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Everything Bagel Seasoning

Author:Jennifer Stewart Published:September 15, 2016June 18, 2026 Updated:June 18, 2026

Homemade everything bagel seasoning is a simple blend of toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, kosher salt, and black pepper that comes together in five minutes. Toasting the white sesame seeds before mixing adds a nuttier, more complex flavor than store-bought blends including Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning. Use it on bagels, dips, avocado toast, eggs, and anything that needs a savory, seedy crunch. Keeps for up to four months in an airtight jar.

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Everything Bagel Seasoning spilling out of a wood bowl

I am a self-confessed salt fiend. My husband genuinely thinks I need a salt lick tied around my neck because of how much I love it – and he is not entirely wrong.

The best cure for a serious salt craving is an everything bagel, which is why this everything bagel seasoning lives permanently on my counter. It goes into Everything Bagel Dip, Puff Pastry Pigs in a Blanket, Everything Bagel Almonds, and Puff Pastry Tomato Tart and it goes on just about everything else too.

This is a better than store-bought version of the Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning that took over the internet – and the difference is in the technique.

Toasting the white sesame seeds yourself before mixing adds a nuttier, deeper flavor that raw seeds and pre-made blends cannot replicate. Plus black pepper, which most recipes leave out, adds a subtle heat that makes the whole blend taste more complex.

Five ingredients you probably already have and one extra step that makes all the difference.

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jar of seasoning with a black measuring spoon

What Is Everything Bagel Seasoning?

Everything bagel seasoning is the blend of seeds, dried garlic and onion, and salt that gets pressed onto the outside of an everything bagel before baking.

It became one of the most popular condiments in the country after Trader Joe’s released their Everything But The Bagel Seasoning and people realized it tasted incredible on things beyond actual bagels.

The classic blend is sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and salt. This homemade version adds toasted white sesame seeds and black pepper for a more complex, flavorful blend that beats the store-bought version every time.

And for the record – an everything bagel is infinitely better than any sweet bagel flavor. A blueberry bagel is just a mature doughnut and I will not be taking questions on that.

bagel dip in a white bowl with striped towel

Is This a Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning Copycat?

Yes and no. The ingredients are similar – sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt are in both. But this homemade version has two things the Trader Joe’s blend does not.

Toasted white sesame seeds instead of raw give it a nuttier, more aromatic flavor, and black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth that the store-bought version skips entirely.

Use it as a direct substitute anywhere a recipe calls for Everything But The Bagel Seasoning.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclosure policy.

labeled picture of bagel seasoning ingredients

See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and their quantities.

Ingredient Notes

White sesame seeds (toasted) – The most important ingredient and the one that makes this blend better than store-bought. Toast raw white sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for two to three minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly so they do not burn. The toasting process releases the oils in the seeds and adds a nuttier, more complex flavor that raw sesame seeds cannot match. The black sesame seeds come pre-toasted so those do not need any extra work.

Black sesame seeds – adds visual contrast and a slightly earthier flavor than white sesame seeds. They are not always easy to find at regular grocery stores but Indian and Asian markets usually carry them, or order online. They are not required – use all white sesame seeds if that is what you have and the flavor will still be great. You can also find a tri-color version of just sesame seeds and these cork in a pinch.

Poppy seeds – add a mild, slightly nutty flavor and the characteristic look of an everything bagel. They are also great on sliders and in salad dressings so buy a larger jar and you will find excuses to use them.

Dried minced garlic – use the actual flakes or pieces, not garlic powder. The texture of the larger pieces is part of what makes everything bagel seasoning look and taste the way it does. Garlic powder will make the blend look and taste like a generic spice mix rather than a bagel topping.

Dried minced onion – same rule as the garlic – use the flakes or pieces not the powder. The texture matters as much as the flavor here.

Kosher salt – do not substitute table salt. You want a larger flake or crystal sized salt for the texture and the way it distributes through the blend. Flaked sea salt or pretzel salt also work beautifully. Table salt disappears into the mix and makes it taste flat and overly salty at the same time.

Black pepper – the ingredient most everything bagel seasoning recipes skip and the one that makes this version more complex than the standard blend. It adds a gentle heat and a subtle depth that makes the seasoning taste more intentional. Do not leave it out.

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How to Make Everything Bagel Seasoning

Toast the white sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for two to three minutes until golden and fragrant. Stir constantly and watch carefully – they go from toasted to burnt quickly. Remove from heat and let cool completely before mixing.

Combine the cooled toasted white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir or shake to combine thoroughly. Transfer to an airtight glass jar or spice container. Label with the date and store in a cool, dark, dry place until ready to use.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How to Use Everything Bagel Seasoning

On bagels and bread: Brush the top of unbaked bagels or bread with egg wash and press the seasoning on generously before baking. It also works sprinkled on top of toast, focaccia, and flatbread.

In dips: Stir into cream cheese, whipped feta, or sour cream based dips for an instant savory, seedy flavor boost. Everything Bagel Dip is the most direct use and one of the easiest appetizers you can make.

On avocado toast: Sprinkle generously over smashed avocado on toast. The seeds add crunch and the garlic and onion flakes add the savory depth that plain avocado toast is missing.

On eggs: Sprinkle over scrambled eggs, hard boiled eggs, or deviled eggs. The combination of seeds and salt on a deviled egg is one of the best things you can do to a classic appetizer.

On snacks and nuts: Toss almonds, bagel chips, or popcorn with olive oil and this blend before baking for a savory, crunchy snack that is impossible to stop eating.

On proteins and vegetables: Use as a dry rub on chicken, steak, pork, or shrimp before cooking. Also excellent on roasted potatoes and baked sweet potatoes.

On a BLT: Sprinkle on the tomato slices before assembling. It is one of those combinations that sounds simple but completely changes the sandwich.

Storage

Store your everything bagel seasoning in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark, dry place. It will keep for up to four months.

You can also freeze it. Just bring it to room temperature before using. Glass jars work best and let you see when you are running low.

The sesame seeds can go rancid faster than other spices so smell the blend before using if it has been sitting for a while. Fresh sesame smells nutty and pleasant, rancid sesame smells off immediately.

Variations

Make it with all white sesame seeds – if you cannot find black sesame seeds use all white. Toast them all for the best flavor and the blend will taste identical even if the color contrast is different.

Make it lower sodium – reduce the kosher salt by half and add more to taste when using. Everything bagel seasoning can be quite salty so starting with less gives you more control.

Make it with pretzel salt – swap kosher salt for pretzel salt for larger, crunchier salt crystals that add a more dramatic texture and a more intense salt hit in each bite.

Make it spicier – double the black pepper or add a pinch of cayenne for a blend with more heat. Works especially well on avocado toast and deviled eggs.

Make it everything bagel butter – mix two tablespoons of the blend into softened butter and spread on toast, bagels, or corn on the cob. One of the easiest flavor upgrades in the kitchen.

bowl of dip with a bagel chip and a stalk of celery

Recipes Using This Everything Bagel Seasoning

Everything Bagel Dip – a creamy, savory dip built around this blend that is ready in minutes and goes with bagel chips, vegetables, and crackers. The most direct use of this seasoning and one of the easiest party appetizers on the site.

Puff Pastry Pigs in a Blanket – flaky puff pastry wrapped around mini sausages and topped with this seasoning before baking. The seeds toast in the oven and add a nutty, savory crunch to every bite.

Puff Pastry Tomato Tart – a beautiful savory tart with a flaky puff pastry base and this seasoning pressed into the crust before baking. The garlic and onion flakes caramelize beautifully in the oven.

Everything Bagel Almonds – roasted almonds tossed in this blend for a savory, crunchy snack that is impossible to stop eating. One of the best uses of this seasoning outside of actual bagel applications.

What to Make With It

Air Fryer Homemade Bagel Chips – thin bagel slices air fried until crispy and sprinkled with this seasoning. The perfect vehicle for Everything Bagel Dip and an easy way to use up day old bagels.

Whipped Feta Dip – a creamy, tangy whipped feta that gets a generous sprinkle of this seasoning on top as a garnish. The toasted sesame seeds and the salty feta are one of those combinations that just works.

Air Fryer Pizza Bagels – bagel halves topped with sauce and cheese and air fried until crispy. A sprinkle of this seasoning on top before serving takes them from snack to something special.

Classic Deviled Eggs – a light dusting of this blend on top of finished deviled eggs adds crunch, color, and a savory depth that makes them look and taste more elevated than a plain deviled egg.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in everything bagel seasoning?

Everything bagel seasoning is a blend of toasted white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, kosher salt, and black pepper. The toasted white sesame seeds and black pepper are what set this homemade version apart from most store-bought blends.

Is this the same as Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning?

Similar but better. The base ingredients are the same – sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt – but this homemade version uses toasted white sesame seeds for a nuttier flavor and adds black pepper for extra depth. Use it as a direct one-for-one substitute anywhere a recipe calls for Everything But The Bagel Seasoning.

Do I have to toast the sesame seeds?

You do not have to but you absolutely should. Toasting the white sesame seeds releases their oils and adds a nuttier, more complex flavor that raw seeds cannot match. It takes about three minutes in a dry skillet and makes a noticeable difference in the final blend. The black sesame seeds come pre-toasted so those do not need any additional toasting.

Where can I find black sesame seeds?

Indian and Asian markets usually carry them at a much lower price than regular grocery stores. You can also order them online. If you cannot find them use all white sesame seeds – the flavor will be the same, just without the color contrast.

Where can I find sesame seeds cheaply?

Check the bakery section of your grocery store. Many bakeries sell sesame seeds in bulk at a fraction of the cost of a small spice jar. Buying in bulk and storing in the freezer until ready to use is the most cost effective approach.

How long does homemade everything bagel seasoning last?

Up to four months stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. You can also freeze it and bring to room temperature before using. The sesame seeds are the first thing to go rancid – if the blend smells off rather than nutty and pleasant it is time for a fresh batch.

Can I use everything bagel seasoning on meat and vegetables?

Absolutely. It works as a dry rub on chicken, steak, pork, and shrimp and as a topping for roasted potatoes and baked sweet potatoes. The garlic and onion flakes caramelize beautifully on high heat and the sesame seeds add a nutty crunch to the outside of whatever you are cooking.

What is the difference between everything bagel seasoning and everything but the bagel seasoning?

They are the same thing with different names. Everything But The Bagel is the Trader Joe’s branded version of everything bagel seasoning. The ingredients are nearly identical – this homemade version just tastes better because of the toasted sesame seeds and the addition of black pepper.

Looking for more ways to flavor your favorite meals? Check out our full collection of Homemade Spice Mixes and Seasoning Blends.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

The garlic and onion are sometimes called dehydrated garlic or onion flakes. Be sure to get the big garlic flakes or pieces and not the powder.
The sesame seeds do not need to be toasted, but I find the flavor to be much better when they are. You can buy them already toasted or toast them yourself.
Kosher salt is best but you can use flaky sea salt. Just be sure to have salt with texture. Not plain table salt.
Buy sesame seeds in bulk from the bakery section of your grocery store or an Asian market and store them in the freezer until ready to use – it is significantly cheaper than buying spice jar quantities.
Make a double batch while you are at it since this blend gets used fast once you start putting it on everything.

This homemade everything bagel seasoning is better than anything you will find at Trader Joe’s or anywhere else — nuttier, more complex, and made in five minutes with ingredients you already have. Once you make your own you will wonder why you ever bought it pre-made.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave us a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ five-star review in the comment section below. Thanks!