half or omit it entirely and season recipes separately.
- Best way to use on bagels: Brush bagel dough lightly with water or egg wash, then generously sprinkle the seasoning on top before baking. This helps it adhere and toast evenly.
- Shelf life and storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months. If seeds are toasted and fully cooled, the seasoning can last up to 9 months.
- Scaling and gifting: This recipe doubles and triples well and makes a great homemade gift when stored in a sealed spice jar.
- Perfect pairing: This seasoning was created specifically to pair with homemade bagels, especially Greek yogurt bagels (recipe coming next week!).
- Nutrition (per serving, 12 servings): 55 calories, 4g fat, 3g carbs, 2g protein, 1g fiber. Nutrition information is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
This post was all about Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning.
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Great easy recipe. Thanks Spice Girl!
You’re welcome!! I’m so glad you enjoyed!