How To Make Your Own Bagel Seasoning

You can make your own bagel seasoning in just a few minutes with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

It’s one of those ridiculously simple kitchen projects that feels like magic because the result tastes exactly like the famous “everything” blend from your favorite bakery.

Making your own bagel seasoning means you control the salt level, toast level, and ingredient ratios, so you can tweak it perfectly for your family’s taste.

In this post, we’ll cover why making your own bagel seasoning is a game changer, the exact ingredients you need, and step-by-step instructions to get that crunchy, savory, garlicky magic every single time.

Let’s dive in.

Why Make Your Own Bagel Seasoning

Making your own bagel seasoning isn’t just about saving money, though that’s a solid bonus.

It’s about freshness, flavor control, and never running out of that irresistible topping again.

Here’s why you’ll want to whip up a batch today.

1. You Control the Sodium

Store-bought everything bagel seasoning can be surprisingly salty.

When you make your own bagel seasoning, you can dial the salt way down or even leave it out entirely for a low-sodium version.

If you’re watching your salt intake, this alone is reason enough to mix your own batch.

And you can always add a pinch more salt later, but you can’t take it out once it’s mixed.

2. Fresher Flavor and Aroma

Prewritten spices lose their punch after sitting on a shelf for months.

When you make your own bagel seasoning, you’re toasting and grinding the seeds right when you need them.

Fresh toasted sesame seeds and garlic flakes have a deep, nutty aroma that pre-blended jars just can’t match.

Your bagels will taste like they came from a gourmet deli.

3. Customizable Texture and Crunch

Do you love a heavy coating of seeds, or do you prefer just a light dusting?

Making your own bagel seasoning allows you to adjust the coarseness of the flakes and seeds to your liking.

You can crush the garlic flakes finer or leave them chunky for bigger bursts of flavor.

You can even add extra poppy seeds for more visual pop.

4. It’s Cheaper in the Long Run

A tiny jar of everything seasoning costs a few bucks, but the bulk spices are pennies per batch.

When you make your own bagel seasoning, you’ll have enough to refill your shaker many times over.

Plus, you can make it in big batches and gift it in cute little jars to friends and neighbors.

It’s a homemade present that always impresses.

What You Need to Make Your Own Bagel Seasoning

The classic everything bagel seasoning blend is simple, and you don’t need any fancy equipment.

You just need a small bowl, a measuring spoon, and a dry skillet for toasting.

Here are the core ingredients that make this blend so iconic.

1. White Sesame Seeds

These are the backbone of the mix, giving it that nutty, mild flavor and satisfying crunch.

Use raw white sesame seeds for the best texture, as they toast beautifully in the pan.

You can also use black sesame seeds for a bolder, more dramatic look.

2. Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds bring a delicate, slightly sweet nuttiness and those tiny dark dots that make the blend so recognizable.

They toast quickly, so keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

If you’re not a fan of poppy seeds, you can swap in more sesame seeds or even chia seeds.

3. Dried Minced Garlic

This is non-negotiable for that punchy, savory kick that defines everything bagel seasoning.

Look for dried minced garlic (not powder) because it gives you those crunchy little bits.

If your garlic flakes are very large, give them a quick chop so they stick better to your bagel.

4. Dried Minced Onion

Just like the garlic, you want dried minced onion flakes for texture and sweetness.

The onion adds a subtle depth that rounds out the garlic’s sharpness.

You can even toast the onion flakes lightly before adding them to the mix.

5. Flaky Sea Salt or Coarse Salt

Flaky sea salt is the gold standard because it adds pops of salty crunch without being overwhelming.

If you only have fine table salt, use a little less since it’s denser and saltier.

You can also use kosher salt for a cleaner, brighter saltiness.

6. Optional: Caraway Seeds or Fennel Seeds

Some regional versions of everything seasoning include a touch of caraway or fennel.

These add a gentle, aromatic sweetness that’s especially good on rye bread.

If you’re a purist, you can skip these, but they’re fun to experiment with.

How to Make Your Own Bagel Seasoning at Home

This recipe is so straightforward you’ll memorize it after your first batch.

The key is toasting the seeds first to unlock their oils and deepen their flavor.

Follow these steps and you’ll have perfect bagel seasoning every time.

1. Measure Out Your Ingredients

For a standard batch, you’ll use these ratios:

– 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– 1 ½ tablespoons dried minced garlic
– 1 ½ tablespoons dried minced onion
– 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt
– ½ teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)

You can double or triple this easily, just keep the ratios the same.

Using equal parts garlic and onion keeps the savory balance just right.

2. Toast the Sesame and Poppy Seeds

Place a small dry skillet over medium-low heat and add the sesame and poppy seeds.

Stir them constantly with a wooden spoon for 2 to 3 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly golden.

Be careful here, these tiny seeds can burn in seconds if you walk away.

Remove the seeds from the pan immediately and let them cool on a plate.

3. Mix All the Ingredients Together

In a small bowl, combine your toasted seeds with the minced garlic, onion flakes, salt, and optional caraway.

Give everything a good stir so all the seeds and flakes are evenly coated.

The oil from the toasted seeds will help the flakes stick together just enough.

Now your bagel seasoning is ready to use right away.

4. Store It in an Airtight Container

Transfer the seasoning to a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Store it in a cool, dark place like your spice cabinet, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

If you want to extend the shelf life, you can keep it in the fridge for extra crispness.

Just make sure the jar is completely dry, as moisture will make the flakes clump.

5. Apply It to Bagels Like a Pro

To get the seasoning to stick, brush your bagel with a thin layer of butter or an egg wash.

Water alone also works in a pinch, but butter adds richness and helps the seasoning toast better.

Sprinkle the seasoning generously over the bagel before baking, and press it down lightly so it adheres.

Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes until the seeds are golden and crunchy.

Creative Ways to Use Your Homemade Bagel Seasoning

Once you make your own bagel seasoning, you’ll find yourself putting it on everything, not just bagels.

It’s a versatile spice blend that adds incredible flavor to so many dishes.

Here are some of my favorite ways to use it beyond breakfast.

1. On Avocado Toast

Sprinkle a generous pinch over smashed avocado on sourdough for an instant upgrade.

The garlic and onion sing against the creamy avocado perfectly.

You’ll never go back to plain salt and pepper again.

2. In Cream Cheese Spreads

Mix a teaspoon of your bagel seasoning into softened cream cheese for a quick schmear.

This takes your weekday bagel routine from boring to bakery-quality in seconds.

You can also stir it into sour cream for a fantastic veggie dip.

3. On Roasted Vegetables or Salads

Toss roasted potatoes, broccoli, or carrots with olive oil and your seasoning before baking.

The seeds get crispy and the garlic toasts into little flavor bombs.

You can even sprinkle it over salads for a crunchy, savory topping instead of croutons.

4. As a Crust for Chicken or Fish

Press your homemade bagel seasoning into chicken breasts or salmon fillets before pan-searing.

The seasoning creates a deliciously crispy, aromatic crust.

It’s a fun, unexpected twist that makes a weeknight dinner feel special.

So, How to Make Your Own Bagel Seasoning?

Making your own bagel seasoning is as easy as toasting seeds and stirring them together with aromatic flakes.

You just combine toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion, and flaky salt to get that signature everything blend.

Homemade bagel seasoning is fresher, customizable, and much cheaper than store-bought jars.

Plus, once you see how easy it is, you’ll never pay for those tiny spice shakers again.

Go ahead and whip up a batch today, your next bagel breakfast will thank you.