DIY Everything Bagel Seasoning: Easy Homemade Recipe & Endless Uses

Unlock a world of flavor by making your very own batch of Everything Bagel Seasoning at home! This incredibly versatile and unique seasoning blend is not just for bagels; it’s a game-changer for practically everything in your kitchen. From elevating simple avocado toast to adding a gourmet touch to your favorite chicken recipe, this simple blend promises to revolutionize your meals with its irresistible crunch and savory notes.

Crafting this iconic bagel seasoning recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Chances are, most of the ingredients are already staples in your spice cabinet! This convenience makes it incredibly simple to whip up a fresh batch whenever you crave that irresistible crunch. Imagine sprinkling it generously over your air fryer homemade bagels or adding a savory boost to these air fryer baked potatoes. The possibilities are truly endless!

Why Make Your Own Everything Bagel Seasoning?

There are countless reasons why I wholeheartedly recommend making your own homemade everything bagel seasoning. For starters, I use it so frequently that having a consistent, fresh supply on hand is essential. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to know exactly what goes into the blend, especially since you only need six common ingredients and a few empty spice jars to get started!

One of the biggest advantages of preparing your own homemade seasoning mixes is the significant cost savings. The pre-made versions found at grocery stores can often be quite expensive, especially for a blend of simple seeds and dried aromatics. By taking a few minutes to create a quick batch yourself, you’ll spend a mere fraction of the price. Furthermore, you gain complete control over the quality and freshness of each component, ensuring a superior flavor profile.

If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby (where this seasoning first gained widespread popularity), or if you simply prefer to customize your blends, this recipe offers the perfect solution. Forget about special trips or inflated prices; just gather the basic ingredients listed below, follow our easy instructions, and you’ll have your very own delicious everything bagel seasoning ready to go.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Blend

The beauty of this DIY seasoning lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of readily available ingredients, each contributing to the distinctive texture and robust flavor profile:

• Black Sesame Seeds: These offer a slightly nutty flavor and a striking visual contrast.
• White Sesame Seeds: Providing a classic sesame flavor and satisfying crunch.
• Poppy Seeds: Essential for that signature texture and subtle, earthy notes.
• Dried Minced Garlic: Delivers a potent savory kick and aromatic depth. Using dried minced garlic, as opposed to garlic powder, provides a much-desired texture.
• Dried Minced Onion: Adds a sweet and savory onion flavor, along with another textural element that distinguishes this blend. Like the garlic, using minced pieces over powder is key for the classic “everything” experience.
• Kosher Salt or Flaky Sea Salt: The critical component for balancing all the flavors and providing that characteristic salty burst. Flaky sea salt is preferred for its superior texture and ability to dissolve slowly, offering bursts of salinity.

When selecting your ingredients, opt for fresh, high-quality seeds and dried aromatics. This attention to detail will significantly impact the overall flavor and aroma of your homemade blend.

How to Make Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning in Minutes

Creating your own everything bagel seasoning is incredibly quick and requires no cooking! Follow these simple steps for a perfect blend every time:

STEP 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, meticulously combine the white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and your chosen kosher salt or flaky sea salt. Ensure your bowl is completely dry to prevent clumping.

STEP 2: Mix Thoroughly
Using a spoon, fork, or small whisk, gently stir the mixture. The goal is to achieve an even distribution of all ingredients. Take your time to ensure that no single ingredient is overly concentrated in one spot, ensuring a balanced flavor in every sprinkle.

STEP 3: Store Properly
Once well combined, transfer the fresh seasoning blend into a clean, dry, and sealable jar. A small glass spice jar with an airtight lid is ideal for maintaining freshness and preventing moisture from affecting the blend.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Everything Bagel Seasoning

While the recipe is simple, a few expert tips can elevate your homemade everything bagel seasoning to perfection:

• Size Matters for Texture: Occasionally, dried onion flakes and dried garlic flakes can be larger than ideal. For the best consistency and a more even flavor distribution, I highly recommend giving them a quick chop or pulse in a small food processor. Aim for pieces that are closer to the size of the sesame seeds. This small adjustment ensures that you get the perfect combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
• Toasting for Depth (Optional): For an even deeper, nuttier flavor, you can lightly toast the sesame and poppy seeds in a dry pan over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Allow them to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients. This step is optional but can significantly enhance the seasoning’s complexity.
• Salt Preference: The amount and type of salt can drastically change the final product. Kosher salt or flaky sea salt are recommended for their excellent texture and clean taste. Adjust the quantity to your personal preference. Remember, you can always add more salt to your dish later, but you can’t take it out of the blend!

Creative Variations to Customize Your Blend

One of the joys of making your own seasoning is the freedom to experiment and customize. Here are some delicious variations to consider:

• Spicy Seasoning: If you love a little heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a mild kick. For a spicier blend, incorporate a pinch of chili powder or, if you’re truly daring, a touch of cayenne pepper. Start small and add more to taste. This fiery twist works wonderfully on eggs and roasted vegetables.
• Nutty & Crunchy Seasoning: Boost the texture and richness by adding a tablespoon or two of finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans, or even better, salted sunflower seeds. These additions provide an extra crunchy and nutty flavor that’s fantastic on salads or yogurt bowls. I personally love the robust flavor that sunflower seeds bring to my blend!
• Smoky Everything Bagel Seasoning: Introduce a smoky depth by adding 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the mix. This variation is particularly good on grilled meats or roasted potatoes.
• Cheesy Umami Blend: For a savory, cheesy note, try adding 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast. This is a great option for sprinkling on popcorn or vegan dishes.
• Herbaceous Touch: Incorporate finely chopped dried herbs like chives or dill for an aromatic twist, perfect for cream cheese spreads or fish.

Unleash the Flavor: Endless Uses for Everything Bagel Seasoning

This seasoning is so incredibly delicious and versatile, you might find yourself adding it to just about everything! Here are just a few of my absolute favorite ways to incorporate this savory blend into daily meals:

• Bagels and Toast: The classic application! I love to sprinkle this seasoning generously on top of freshly toasted bagels, or even over the creamy layer of cream cheese once it’s spread. It’s also incredibly yummy on plain toast or, of course, a trendy avocado toast.
• Roasted Veggies: Elevate your vegetable game! I consistently add this seasoning to season my roasted vegetables. It works wonders on everything from sweet carrots and crisp broccoli to earthy Brussels sprouts and tender asparagus, adding a fantastic texture and depth of flavor.
• Fresh Salads: A simple sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning over a fresh green salad can add an unexpected boost of savory flavor and a delightful extra crunch, turning an ordinary salad into something special.
• Delicious Dips: Create a quick and impressive dip by mixing a few tablespoons of the seasoning with plain sour cream or Greek yogurt. This savory dip is perfect for serving with potato chips, pita bread, or a colorful array of raw veggies like carrots and celery sticks.
• Eggs, Chicken, Steak, Seafood: This seasoning is an absolute dream on top of air fryer scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or as an extra layer of flavor in an egg sandwich. Beyond breakfast, I frequently sprinkle it over chicken breasts, steaks, or fish fillets as a seasoning before grilling, baking, or air frying. It provides a robust, savory crust that’s incredibly satisfying.
• Gourmet Popcorn: Transform movie night! Sprinkle a small amount of this seasoning over air fryer popcorn for an irresistible savory snack that everyone will love. It’s a simple way to add complex flavors to a classic treat.
• Homemade Bread and Crackers: Before baking, sprinkle the seasoning on top of homemade bread, focaccia, or crackers for an instant gourmet upgrade.
• Soups and Stews: A pinch sprinkled over a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a hearty lentil stew adds a wonderful textural contrast and an extra layer of savory goodness.
• Pasta Dishes: Use it as a garnish for pasta salads or sprinkle it over warm pasta with olive oil and parmesan cheese for a quick flavor infusion.

Storing Your Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and potency of your homemade bagel spice blend. To ensure it stays delicious for as long as possible, store it in a sealed jar that is completely dry and airtight. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are an excellent choice. Always keep your seasoning in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat, such as inside a pantry or a kitchen cabinet.

When you embark on making your own DIY seasonings, it’s a good practice to label the jar with the date you make the mixture. This simple step allows you to easily track freshness and ensures you’re always using the most flavorful ingredients. If stored correctly under optimal conditions, this seasoning should remain good for up to 12 months. However, for peak flavor and aroma, it’s generally best to use it within six months of preparation. Over time, the seeds can lose some of their aromatic oils, impacting the overall taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Everything Bagel Seasoning

Discover More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

If you’re loving the convenience and versatility of homemade seasonings and air fryer cooking, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes from Air Frying Foodie. They pair wonderfully with your new Everything Bagel Seasoning!

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Breakfast

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You’ll be amazed by how incredibly easy and satisfying it is to make your own everything bagel seasoning. Once you experience the convenience of having this versatile blend readily available, you’ll find yourself reaching for it constantly, eager to sprinkle its irresistible flavor and crunch on everything!