How to Make Everything Bagel Seasoning (Plus 3 Irresistible Variations)

I'll admit it: I was one of those people who bought the famous everything bagel seasoning every time I went to the grocery store. I'd sprinkle it on eggs, avocado toast, cream cheese—everything, really. Then I ran out one Sunday morning, desperately wanted it for my breakfast, and thought: how hard can this be to make?

Turns out, not hard at all. Everything bagel seasoning is just five basic ingredients mixed together. Once you make it yourself, you realize you've been overpaying for something incredibly simple—and you can finally customize it.

The real revelation came when I started experimenting with variations. A spicy version with chili flakes? Game-changing. An Italian-herb version? Perfect for focaccia and pasta. A garlic-heavy version? Yes, please. Making your own means you control everything—the salt level, the ratios, the extras.

What's in Everything Bagel Seasoning?

Classic everything bagel seasoning has just five ingredients:

• White sesame seeds — Nutty, slightly sweet, adds crunch
• Black sesame seeds — Earthier flavor, visual contrast
• Poppy seeds — Tiny crunch, subtle nutty flavor
• Dried minced garlic — Savory, aromatic punch
• Dried minced onion — Sweet, savory depth
• Flaky sea salt — The flavor amplifier

That's it. The magic isn't in any secret ingredient—it's in the combination. The seeds provide texture, the garlic and onion bring the savory flavor, and the salt ties everything together.

Why Make Your Own?

Control the Salt

Store-bought versions can be aggressively salty. When you make your own, you can dial back the salt or use a different type (like pink Himalayan or smoked sea salt for extra flavor).

Customize the Ratios

Love garlic? Double it. Not a fan of poppy seeds? Leave them out. Prefer more crunch? Add extra sesame seeds. Your seasoning, your rules.

Add Unique Twists

This is where it gets fun. The basic recipe is just the starting point. You can add chili flakes for heat, herbs for complexity, or spices for an entirely different flavor profile. Store-bought can't do that.

It's Cheaper

Bulk seeds and dried aromatics cost a fraction of pre-made seasoning jars. If you use everything bagel seasoning as often as I do, the savings add up.

No Additives

Homemade means you know exactly what's in it—no anti-caking agents, preservatives, or mystery ingredients.

Three Game-Changing Variations

Here's where homemade everything bagel seasoning gets really interesting. These variations take the classic in new directions—and once you try them, you'll wonder why store-bought never thought of this.

20+ Ways to Use Everything Bagel Seasoning

Part of what makes this seasoning so addictive is its versatility. Here are all the ways you should be using it:

Breakfast

• Avocado toast — The classic. Mash avocado, sprinkle generously, add a drizzle of olive oil.
• Fried or scrambled eggs — Sprinkle right before serving
• Cream cheese bagels — Obviously
• Breakfast sandwiches — On the egg or the bread
• Omelets — Sprinkle inside before folding
• Potato hash — Toss with potatoes in the last minute of cooking

Snacks

• Popcorn — Toss with melted butter and seasoning (try the spicy version!)
• Cream cheese dip — Mix into softened cream cheese for an instant dip
• Hummus topping — Sprinkle on top for texture and flavor
• Deviled eggs — Garnish instead of paprika
• Cheese crackers — Sprinkle on before baking homemade crackers

Main Dishes

• Chicken breast — Coat before baking or pan-searing
• Salmon — Press onto the top before roasting
• Pork chops — Use as a crust
• Mac and cheese — Sprinkle on top before serving
• Pizza — Especially on white pizza or focaccia-style

Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables — Toss with olive oil and seasoning before roasting
• Roasted potatoes — Especially good on crispy roasted potatoes
• Salads — Use as a topping for extra crunch
• Grilled corn — Roll in butter and seasoning
• Green beans — Toss with after sautéing

Bread and Dough

• Homemade bagels — Press onto tops before baking
• Focaccia — Dimple, drizzle oil, sprinkle seasoning (especially the Italian version)
• Bread rolls — Brush with egg wash, top with seasoning
• Pizza dough — Brush edges with butter and seasoning
• Pita chips — Brush with oil, sprinkle, bake until crispy

Pro Tips for Perfect Everything Bagel Seasoning

Toast the Seeds for Extra Flavor

For a deeper, nuttier taste, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before mixing. Watch carefully—they go from toasted to burnt quickly. Let them cool completely before combining with other ingredients.

Use Flaky Salt, Not Table Salt

Flaky sea salt (like Maldon or any coarse sea salt) adds texture and dissolves more slowly, giving you bursts of saltiness rather than uniform salt throughout. Table salt makes the seasoning taste, well, salty instead of complex.

Match the Grind to the Use

For toppings (eggs, avocado toast), use the seasoning as-is with larger pieces. For coating chicken or mixing into dips, pulse briefly in a spice grinder for a finer, more even texture that adheres better.

Store Properly

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat and light. The sesame seeds can go rancid over time (they contain oils), so make batches you'll use within 2-3 months. If it starts to smell musty or off, it's time to make a fresh batch.

Scale Up for Gift-Giving

Everything bagel seasoning makes a fantastic homemade gift. Double or triple the recipe, put it in cute jars, add a label with usage ideas, and you've got a thoughtful present that costs almost nothing to make.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Can't Find Black Sesame Seeds?

Use all white sesame seeds instead. You'll lose the visual contrast but the flavor will be nearly identical.

No Poppy Seeds?

Leave them out entirely, or substitute additional sesame seeds. Some people skip poppy seeds due to allergy concerns or drug testing considerations (yes, really—poppy seeds can cause false positives).

Using Fresh Garlic or Onion?

Don't. Fresh garlic and onion will introduce moisture, causing the seasoning to clump and spoil quickly. Stick with dried for shelf stability.

Reducing Sodium?

Cut the salt in half or use a salt-free seasoning blend as your base. Note that the salt is what makes this seasoning taste "right," so reducing it significantly will change the character. You can also use a salt substitute.

Comparing to Store-Bought

Here's how homemade stacks up:

Building on the Base: More Variation Ideas

Once you've mastered the classic and our three main variations, here are more directions to explore:

Southwest Everything Bagel

Add 1 tablespoon Mexican Campfire Citrona for earthy chile flavor with cumin and coriander. Incredible on Tex-Mex dishes, tortilla chips, and grilled corn.

Ranch Everything Bagel

Add 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon dried chives, and 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley. Use Garlic and Herb Seasoning as a shortcut.

Cajun Everything Bagel

Add 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning for Southern-style heat with paprika, thyme, and cayenne. Amazing on fried chicken and shrimp.

Everything Bagel "Za'atar"

Add 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon sumac (if you have it), and extra sesame seeds. A Middle Eastern-inspired twist.

Final Thoughts

Everything bagel seasoning became a phenomenon for a reason—it's genuinely delicious and makes almost anything taste better. But there's no reason to keep buying it when making your own takes five minutes, costs a fraction of the price, and opens up a world of customization.

Start with the classic, then experiment. Try the spicy version on your next avocado toast. Make the Italian version for homemade focaccia. Create your own signature blend that you can't find anywhere else.

That's the beauty of homemade: once you know the formula, you're not limited by what's on the shelf. You're only limited by your imagination.

And honestly? I haven't bought the store version since.