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You can make your own bagel seasoning in just a few minutes with simple spices you likely already have in your pantry.
Making your own bagel seasoning is not only incredibly easy, but it also lets you control the flaky salt level, the garlic punch, and even the toastiness of the seeds to match your personal taste perfectly.
Once you learn how to make your own bagel seasoning, you’ll never want to buy those little overpriced jars from the store again because the homemade version tastes fresher and costs a fraction of the price.
In this post, we’ll walk through the classic blend, plus a few fun twists, so you can whip up a batch of your own bagel seasoning whenever the craving hits.
Let’s get right into it, because this is truly a five-minute project that pays off big time.
Why You Should Make Your Own Bagel Seasoning
When you make your own bagel seasoning, you’re stepping away from the store-bought version that can sometimes taste stale or overly salty.
Homemade bagel seasoning is always fresher because you’re toasting the seeds yourself, which brings out their natural nutty oils and makes the entire blend smell incredible.
When you make your own bagel seasoning, you also have total control over the ingredient ratios.
Do you love garlic more than onion?
Then just add an extra tablespoon of garlic flakes.
Do you want a low-sodium version?
Simply leave out the salt entirely or use a salt substitute.
Store-bought versions are locked in, but your own bagel seasoning can be customized endlessly to fit your preferences.
Another reason to make your own bagel seasoning is cost savings, because a big jar of sesame seeds and poppy seeds costs very little compared to the tiny spice jars sold in the grocery store aisle.
You’ll also avoid any unnecessary additives or anti-caking agents that commercial blends sometimes include, keeping your spice mix clean and wholesome.
Plus, it makes a fantastic homemade gift for the bread lover in your life, so you can share the joy of your own bagel seasoning with friends and family.
The Classic Recipe to Make Your Own Bagel Seasoning
So, how exactly do you make your own bagel seasoning that tastes just like the famous brand?
The secret lies in toasting the seeds briefly before mixing everything together, as raw seeds can taste a bit flat, but toasted seeds release their essential oils and become fragrant and crunchy.
Here is the basic formula that serves as the perfect starting point for your own bagel seasoning.
1. Gather Your Ingredients & Toasting Pan
To make your own bagel seasoning, you’ll need three tablespoons of white sesame seeds, two tablespoons of black sesame seeds, two tablespoons of dried minced garlic, two tablespoons of dried minced onion, one tablespoon of poppy seeds, and one to two teaspoons of flaky sea salt.
If you can’t find black sesame seeds, you can skip them and just use five tablespoons of white sesame seeds, but the black ones add a beautiful visual contrast and a slightly earthier flavor to your own bagel seasoning.
Get a small, dry skillet out of your cabinet because you don’t need any oil for this step.
2. Toast the Seeds Gently
Place your white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, and poppy seeds into the dry skillet.
Turn the heat to medium-low and stir the seeds constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula.
You’re just looking for them to become lightly golden and fragrant, which should take about three to four minutes.
Be careful not to walk away because seeds can burn suddenly, and burnt seeds will ruin your own bagel seasoning with a bitter taste.
Once they smell nutty and look lightly toasted, immediately transfer them to a plate to cool completely before mixing, as the residual heat can cause them to continue toasting and possibly burn.
3. Mix in the Aromatics and Salt
Once your seeds have cooled, pour them into a small bowl with a tight-fitting lid.
Add your dried minced garlic and dried minced onion to the bowl.
Sprinkle in the flaky sea salt, starting with one teaspoon and tasting before adding more.
Stir everything together until it’s evenly distributed, and then you’ve officially made your own bagel seasoning.
Transfer the finished mix to an airtight jar or container, and store it in a cool, dark place like your spice cabinet.
It will stay fresh for up to three months, though you’ll likely use it much faster because it’s so addictive.
Creative Twists for Your Own Bagel Seasoning
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, you can play around and invent your own bagel seasoning variations.
The base recipe is just a template, and you can adapt it based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.
1. Spicy Everything Blend
If you love a little heat, you can easily create your own bagel seasoning for a spicy kick.
Add one teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a half teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the classic mixture.
You could also toss in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with avocado toast or cream cheese.
Just be mindful that pepper flakes can be more potent over time, so and adjust the amount to your heat tolerance.
2. Herbaceous Garden Version
For a fresher flavor, you can make your own bagel seasoning with dried herbs mixed in the blend.
Add one tablespoon of dried dill, one tablespoon of dried chives, and a teaspoon of dried parsley to your base mix.
This herby version is wonderful sprinkled over salads, roasted vegetables, or mixed into softened butter for a compound butter.
The herbs do absorb moisture over time, so plan to use this particular blend within a month for best results.
3. Salt-Free and Low-Sodium Option
If you’re watching your sodium, you can easily make your own bagel seasoning without any salt at all.
Just omit the salt from the recipe and rely on the garlic, onion, and toasted seeds for flavor.
You won’t miss the salt too much because the toasted seeds provide a lovely savory quality.
This salt-free version is also perfect if you want to season foods generously without worrying about over-salting, like on grilled chicken or eggs.
Ways to Use Your Homemade Bagel Seasoning
Of course, making your own bagel seasoning is only half the fun, and now you need to know all the ways to use it.
Obviously, it’s amazing sprinkled on a toasted bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers.
But your own bagel seasoning works beautifully in so many other places too.
You can sprinkle it over scrambled eggs or into an omelet for a savory breakfast upgrade.
Mix a tablespoon into your salad dressing to give it that perfect umami flavor.
You can also coat chicken or fish with your own bagel seasoning before roasting or pan-searing for an easy protein crust.
And don’t forget to use it as a finishing salt on roasted potatoes, mac and cheese, or even avocado toast for an instant flavor boost.
So, How Do You Make Your Own Bagel Seasoning?
So, how do you make your own bagel seasoning?
It’s simple, and you’ll be happy to know that you just toast the seeds, mix in the dried garlic and onion, season with salt, and let your taste buds guide you from there.
You only need a small skillet and a few pantry staples to make your own bagel seasoning that rivals anything you can buy.
Remember that the beauty is in the customization, so feel free to experiment.
Whether you keep it classic, add some heat, or go for a herby blend, making your own bagel seasoning will become a kitchen habit you’ll love.
Now you’re ready to shake up a batch and show your breakfast what’s up.
Happy seasoning!