Everything but the bagel seasoning has become a pantry staple for adding a savory, crunchy punch to a variety of dishes beyond just bagels. This versatile blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic, and salt works beautifully as a seasoning for snacks, spreads, and even main courses. Here are several recipes and ideas that showcase how to use everything but the bagel seasoning to elevate your everyday meals.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons everything but the bagel seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 4 slices of bread or bagels, toasted
- 1 avocado, ripe
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (optional, adjust based on seasoning saltiness)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (for hummus variation)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (chives, dill, or parsley)
Instructions
- Everything But The Bagel Scrambled Eggs: Crack eggs into a bowl, whisk with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour in eggs and stir gently until just set but still moist. Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tablespoon everything but the bagel seasoning over the eggs, and gently fold to combine. Serve immediately on toasted bread or bagels.
- Everything But The Bagel Cream Cheese Spread: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon everything but the bagel seasoning and fresh herbs. Spread over toasted bagels or crackers for a quick, flavorful snack.
- Avocado Toast with Everything But The Bagel: Mash the ripe avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on toasted bread. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon everything but the bagel seasoning generously on top. Optionally drizzle with a little olive oil or add a poached egg for extra protein.
- Everything But The Bagel Hummus: In a food processor, combine cooked chickpeas, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and 1 tablespoon everything but the bagel seasoning. Blend until smooth, adding a splash of water or olive oil for desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with fresh veggies or pita chips.
- Homemade Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: Combine 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon dried minced onion, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt. Store in an airtight jar for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Substitutions: If you don’t have everything but the bagel seasoning on hand, you can make a simple substitute by mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and coarse salt in equal parts.
- Storage: Keep homemade seasoning blends in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness for up to 3 months. Prepared spreads and dips should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid over-salting when using everything but the bagel seasoning since it contains salt. Always taste before adding extra salt to your dishes.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For best flavor, use fresh eggs and ripe avocados. Stale or old spices will reduce the impact of the seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Everything but the bagel seasoning enhances simple dishes, making them feel gourmet. Serve scrambled eggs topped with the seasoning alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced breakfast. The cream cheese spread pairs wonderfully with smoked salmon and cucumber slices for an elegant brunch. Avocado toast sprinkled with the seasoning is perfect for a quick lunch or snack. The hummus variation works as a crowd-pleasing appetizer with pita chips, carrot sticks, or celery. You can also sprinkle the seasoning on roasted vegetables, popcorn, or even grilled chicken for an unexpected savory twist.
Variations
The beauty of everything but the bagel seasoning is its versatility. You can adjust the ratio of seeds and spices to suit your taste, adding more garlic or onion powder if you prefer a bolder flavor. Try mixing it into homemade salad dressings or vinaigrettes for a crunchy texture and savory punch. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend. Use it as a crust for baked fish or chicken by pressing the seasoning onto the protein before cooking. Another variation is to blend it into softened butter or mayo to create a flavorful spread for sandwiches or burgers.
Storage and Reheating
Prepared dishes using everything but the bagel seasoning, such as scrambled eggs or avocado toast, are best enjoyed fresh. Scrambled eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Cream cheese spreads and hummus should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and food safety. Avoid freezing avocado-based dishes, as the texture will degrade significantly upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is everything but the bagel seasoning made of?
It typically contains sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, and coarse salt. Some blends may add other spices, but these are the foundational ingredients that give it its distinctive flavor and texture.
Can I make everything but the bagel seasoning at home?
Yes, it’s simple to make at home with common pantry spices. Toast sesame seeds lightly for extra aroma, then combine with poppy seeds, dried onions, garlic powder, and salt. Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
How should I store everything but the bagel seasoning?
Keep it in a sealed jar or container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Proper storage will maintain its flavor and crunch for up to 3 months.
Is everything but the bagel seasoning gluten-free?
Most commercial blends are gluten-free, but it’s important to check the packaging to ensure no cross-contamination if you have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Homemade blends are naturally gluten-free if all ingredients are pure spices and seeds.
Can everything but the bagel seasoning be used for cooking or just as a topping?
It works well both as a finishing seasoning and as an ingredient in cooking. You can mix it into spreads, dips, or batters, and use it to crust proteins before baking or frying. However, prolonged high heat can diminish the crunch and flavor, so it’s best added toward the end of cooking or as a topping.
What are some creative ways to use everything but the bagel seasoning?
Beyond traditional bagels, try sprinkling it on avocado toast, roasted vegetables, popcorn, or even salads. It’s delicious mixed into cream cheese or hummus, used as a coating for chicken or fish, or incorporated into homemade crackers or savory muffins for an extra flavor boost.
Everything but the bagel seasoning is a simple but transformative ingredient that can quickly elevate the flavor profile of many dishes. With these recipes and tips, you can explore new ways to enjoy this savory blend every day.
Related
- Examples of Songs With Word Painting: 6 Clear Examples
- Examples of Songs With a Tresillo Rhythm: 11 Key Recordings
- Examples of Songs With Flanging: 7 Classic Recordings