Homemade Salt-Free Everything Bagel Seasoning: Your Ultimate DIY Guide
Discover the joy of creating your very own **everything but the bagel seasoning** from scratch! This easy DIY blend captures all the beloved savory crunch and aromatic notes you adore, with one key difference: it skips the salt. This means you have complete control over the sodium content of your dishes, allowing you to season separately to your exact taste or dietary needs. Crafted with a perfect harmony of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, and dried minced onion, this versatile seasoning is an indispensable pantry staple. Its irresistible texture and flavor make it ideal for sprinkling over a wide array of foods, from classic avocado toast and scrambled eggs to vibrant salads, creamy hummus, and perfectly roasted vegetables. Get ready to elevate your culinary creations and explore exciting variations that will transform your meals!
In a world brimming with store-bought convenience, there’s something truly satisfying about crafting your own seasoning blends. It’s not just about saving a trip to the grocery store; it’s about reclaiming control over the ingredients that go into your food. Making your own Everything Bagel Seasoning at home offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to tailor the blend precisely to your preferences. Whether you’re looking to reduce your sodium intake, experiment with a hint of spice, or introduce unique textures with additions like chia seeds or a bright citrus zest, homemade blends empower you to customize like no other. Forget the mass-produced options from popular stores like Trader Joe’s; your kitchen holds the secret to a fresher, more flavorful, and perfectly balanced everything bagel seasoning that perfectly suits your palate and lifestyle.
Why Make Your Own Everything Bagel Seasoning?
The allure of everything bagel seasoning is undeniable, but the store-bought versions often come with a hidden ingredient: excessive salt. By opting for a homemade blend, you gain several significant advantages. Firstly, you have absolute authority over the salt content, making it perfect for those managing their sodium intake or simply preferring to season their dishes to taste at the point of cooking or serving. Secondly, homemade means fresher ingredients. Dried garlic and onion, when fresh, burst with more potent flavors than those that have sat on a shelf for months. Lastly, the cost-effectiveness cannot be overlooked. Buying individual ingredients like sesame seeds and poppy seeds in bulk is often far more economical than purchasing pre-made seasoning blends, especially if you use it as frequently as we do!
Essential Everything Bagel Seasoning Ingredients
Crafting the perfect Everything Bagel Seasoning requires a thoughtful selection of staple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that signature flavor and texture. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the vibrant character each component brings to the mix. These core ingredients create a harmonious blend that is both robust and incredibly versatile.
- Sesame Seeds: A foundational element, a mix of both white and black sesame seeds is highly recommended. The white seeds offer a classic nutty flavor, while the black seeds provide a deeper, slightly earthier taste and striking visual contrast, making your blend more appealing. For the best outcome, use raw seeds unless you specifically desire a deeper, toasted flavor profile, which can be achieved by lightly toasting them before mixing.
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny, delicate seeds are integral to the signature texture of everything bagel seasoning. They contribute a subtle, mild nuttiness and a delightful crunch that is instantly recognizable and satisfying.
- Dried Minced Garlic: This is where the bold, savory flavor truly comes alive, along with a satisfying, chewy crunch. It’s crucial to use dried minced garlic (also sometimes labeled as garlic flakes) rather than garlic powder. Garlic powder would simply disappear into the blend, lacking the visual presence and distinct texture that minced garlic provides.
- Dried Minced Onion: Complementing the garlic, dried minced onion (often called onion flakes) adds a layer of aromatic sweetness and a pleasant chewiness. Like the garlic, using minced flakes is key to achieving the characteristic texture and flavor depth. Do not substitute with onion powder, as it will alter the blend’s consistency and overall character.
- Chia Seeds (Optional): While not a traditional ingredient, chia seeds are a fantastic addition for those seeking extra crunch and visual interest without affecting the primary flavor profile. They blend seamlessly with the other seeds and offer a nutritional boost, making your homemade seasoning even better. Feel free to use either black or white chia seeds.
- Salt (Optional): The beauty of this recipe is its salt-free foundation. If you choose to add salt to your blend, opt for a flaky sea salt, kosher salt, or coarse sea salt. These types of salts provide the desired textural element and ensure it mixes well without clumping. The advantage of leaving the salt out of the main blend is the flexibility to season each dish individually, perfectly matching the recipe’s requirements or your personal dietary needs.
For precise measurements and guidance on adding salt, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below. Adjusting the salt content ensures your homemade blend is truly customized.
Creative Everything Bagel Seasoning Variations
One of the most exciting aspects of making your own seasoning blends is the endless potential for customization. While the classic “everything but the bagel” combination is fantastic on its own, don’t hesitate to experiment with these variations to truly elevate your blend and make it uniquely yours. These additions can introduce new depths of flavor, aromatic complexities, and intriguing textures, transforming your seasoning into an even more versatile culinary tool.
- Sesame Seed Flexibility: If you don’t have both white and black sesame seeds on hand, don’t worry! You can absolutely use all white sesame seeds or all black sesame seeds. The flavor will be slightly different (black sesame has a more pronounced nutty flavor), but the fundamental taste profile will remain intact.
- Embrace the Heat: For those who love a little kick, incorporating a spicy element can be a game-changer.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A classic choice for an immediate, noticeable warmth.
- Aleppo Pepper: Offers a milder, fruitier heat with a hint of cumin-like undertones, perfect for a more nuanced spice.
- Urfa Chili Pepper: A wonderful option for an earthy, smoky depth with a moderate heat level, adding a sophisticated twist.
- Toasty Version: To unlock a deeper, richer, and more intensely nutty flavor, lightly toast your sesame seeds before combining them with the other ingredients. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them! Let them cool completely before mixing.
- Citrusy Twist: Introduce a bright, zesty note with a pinch of dried lemon zest or sumac. Dried lemon zest provides a vibrant, sunny aroma, while sumac offers a tangy, slightly sour, and fruity flavor that is incredibly refreshing and unique.
- Fennel Seed Fun: If you appreciate the subtle licorice-like aroma and flavor of fennel, add a small amount of fennel seeds to your blend. They contribute a wonderful warmth and complexity, especially appealing in savory applications.
- Nigella Seeds: Also known as black cumin or kalonji, nigella seeds boast a unique flavor profile often described as a mix of onion, oregano, and black pepper. Their slightly bitter, nutty, and subtly smoky taste integrates beautifully with the other ingredients, adding an authentic, exotic touch that complements the traditional components perfectly.
Chef’s Tip for Salt Control: Crafting your everything bagel seasoning without salt offers incredible culinary flexibility. It empowers you to precisely control the final seasoning of any dish, allowing you to tailor the salt level to individual dietary needs or to perfectly complement the flavors of the specific recipe you’re preparing. For convenience, you can add a little coarse salt directly to your seasoning blend, but remember, salting separately gives you the most precise command over your cooking.
How to Make Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning
Making your own Everything Bagel Seasoning is incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort and time. In just a few minutes, you can have a fresh batch ready to elevate your meals. The process is straightforward, ensuring you can enjoy this versatile blend whenever inspiration strikes.
- Combine All Ingredients: Gather all your desired ingredients—sesame seeds (white and black), poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and any optional additions like chia seeds or spices. Place them together in a small bowl or, for easier mixing, directly into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Mix Thoroughly: If using a bowl, stir all the ingredients together vigorously with a spoon until they are evenly distributed. If using a jar, simply secure the lid tightly and shake well for about 30 seconds. The goal is to ensure that every component is well-integrated, so you get a balanced flavor in every sprinkle.
- Store Properly: Transfer your freshly made seasoning blend into an airtight jar or a dedicated spice container. For optimal freshness and flavor, store it in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat. When stored correctly, your homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning will maintain its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch for up to 6 months, though it’s often so delicious, it won’t last that long!
This effortless preparation makes homemade seasoning a superior choice, providing a fresh, customizable, and high-quality alternative to store-bought options.
Endless Serving Suggestions for Everything Bagel Seasoning
The beauty of Everything Bagel Seasoning lies in its incredible versatility. Once you have a batch of this homemade goodness, you’ll find countless ways to incorporate its savory, crunchy charm into your daily meals. Here are some of my absolute favorite ideas to inspire you:
- Breakfast & Brunch Staples:
- Avocado Toast: Elevate your morning avocado toast with a generous sprinkle for an instant flavor and texture boost.
- Cottage Cheese: Stir into cottage cheese for a savory, protein-packed snack or light meal.
- Scrambled Eggs or Omelets: Add a dash to your scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or omelets just before serving for an extra layer of savory depth and delightful crunch.
- Dips & Spreads:
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream Dip: Mix a tablespoon or two into plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for an incredibly easy and flavorful dip, perfect with fresh vegetables or crackers.
- Cream Cheese: Blend into plain cream cheese for a homemade everything bagel cream cheese spread that’s far superior to store-bought.
- Savory Proteins:
- Crusted Salmon or Chicken: Use it as a savory coating for fish like sesame crusted salmon or chicken breasts before baking or pan-searing. It creates a delicious, textural crust.
- Tofu or Tempeh: Sprinkle over baked or pan-fried tofu/tempeh for a plant-based protein boost with incredible flavor.
- Vegetable Enhancer:
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss with your favorite roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts, before roasting. The seasoning crisps up beautifully, adding amazing flavor and texture.
- Sautéed Greens: Mix into sautéed spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for an unexpected but delightful crunch and savory kick.
- Salads & Bowls:
- Salads & Grain Bowls: Sprinkle generously over fresh green salads, pasta salads, or hearty grain bowls to add complex flavor and satisfying texture.
- Hummus: Finish your homemade or store-bought hummus with a dusting of seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil for an instant upgrade.
- Baked Goods & Snacks:
- Homemade Crackers or Flatbreads: Use it as a topping for homemade crackers, breadsticks, or flatbreads before baking.
- Baked Rolls or Buns: Sprinkle on top of homemade dinner rolls or burger buns for an extra special touch.
- Rice Cakes or Bagel Alternatives: A pinch added to cream cheese and smoked salmon on a rice cake makes for a quick and gourmet snack.
Once you start using this homemade seasoning, you’ll find it hard to stop. It truly does make “everything” better!
Everything Bagel Seasoning FAQs
Got questions about making your own Everything Bagel Seasoning? We’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries to help you master this delicious homemade blend.
Absolutely, and this recipe is specifically designed to be salt-free! This approach offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to control the exact amount of salt in your final dish. You can add salt to taste when you’re using the seasoning, or if you prefer a pre-salted blend, simply stir in coarse salt to the entire batch before storage. This gives you the best of both worlds – health-conscious control or convenient ready-to-use seasoning.
While you technically *can* substitute powders, it’s strongly recommended to stick to dried minced garlic and dried minced onion (flakes). The primary reason is texture and visual appeal. Powdered versions are much finer and will blend into the seasoning, losing the satisfying crunch and distinct visual presence that minced flakes provide. The minced varieties offer a delightful chew and a more robust, “chunky” flavor that is characteristic of authentic everything bagel seasoning.
If you decide to add salt directly to your seasoning blend, opt for coarse kosher salt or flaky sea salt. These salts have larger crystals that blend well with the other coarse ingredients, providing an even distribution and contributing to the desired texture. Fine-grained salt, on the other hand, tends to settle at the bottom of the container and can clump together, making it harder to get an even seasoning with each sprinkle.
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (like a pantry), your homemade everything bagel seasoning will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months. While it won’t spoil after that, the potency of the dried garlic and onion may begin to diminish over time, so for the best flavor, aim to use it within this period.
Yes, absolutely! All the ingredients in this homemade everything bagel seasoning recipe – sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and chia seeds – are naturally gluten-free and vegan. This makes it a fantastic and inclusive seasoning option for a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions.
Most of the ingredients can be found in the spice aisle of your local grocery store. For better value, especially for seeds and dried minced aromatics, consider checking bulk food sections or online retailers. Buying in larger quantities can often be more cost-effective if you plan to make this seasoning regularly or use the individual ingredients in other recipes.
More Homemade Seasoning & Rub Recipes
Mastering the art of homemade seasoning blends opens up a world of flavor possibilities beyond everything bagel. From enhancing everyday meals to preparing special occasion dishes, having your own custom blends on hand guarantees fresher taste and full control over ingredients. Explore these other fantastic recipes for homemade seasonings and rubs:
- Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix and Ways to Use It
- Blackened Mahi Mahi (Air Fryer Recipe)
- Homemade BBQ Spice Rub
- How to Dry Brine Turkey Tutorial
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you try this easy homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning recipe, we’d absolutely love to hear from you! Your feedback is invaluable, and it brings us so much joy to hear about your culinary adventures. Please take a moment to add your comments below. If you loved the recipe and found it a delicious addition to your kitchen, please consider giving it a 5-star rating! Your ratings genuinely help other readers discover and enjoy this versatile seasoning blend. Thank you for being a part of our cooking community!
📖 Recipe
Everything Bagel Seasoning (Salt-Free)
Sally Cameron
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons raw white sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons raw black sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons dried minced garlic (or garlic flakes)
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion (or onion flakes)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (black or white, optional, for extra crunch and nutrition)
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt (optional, add more or less to taste, or omit entirely for a salt-free blend)
Instructions
-
Combine all specified ingredients (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and any optional additions like chia seeds and salt if using) in a clean glass jar.
Ensure the jar has a tight-fitting lid. Secure the lid and shake the jar vigorously for about 30 seconds to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until evenly distributed. Alternatively, you can combine them in a small bowl and stir well with a spoon.
-
Store your freshly made everything bagel seasoning in the airtight jar in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard. When stored correctly, it will maintain its optimal flavor and freshness for up to 6 months, ready to sprinkle on all your favorite dishes.
Notes
Delicious Ways to Use Your Homemade Seasoning:
- Morning Delights: Sprinkle generously over creamy cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or a simple slice of avocado toast for an instant upgrade in flavor and texture.
- Savory Spreads: Stir into plain cream cheese for an instant everything bagel cream cheese spread, or mix into Greek yogurt or sour cream for a quick and flavorful dip with crudités.
- Vegetable Enhancement: Toss with your favorite roasted vegetables (like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts) before baking, or mix into sautéed greens for an unexpected crunch and savory depth.
- Salads & Bowls: Add a crunchy, savory element to fresh salads, hearty grain bowls, or even a dollop of hummus for an elevated finishing touch.
- Creative Toppings: Use to top homemade crackers, flatbreads, or even a toasted bagel alternative (like a rice cake) with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a gourmet snack.
- Protein Booster: Season fish (like salmon), chicken, or tofu before baking or pan-searing for a flavorful and textural crust.
Exciting Variations to Experiment With:
- Sesame Seeds: Feel free to use all white or all black sesame seeds based on what you have available or your preference for a milder or nuttier flavor.
- Add Some Spice: Introduce a kick by mixing in crushed red pepper flakes for general heat, Aleppo pepper for a milder, fruity warmth, or Urfa chili pepper for a unique earthy and smoky undertone.
- Toasty Version: Lightly toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until fragrant and slightly golden, then let them cool completely before mixing with other ingredients for a deeper, more pronounced nutty flavor.
- Citrusy Twist: Brighten your blend with a pinch of dried lemon zest for a vibrant, fresh aroma, or sumac for a tangy, slightly sour, and fruity note.
- Unique Seed Additions: Consider adding fennel seeds for a subtle licorice-like warmth or nigella seeds (black cumin) for their distinctive oniony, peppery, and slightly bitter taste, which complements the existing flavors beautifully.