DIY Everything but the bagel seasoning

Everything Bagels Seasoning is a savory blend of seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and sea salt flakes. Originally created in New York, this mix was designed to combine the best of all bagel toppings into one. Beyond its traditional use on bagels, it can enhance the flavor of many dishes, such as avocado toast, salads, and even chicken or fish. Making your own Everything Bagels Seasoning at home is easy, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and bring a delicious crunch and savory depth to your culinary creations.

Origin and history

The origin and history of Everything Bagels Seasoning is both fascinating and somewhat legendary. The story traces back to the bustling bagel shops of New York City in the 1980s. Popular lore says the seasoning blend was born from a happy accident. At the end of the day, an enterprising bagel shop employee, David Gussin, noticed the various leftover seeds and toppings in the bins and decided to combine them all into one mix. He then sprinkled this mixture onto a bagel, and the “everything bagel” was born.

This innovation quickly gained popularity among customers who loved the combination of flavors and textures. The concept of “everything” seasoning, which includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and sea salt flakes, spread rapidly to other bagel shops and became a staple in New York’s bagel culture.

Over time, the appeal of Everything Bagels Seasoning extended beyond bagels. Home cooks and chefs alike began to experiment with the blend, finding that it added a delightful crunch and savory depth to a wide range of dishes. Today, Everything Bagels Seasoning is widely available in stores and has become a beloved addition to kitchens around the world, used to enhance everything from avocado toast to roasted vegetables and more.

Tips and notes

Creating a perfect Everything Bagels Seasoning blend at home is simple and rewarding. Here are some tips and notes to ensure you get the best results:

• Ensure all seeds and spices are fresh for maximum flavor and aroma. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in taste.
• Use a good quality sea salt or kosher salt. The size and type of salt crystals can affect the overall texture and flavor.
• The classic blend consists of white and black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and sea salt flakes. We’ve provided a balanced ratio, but feel free to adjust the quantities to match your preference. For example, if you love garlic, you can add a bit more dried minced garlic.
• For an extra depth of flavor, lightly toast the sesame and poppy seeds before mixing them with the other ingredients. Toasting brings out the natural oils and enhances the taste.
• Store your seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness. Proper storage ensures that the flavors remain robust for a longer time.
• You can experiment by adding other ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or dried herbs for an additional layer of flavor.
• Ensure that you mix the ingredients thoroughly so that every spoonful has a bit of everything, ensuring a balanced flavor in every bite.

Serving

While its primary use is on bagels, Everything Bagels Seasoning has proven to be incredibly versatile. Here are some creative ways to use it:

• Avocado Toast: Sprinkle it over avocado toast for an instant flavor upgrade.
• Salads: Add it to salads for a crunchy, savory kick.
• Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite veggies in olive oil and Everything Bagels Seasoning before roasting.
• Scrambled Eggs: Stir it into scrambled eggs or an omelet for breakfast.
• Popcorn: Sprinkle it on popcorn for a unique and tasty snack.
• Cream Cheese Dip: Mix it into cream cheese for a delicious spread or dip.
• Chicken or Fish: Use it as a coating for baked chicken or fish to add texture and flavor.

Variants

• Za’atar (Middle Eastern);
• Furikake (Japanese);
• Dukkah (Egyptian);
• Gomasio (Japanese);
• Chaat Masala (Indian);
• Chinese Five-Spice Powder;
• Herbes de Provence (French);
• Ras el Hanout (North Africa);
• Tabil (Tunisian);
• …