Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe
Jan 01, 2026
This is the everything bagel seasoning recipe that'll make you wonder why you ever bought the store version. Five minutes, simple pantry ingredients, and complete control over the flavor. We're giving you the classic plus three variations that take it in delicious new directions. Make one, make all four, become the person who always has homemade everything bagel seasoning on hand.
🥯 Version 1: Classic Everything Bagel Seasoning
The original. The classic. The one that started it all.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt (like Maldon)
Best On: Avocado toast, cream cheese bagels, eggs, roasted potatoes
🔥 Version 2: Spicy Everything Bagel Seasoning
The classic with a warm, smoky kick that makes everything more interesting.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt
- 1-2 teaspoons Casa Flake Wild Ember (smoky heat) OR Casa Flake Fuego Dulce (sweet heat)
Heat Level: Wild Ember = medium-warm, smoky | Fuego Dulce = mild, sweet
Best On: Avocado toast (especially!), fried eggs, popcorn, cream cheese with jalapeño bagels, roasted vegetables
🌿 Version 3: Italian Everything Bagel Seasoning
Mediterranean herbs meet the everything bagel. Focaccia's new best friend.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt
- 1 tablespoon Casa Flake Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Casa Flake Roasted Garlic Pepper (optional)
Best On: Focaccia, bread rolls before baking, olive oil for dipping, roasted chicken, pasta with olive oil
🧄 Version 4: Extra Garlic Everything Bagel Seasoning
For the garlic lovers who think regular everything bagel seasoning isn't garlicky enough.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons dried minced garlic (doubled!)
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt
- 1 tablespoon Casa Flake Roasted Garlic Pepper
Best On: Garlic bread, roasted potatoes, cream cheese spreads, anything where garlic is the star
Instructions (Same for All Versions)
- Optional: Toast the sesame seeds. For deeper, nuttier flavor, add the white and black sesame seeds to a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Watch carefully—they burn quickly. Transfer to a plate and let cool completely before proceeding.
- Combine all ingredients. Add all ingredients to a clean jar, bowl, or container. If using a jar, seal it and shake vigorously to combine. If using a bowl, stir thoroughly with a spoon until evenly mixed.
- Taste and adjust. Sample a small pinch. Want more salt? Add it. More garlic? Go for it. This is your seasoning—make it perfect for your palate.
- Store properly. Transfer to an airtight container (glass jars work great). Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight. Use within 2-3 months for best flavor and freshness.
Why This Recipe Works
The balance of this seasoning is what makes it work. The sesame and poppy seeds provide crunch and a nutty, slightly sweet background. The dried garlic and onion bring the savory, aromatic punch that makes you want to keep eating. And the flaky salt ties everything together while adding bursts of salinity.
Each variation builds on this foundation:
Spicy Version: Wild Ember adds chipotle's smokiness and New Mexico chile's warm depth without overwhelming the classic flavors. Fuego Dulce brings a gentler, sweeter warmth from ancho chile that's more approachable for spice-sensitive eaters.
Italian Version: Italian Seasoning (rosemary, oregano, basil, sage, marjoram) complements the garlic and onion naturally—they're all part of the same Mediterranean flavor family. This tastes like the topping on really good focaccia.
Extra Garlic Version: Roasted Garlic Pepper adds a mellow, sweet roasted garlic note that's different from the sharp, raw flavor of dried minced garlic. The combination creates garlic flavor that's both punchy and deep.
How to Use Everything Bagel Seasoning
Quick Reference
- Eggs: Sprinkle on fried, scrambled, or deviled eggs
- Toast: Avocado toast, cream cheese toast, butter toast
- Dips: Mix into cream cheese, hummus, or sour cream
- Popcorn: Toss with melted butter
- Roasted vegetables: Toss before or sprinkle after roasting
- Proteins: Coat chicken, salmon, or pork before cooking
- Bread: Top bagels, focaccia, or rolls before baking
- Potatoes: Roasted, mashed, or on fries
- Salads: Sprinkle for crunch and flavor
- Mac and cheese: Top before serving
Version-Specific Suggestions
Spicy Version Best Uses:
- Avocado toast (the signature use)
- Spicy popcorn movie night
- Cream cheese for jalapeño bagels
- Roasted vegetables with a kick
- Bloody Mary rim seasoning
Italian Version Best Uses:
- Focaccia topping (dimple, oil, season, bake)
- Bread dipping oil (mix with olive oil)
- Roasted chicken rub
- Garlic bread enhancement
- Pasta with olive oil and Parmesan
Extra Garlic Version Best Uses:
- Ultimate garlic bread
- Roasted potatoes
- Cream cheese spread
- Mashed potatoes topper
- Steak seasoning
Scaling the Recipe
Half Batch: Halve all measurements. Good for trying a new variation.
Double Batch: Double all measurements. Good for heavy users or gift-making.
Gift Jar Quantity: Triple the recipe to fill 3-4 small gift jars.
Storage Instructions
Container: Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work best. Mason jars, repurposed spice jars, or any airtight container.
Location: Room temperature, in a dark cabinet or pantry. Avoid storing near the stove (heat degrades flavor) or in direct sunlight.
Shelf Life: 2-3 months for optimal freshness. The sesame seeds contain oils that can go rancid over time. If it smells musty or "off," make a fresh batch.
Signs of Spoilage: Rancid smell, clumping from moisture, or stale taste. When in doubt, make a new batch—ingredients are inexpensive.
Substitutions and Variations
No black sesame seeds? Use all white sesame seeds. Flavor is nearly identical; you just lose the visual contrast.
No poppy seeds? Substitute additional sesame seeds, or simply omit. Some people avoid poppy seeds due to drug testing concerns (they can cause false positives).
Reducing sodium? Cut salt to 1-2 teaspoons instead of 1 tablespoon. The flavor will be less "everything bagel-like" but still tasty.
Using granulated garlic/onion instead of minced? It works, but the texture will be finer. Reduce to 2 teaspoons each if using granulated, as it's more concentrated.
Making it nut-free? Sesame seeds are seeds, not nuts, but some people with nut allergies are also sensitive to sesame. Check with your allergist if unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh garlic or onion?
No. Fresh ingredients introduce moisture, causing the seasoning to clump and spoil quickly. Stick with dried for shelf stability.
Why does store-bought taste different?
Commercial versions often use different salt types, may include anti-caking agents, and have different ratios. Homemade tastes fresher and has more texture.
Can I grind it finer?
Yes! For coating proteins or mixing into dips, pulse briefly in a spice grinder. For toppings, leave it coarse for better texture.
How do I prevent clumping?
Make sure all ingredients are completely dry. Add a small piece of dried rice or a food-safe silica packet to absorb any moisture. Store in a truly airtight container.
Can I add other things?
Absolutely! Dried herbs, different chili flakes, nutritional yeast (for a cheesy note), dried lemon zest—experiment freely. Start with 1 teaspoon of any add-in and adjust to taste.
Is this the same as "Everything But the Bagel" seasoning?
Yes, it's the same concept. That's a trademarked name for a specific brand, but the seasoning style is the same.
Serving Suggestions by Meal
Breakfast
Classic on avocado toast, any version on eggs, Italian on breakfast potatoes, Extra Garlic in cream cheese for bagels
Lunch
Any version on salads for crunch, Spicy on grain bowls, Italian on focaccia sandwiches, Classic in chicken salad
Dinner
Extra Garlic on roasted potatoes, Italian on chicken breast, Spicy on roasted vegetables, Classic on mac and cheese
Snacks
Spicy on popcorn, Classic or Extra Garlic in cream cheese dip, Italian with olive oil for bread dipping, any version on cheese crackers
← Want More Ideas and Variations?
This recipe is part of our comprehensive guide: How to Make Everything Bagel Seasoning (Plus 3 Irresistible Variations)
Discover 20+ ways to use everything bagel seasoning, pro tips for the perfect blend, and even more creative variations to try.
