Kitchen’s Secret Weapon

Imagine having a magical dust that instantly elevates almost any dish, transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. That’s precisely what Homemade Everything Seasoning offers, and the best part? You can whip up a batch in minutes for a fraction of the cost of store-bought versions. This incredibly versatile spice blend isn’t just for bagels anymore; it’s a game-changer for everything from a simple slice of avocado toast to a gourmet sprinkle on buttered rolls before baking, or even a savory kick for your movie night popcorn. Essentially, if you can imagine it, you can “everything” it!

The Irresistible Charm of Everything Bagel Seasoning

The journey to appreciating “everything” seasoning often begins with the beloved everything bagel. That glorious, carb-filled doughnut wannabe, liberally coated with a mix of savory and nutty goodness, sparked a culinary revolution. While its origins are firmly rooted in the bagel shop, the seasoning itself has transcended its namesake, finding its way into kitchens and onto countless dishes worldwide. It’s a testament to its perfectly balanced flavor profile that it has become a pantry staple for so many.

My own love affair with this seasoning runs deep. I’ve used it to “everything-up” everything from crispy baked pita triangles for dipping into creamy hummus, to warm, buttered popcorn on a cozy evening. It’s also absolutely amazing when sprinkled over savory snacks like pigs in a blanket or delightful party sandwiches. And without fail, almost every morning, my fried eggs, turkey sausage, and avocado toast receive a generous dusting of this phenomenal seasoning. It’s safe to say, this blend has become an indispensable part of my daily culinary routine.

Why Make Your Own Everything Seasoning?

While store shelves are now stocked with ready-made Everything Bagel Seasoning, crafting your own offers a multitude of benefits that truly set it apart:

• Cost Savings: The ingredients for this blend are typically inexpensive when purchased individually. Making a large batch at home will almost always be more economical than buying pre-packaged versions, especially considering how frequently you might use it.
• Ingredient Control: When you make it yourself, you dictate what goes in. No unwanted preservatives, anti-caking agents, or excessive sodium. This is particularly beneficial for those managing dietary restrictions or simply preferring a cleaner ingredient list.
• Customization to Your Palate: Love extra garlic? Want more poppy seeds? Prefer less salt, or none at all? Making it from scratch allows you to adjust the ratios of each ingredient to perfectly match your taste preferences. You can even experiment with additional elements like red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or caraway seeds for a more traditional deli flavor.
• Unmatched Freshness and Flavor: Spices tend to lose their potency over time. By mixing your own blend in smaller, more frequent batches, you ensure that you’re always using the freshest, most aromatic ingredients, resulting in a superior flavor that store-bought options simply can’t compete with. The vibrant aroma and robust taste of freshly combined spices will genuinely elevate your dishes.
• Empowerment in the Kitchen: There’s a distinct satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious from basic components. It’s a simple recipe that builds confidence and encourages further culinary experimentation.

What’s In Everything Seasoning? The Essential Ingredients

At its heart, Everything Seasoning is a harmonious blend of simple yet potent ingredients, each contributing to its unique texture, aroma, and flavor. Essentially, it’s everything BUT the bagel itself! The classic combination includes:

• Poppy Seeds: These tiny, dark seeds offer a subtle nutty flavor and a delightful textural crunch. They’re a visual cornerstone of the blend, providing contrast and an earthy undertone.
• Dried Minced Garlic: The pungent, savory notes of dehydrated garlic are crucial. It provides a concentrated garlicky punch that is essential to the overall profile, without the moisture of fresh garlic.
• Dried Minced Onion: Offering a sweet, aromatic base, dried minced onion contributes another layer of savory depth. Like the garlic, its dehydrated form ensures stability and longevity in the blend.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: These are vital for their rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them significantly enhances their aroma and taste, bringing out deeper, more complex notes.
• Black Sesame Seeds: While optional, black sesame seeds add a beautiful visual contrast to the white and golden hues of the other ingredients. They also possess a slightly stronger, nuttier flavor compared to their white counterparts, adding another dimension.

Many traditional Everything Bagel Seasoning blends include kosher salt. However, I personally prefer to omit it from my base recipe. This allows me to control the salt content precisely when I use the seasoning in various dishes. For instance, if I’m sprinkling it on salted buttered rolls, I might not need extra salt, but if it’s going on unsalted avocado, I can add a pinch of salt separately. You can absolutely add kosher salt to your homemade blend if you prefer an all-in-one mix; about 1 to 2 tablespoons per batch is a common starting point.

Beyond the Bagel: More Creative Uses for Your Homemade Blend

Once you’ve experienced the convenience and flavor of homemade Everything Seasoning, you’ll start seeing endless possibilities in your kitchen. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Roasted Vegetables: Toss broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, potatoes, or carrots with olive oil and a generous sprinkle before roasting.
• Eggs (Any Style): Beyond avocado toast, it’s fantastic on scrambled eggs, fried eggs, omelets, frittatas, and even deviled eggs.
• Salad Topping: Add a savory crunch to green salads, potato salads, or pasta salads.
• Dips and Spreads: Stir it into cream cheese, hummus, sour cream, or yogurt dips for an instant flavor boost.
• Meats and Fish: Use it as a rub for chicken, pork, or beef before grilling or baking. It’s particularly delicious on salmon or white fish fillets.
• Homemade Bread & Crackers: Sprinkle it on top of homemade bread, focaccia, breadsticks, or crackers before baking for an incredible finish.
• Savory Yogurt or Cottage Cheese: For a quick and healthy snack, mix it into plain yogurt or cottage cheese with a drizzle of olive oil.
• Soups and Stews: A pinch sprinkled on top of a creamy soup or hearty stew just before serving adds an unexpected layer of flavor and texture.
• Popcorn & Snack Mixes: Beyond plain popcorn, use it to spice up homemade trail mixes or nut blends.

Choosing Quality Spices for Your Blends

When it comes to creating your own spice blends, the quality of your individual spices can make a significant difference in the final product’s flavor. There’s no single “right” or “wrong” brand, and it’s always advisable to purchase what is accessible and within your budget. However, much like other culinary ingredients, not all spices are created equal, and you often get what you pay for in terms of intensity, aroma, and freshness.

Currently, I lean towards Morton & Bassett (and this is not a sponsored endorsement) because I consistently find their spices to be of top-notch quality in terms of texture, vibrant color, and robust flavor. Their commitment to ethical practices and quality control, alongside their charitable work, also resonates deeply with me. Over the years, I’ve also had wonderful experiences with other fantastic brands such as Simply Organic, Frontier Co-op, and Penzys Spices. These brands are known for their high standards and provide excellent foundations for any homemade spice blend. When buying spices, look for ones that are brightly colored, have a strong, distinct aroma, and are packaged to preserve freshness (e.g., in opaque containers).

Simple Steps to Make Your Everything Seasoning

Creating this versatile seasoning blend is incredibly straightforward. It requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor impact.

Into a clean, airtight jar or container, carefully measure and add the following ingredients: 2-1/2 tablespoons of poppy seeds, 2 tablespoons of dried minced garlic, 1-1/2 tablespoons of dried minced onion, and 1-1/2 tablespoons each of both toasted sesame seeds and black sesame seeds.

Once all ingredients are in the jar, secure the lid tightly and give it a good shake to thoroughly combine everything. This ensures an even distribution of all the delicious components. Your homemade Everything Seasoning is now ready! Keep it on hand in your pantry for whenever the mood strikes to add that signature “everything” flavor to something new or a beloved classic.

Enjoy the fantastic flavors! If you try making this Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning, I’d love to hear about it and see your creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Twitter or Instagram!