I got tired of paying five bucks for a tiny jar that was mostly salt and empty space. This homemade everything bagel seasoning recipe uses a specific ratio of dried aromatics to seeds so the garlic and onion don’t settle at the bottom of the jar. You’ll finally get a balanced bite every time you sprinkle it on your avocado toast. The mixture should be perfectly dry, with the sesame seeds and poppy seeds evenly distributed and the dried garlic and onion flakes providing a uniform, crunchy texture.
Quick Answer: Homemade everything bagel seasoning is best made using a ratio of 1:1:1 for seeds, dried aromatics, and salt. Combine equal parts poppy seeds and white sesame seeds with dried minced garlic, onion, and coarse sea salt for the perfect savory crunch.
Most store-bought blends leave you shaking the container forever just to find a single sesame seed. By keeping the particle sizes consistent, this blend stays mixed and ready to use. You will notice the sharp, savory aroma of dried onion hitting your nose the second you pop the lid. It’s a simple way to upgrade your morning routine without any extra effort.
Ingredients
I always grab the McCormick dried minced garlic and onion because the pieces are uniform, which keeps the texture consistent when you’re mixing up a homemade everything bagel seasoning recipe.
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons dried minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
Before You Start
Don’t bother adding dried parsley just for color; it turns into dusty green flakes that taste like nothing and ruins the clean, punchy bite of the garlic. If you want to use this on homemade sourdough bread, make sure your salt is truly coarse, not fine table salt, or the whole thing will end up way too salty.
If you can’t find black sesame seeds, you can double the white ones, but you’ll lose that striking visual contrast that makes the blend look professional. Some people try to swap in garlic powder, but don’t do it. You’ll lose that satisfying crunch, and the powder will just coat the seeds in a dusty film instead of providing those little pops of savory flavor. Stick to the minced versions for the best results.
How to Assemble Your Custom Savory Seed Blend
Prep: 5 mins · Cook: 0 mins · Total: 5 mins · Serves: 1 cup
Step 1: Prepare your workspace
You need a container that holds at least one cup comfortably so you have room to stir. Make sure the jar is bone-dry, as any lingering water will turn your dried aromatics into a soft, chewy mess instead of keeping them crisp. I usually wipe my jar out with a paper towel just to be safe.
Step 2: Combine the seeds
Pour the poppy seeds and both types of sesame seeds into the bowl first. You’ll see the contrast between the tiny black poppy seeds and the larger sesame seeds as they settle together. Give them a quick toss with a spoon so they are evenly distributed before adding anything else.
Step 3: Incorporate the aromatics
Add the garlic and onion pieces to the seed mixture. These pieces are roughly the same size as the sesame seeds, which is why they stay suspended in the mix rather than sinking to the bottom. Use a spoon to gently fold everything together until you can’t distinguish one ingredient from the other.
Step 4: Add the salt
Sprinkle the coarse sea salt over the top and stir again. You should see the larger, crystalline grains of salt scattered throughout the blend. If you want to learn more about why texture matters in seasoning, check out my guide on pantry staples. The salt adds that necessary bite that makes the whole blend pop.
Step 5: Transfer and store
Carefully pour the blend into your jar using a funnel or by folding a piece of parchment paper into a cone. Once it’s inside, screw the lid on securely. When you tilt the jar, you’ll see the ingredients tumble over each other like a miniature rock tumbler, confirming they are well-mixed and ready for your next bagel breakfast sandwich.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients taste soft | Moisture in the jar | Dry the jar completely before filling |
| Flavor is too salty | Uneven distribution | Shake the jar vigorously before each use |
| Garlic pieces are too large | Inconsistent chopping | Pulse the dried aromatics briefly in a spice grinder |
Tips for Getting It Right
If you find that your salt settles at the bottom of the jar, try storing the container upside down. Give it a quick flip right before you sprinkle the blend over your avocado toast. This simple trick keeps the heavier grains from staying trapped at the base.
Always check your dried minced garlic and onion for freshness before you start. If they have been sitting in your pantry for over a year, they lose that sharp, savory bite that makes this blend work. You want them to be firm and brittle, not bendy or dull.
Variations Worth Trying
If you want a bit more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix. It doesn’t change the texture, but it gives the blend a nice kick when you use it on eggs. Just make sure to stir well so the flakes don’t clump together in one spot.
For a slightly nuttier profile, you can toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for two minutes. Let them cool completely before you mix them with the other ingredients. If you add them while they are still warm, the heat will soften the dried onion and garlic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in everything bagel seasoning?
It is a simple mix of poppy seeds, white and black sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse sea salt. That is the entire list of ingredients.
How long does homemade everything bagel seasoning last?
It stays fresh for about three months if you keep it in an airtight container. Make sure you store it in a dark, cool cupboard away from the stove.
Can I make everything bagel seasoning without poppy seeds?
You can, but the texture will change quite a bit. The poppy seeds act as a filler that helps the larger pieces of garlic and onion stay suspended in the jar.
Is everything bagel seasoning healthy?
It depends on how you define healthy, but it is a great way to add flavor without using heavy sauces. Just keep an eye on how much salt you are using if you are watching your sodium intake. You can always reduce the salt if you prefer a milder taste.
This version focuses on the precise ratio of dried aromatics to seeds to ensure the garlic and onion don’t settle at the bottom of the jar.
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons dried minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons dried minced onion
Seasonings & Extras
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
- Step 1: Grab a clean, dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and a small mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Add the poppy seeds, white sesame seeds, and black sesame seeds to your bowl.
- Step 3: Stir in the dried minced garlic and dried minced onion flakes.
- Step 4: Fold in the coarse sea salt until fully integrated.
- Step 5: Pour the mixture into your jar and seal it tightly.
