Everything Bagel Bits – The Ultimate Flavor Boost for Every Dish
Everything Bagel Bits are a versatile, flavor-packed topping that brings the iconic taste of an everything bagel to anything you sprinkle them on. From avocado toast and salads to roasted vegetables, popcorn, or scrambled eggs, these crunchy, savory bits elevate everyday meals with minimal effort. With a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and sea salt, plus optional flavor boosters, you can customize this seasoning to suit your taste. Making them at home ensures freshness, maximum flavor, and the ability to adjust ingredients for dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Everything Bagel Bits
• 3 tbsp white sesame seeds
• 3 tbsp black sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds
• 2 tbsp dried minced garlic
• 2 tbsp dried minced onion
• 1–1½ tsp flaky sea salt (or to taste)
Optional Flavor Boosts:
• ½ tsp onion powder or garlic powder (for extra depth)
• ¼–½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
• ½ tsp dried dill or caraway seeds (for bagel authenticity)
Why Everything Bagel Bits Are a Pantry Essential
Everything Bagel Bits capture the irresistible flavor of everything bagels without the need for bread. They’re incredibly versatile, allowing you to add a savory crunch to snacks, breakfast items, and even dinner dishes. Homemade versions are fresher, more aromatic, and can be adjusted to your preferred balance of salty, garlicky, and nutty flavors. Plus, they’re great for gifting in small jars or using as a creative topping for brunch spreads.
How to Make Everything Bagel Bits
Making Everything Bagel Bits is simple and requires no baking. Start by combining white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, and dried minced onion in a small mixing bowl. Add flaky sea salt and stir to distribute evenly. For extra flavor, include optional ingredients like onion powder, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or dill/caraway seeds. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Store the mixture in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 months to maintain freshness.
Ways to Use Everything Bagel Bits
These bits are incredibly versatile. Sprinkle them over avocado toast for an instant flavor upgrade or mix into cream cheese for a bagel-style spread. They add crunch and flavor to salads, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, scrambled eggs, and soups. For a snack, toss popcorn with olive oil and Everything Bagel Bits, or use them as a coating for baked chicken or fish. Their nutty, garlicky, and salty profile makes them a go-to seasoning in any kitchen.
Tips for the Best Everything Bagel Bits
- Use fresh, high-quality seeds for maximum flavor and aroma.
- Adjust the salt according to your preference or dietary needs.
- Toast seeds lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance nuttiness.
- Store in a dry, airtight container to prevent clumping and preserve freshness.
- Experiment with optional ingredients like red pepper flakes or dill for unique variations.
Variations to Try
• Spicy Everything Bagel Bits: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.
• Herb-Infused Bits: Mix in dried thyme, oregano, or rosemary for an herbal twist.
• Cheesy Everything Bits: Sprinkle in some finely grated Parmesan for a cheesy, savory flavor.
• Garlic Lover’s Bits: Increase the amount of garlic powder or minced garlic for an extra punch.
Why Homemade Beats Store-Bought
Making Everything Bagel Bits at home guarantees freshness, customization, and the ability to avoid additives or preservatives commonly found in store-bought blends. You control the ratio of seeds, salt, and spices, creating the perfect blend for your taste. Homemade bits also retain more aroma and crunch, making every sprinkle more flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Sprinkle Everything Bagel Bits over avocado toast, bagels, or cream cheese spreads. Use them on roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, pasta, soups, or scrambled eggs. They’re perfect on popcorn, as a topping for hummus, or even mixed into breadcrumbs for coating chicken or fish. The options are endless, making these bits a versatile staple for quick flavor enhancement.
Conclusion
Everything Bagel Bits are an easy, flavorful, and versatile addition to any kitchen. With a few simple ingredients — sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and sea salt — you can recreate the classic everything bagel flavor and use it on a variety of dishes. Homemade bits are fresher, customizable, and incredibly convenient, making them a must-have for anyone who loves bold, savory flavors. Keep a jar in your pantry, and you’ll find yourself sprinkling these addictive bits on everything from breakfast to dinner.
