Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning: Your Easy DIY Recipe for Irresistible Flavor on Everything!
If you’re anything like me, a true enthusiast of Trader Joe’s, then you’ve undoubtedly encountered their cult-favorite Everything But The Bagel Seasoning. This simple yet revolutionary blend has captured hearts and taste buds across the nation, transforming mundane meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. It’s truly a secret weapon in the kitchen!
This iconic seasoning is a delightful mix of all the flavorful seeds, herbs, and savory goodness that traditionally adorns fresh everything bagels found in artisan bagel shops. It delivers that perfect balance of nutty, garlicky, oniony, and salty notes that makes every bite memorable.
Why Make Your Own Everything Bagel Seasoning?
While the Trader Joe’s version is fantastic, it comes with a few limitations. Not everyone lives conveniently near a Trader Joe’s store, making it difficult to restock when your beloved jar runs out. And for those who do, sometimes the shelves are surprisingly bare due to its immense popularity. While there is an Amazon link for it, it’s often more expensive than purchasing it in-store, and who wants to pay extra for a pantry staple?
This is precisely why crafting your own Everything Bagel Seasoning at home is a true game-changer. It ensures you always have this incredible flavor booster on hand, regardless of your proximity to a Trader Joe’s. Plus, it offers several key advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Using individual bulk spices is significantly cheaper than buying the pre-mixed seasoning, especially over time.
- Freshness Control: You choose the quality and freshness of each ingredient, ensuring the most vibrant flavors.
- Customization: Love more garlic? Less salt? You can easily adjust the ratios to perfectly suit your personal preferences.
- Accessibility: All the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores or online, making this a truly “DIY” friendly recipe for everyone.
The Incredible Versatility of Everything Bagel Seasoning
One of the greatest joys of Everything Bagel Seasoning is its remarkable versatility. It allows you to capture that beloved “everything bagel” flavor without the carb-heavy, calorie-laden bagel itself. This makes it a fantastic option for those seeking healthier alternatives or simply looking to add a burst of flavor to various dishes.
Seriously, the possibilities are genuinely endless, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this jar constantly. Here are just a few of my favorite ways to use this fantastic seasoning:
- On Eggs: Whether scrambled, fried, poached, or hard-boiled, a sprinkle instantly elevates your breakfast.
- Healthy Dips: Mix it into plain Greek yogurt or hummus for an instant savory dip for veggies or crackers.
- Roasted Vegetables & Potatoes: Toss it with olive oil over broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or regular potatoes before roasting for an unforgettable side dish.
- Soups: A pinch on top of creamy tomato soup or a hearty lentil soup adds a surprising depth of flavor and texture.
- Avocado Toast: The classic pairing! Creamy avocado, a hint of lemon, and a generous sprinkle of this seasoning is pure perfection.
- Popcorn: Move over, plain salt! This seasoning transforms plain popcorn into a gourmet snack.
Expanded Usage Ideas: Unleash the Flavor!
Beyond the basics, this homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning can truly transform your culinary creations. Let’s dive deeper into how you can incorporate this delightful blend into almost any meal:
Breakfast & Brunch Bonanza:
- Cream Cheese Spread: Stir it into softened cream cheese for an instant bagel spread without the bagel. Perfect for spreading on celery sticks, cucumber slices, or low-carb crackers.
- Cottage Cheese: A sprinkle over cottage cheese with some fresh chives or cherry tomatoes makes for a savory, high-protein breakfast or snack.
- Breakfast Sandwiches/Wraps: Add it to your egg mixture before cooking or sprinkle directly onto your finished breakfast sandwich for an extra punch.
- Tofu Scramble: For a vegan option, this seasoning takes a tofu scramble from bland to brilliant.
Lunch & Dinner Delights:
- Grilled or Baked Protein: It’s fantastic rubbed onto chicken breasts, salmon fillets, shrimp, or even firm tofu before grilling or baking. It forms a delicious, savory crust.
- Salads & Salad Dressings: Sprinkle it over your green salad for added crunch and flavor. You can also whisk it into a vinaigrette for a unique dressing.
- Grain Bowls: Elevate any grain bowl (quinoa, farro, rice) by topping it with vegetables, protein, and a generous amount of seasoning.
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Add a pinch to your favorite deli sandwich or wrap for an unexpected flavor boost.
- Pasta Dishes: Sprinkle it over a simple pasta with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan, or add it to creamy pasta sauces.
Snack Time Superstars:
- Roasted Nuts: Toss almonds, cashews, or pecans with a little olive oil and Everything Bagel Seasoning, then roast until golden for a addictive, savory snack.
- Cheese & Crackers: It pairs wonderfully with a variety of cheeses. Sprinkle it on top of a soft cheese spread or directly onto harder cheeses.
- Homemade Breadsticks or Crackers: If you’re feeling ambitious, sprinkle it on homemade bread dough or cracker dough before baking.
The Simple Ingredients and Their Roles
The beauty of this seasoning lies in its balanced combination of distinct flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the signature “everything” taste:
- White Sesame Seeds: These provide a foundational nutty flavor and a satisfying, mild crunch. They are the backbone of many seed-based seasonings.
- Black Sesame Seeds: Offering a slightly bolder, earthier note compared to white sesame seeds, they also add a beautiful visual contrast to the mix.
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds contribute a delicate, almost floral crunch and are essential for that classic bagel authenticity.
- Dried Minced Garlic or Garlic Flakes: The pungent, savory kick that truly defines the “everything” flavor. Using dried ensures a long shelf life and intense, concentrated garlic essence.
- Dried Minced Onion or Onion Flakes: Adds a subtle sweetness and an aromatic depth that beautifully complements the garlic, completing the savory profile.
- Flaked Sea Salt or Coarse Kosher Salt: Crucial for both taste and texture. The larger flakes or crystals provide bursts of saltiness that awaken and enhance all the other flavors, rather than dissolving instantly.
As you can see, assembling this mix is incredibly straightforward, yet the result is a complex, irresistible flavor. You just combine these simple components, and you’re ready to sprinkle!
Now, let’s get to the easy part: the recipe! You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a batch of this deliciousness, ensuring you’re never without your favorite seasoning again.

DIY Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning
Nancylynn
An easy, DIY version of my favorite Trader Joe’s Everything Bagel Seasoning that’s delicious on all the things!
8
servings
Pin Recipe
6 minutes
6 minutes
Ingredients
-
1 1/2
tablespoons
white sesame seeds -
1 1/2
tablespoons
black sesame seeds -
1
tablespoon
poppy seeds -
1
tablespoon
+ 1 tsp dried minced garlic or dried garlic flakes -
1
tablespoon
+ 1 tsp dried minced onion or dried onion flakes -
2
teaspoons
flaked sea salt or coarse kosher salt
Instructions
-
Layer spices into a small jar or container and mix well. Seal and store for up to 6 months.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving:
1
tablespoon
Calories:
29
kcal
Carbohydrates:
2
g
Protein:
1
g
Fat:
2
g
Saturated Fat:
0.3
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g
Sodium:
583
mg
Potassium:
44
mg
Fiber:
1
g
Sugar:
0.3
g
Vitamin A:
0.4
IU
Vitamin C:
0.5
mg
Calcium:
48
mg
Iron:
1
mg
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So, whether you’re a long-time fan of everything bagels, a Trader Joe’s devotee without a store nearby, or simply looking to add an explosion of flavor to your meals, this DIY Everything Bagel Seasoning recipe is for you. Get ready to sprinkle it on, well, *everything*!
Let me know if you try this out, and please share your favorite creative ways to use this in the comments below. I am always looking for new, fun, and inventive combos to try!