If you love that irresistible mix of crunchy, garlicky, nutty goodness from everything bagels, then this DIY Everything But the Bagel Seasoning is a must-have in your kitchen. It’s quick to throw together, incredibly versatile, and way more budget-friendly than store-bought versions!

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What is DIY Everything But the Bagel Seasoning?
This seasoning blend takes everything you love about an everything bagel — minus the bagel itself — and turns it into a flavorful mix you can sprinkle on just about anything. It’s a combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and flaky sea salt, creating a balance of nuttiness, crunch, and a pop of savory goodness. Whether you’re adding it to avocado toast, roasted veggies, or even popcorn, it brings that signature everything bagel flavor all your favorite foods!
Making your own blend means you get to control the ingredients and adjust the salt level to your preference. Store-bought versions can sometimes be overly salty, but with a homemade mix, you can keep it just right. Plus, you can tweak the ratios or add extra ingredients for a fun twist!
Ingredients You Need
- White Sesame Seeds – These add a toasty, nutty flavor and a bit of crunchiness.
- Black Sesame Seeds – These are full of earthy flavor and make the seasoning visually pop. They have a slightly stronger, more complex taste than white sesame seeds.
- Dried Minced Garlic – We love using this ingredient because it adds a punchy garlic flavor without the moisture of fresh garlic.
- Dried Minced Onion – This is a great way to add a hint of sweetness and depth to the seasoning. It brings that classic oniony bite without being overpowering.
- Poppy Seeds – These tiny seeds add a subtle nuttiness and a delicate crunch. They also help create the blend’s signature texture.
- Flaky Sea Salt – This brings out all of the other flavors and adds the perfect touch of saltiness. We recommend adjusting the amount based on your preference.
How to Make DIY Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
- Mix the ingredients. Place all of the ingredients in a small bowl and stir well to combine.
- Store for later. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Sprinkle and enjoy. Use it to add crunch and flavor to your dishes!
Variations
- Spiciness – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Citrus – A bit of dried lemon or orange zest brightens up the blend.
- Smokiness – Swap regular salt for smoked sea salt to add a rich, smoky depth.
- Cheese – Stir in some grated parmesan for a cheesy version with plenty of umami flavor.
- Herbs – Add dried thyme or oregano for an extra layer of flavor.
- Low-Sodium – Reduce the amount of salt or use a salt-free alternative.
- Extra Crunch – Toss in sunflower seeds or hemp hearts for a bit more texture.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Keep the seasoning in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. If left uncovered, the ingredients can lose their crunch over time. You can keep this mix for up to 1 year.
There’s no need to refrigerate this mix since all the ingredients are shelf-stable.
Freezing isn’t necessary, but if you want to extend its shelf life even further, you can store it in the freezer in a sealed container.
Common Questions about Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
It has a nutty, garlicky, slightly salty, and crunchy flavor with a hint of onion.
It’s great on eggs, avocado toast, roasted veggies, grilled chicken, salads, and even popcorn. You can even mix it with Greek yogurt or sour cream to make a dip!
Fresh ingredients won’t work in this mix since they contain moisture, which could cause clumping or spoilage.
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
More Recipes for DIY Seasonings
Looking for more ways to spice things up? Take a peek at these other seasonings that are sure to kick your savory dishes up a notch!
And don’t forget to check out our go-to guide for spice organization, too!

Everything But the Bagel Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons white sesame seeds
- 2 Tablespoons black sesame seeds
- 1 Tablespoon dried minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt or to taste
Instructions
- Add all the ingredient to a small bowl, and whisk to combine.2 Tablespoons white sesame seeds, 2 Tablespoons black sesame seeds, 1 Tablespoon dried minced garlic, 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion, 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Use to add flavor to all your favorite recipes!
Equipment
Notes
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We use this on EVERYTHING!