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There are so many tasty things to do with bagel seasoning beyond just sprinkling it on a morning bagel.
If you’ve got a jar of that savory, crunchy blend of garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and salt sitting in your pantry, it’s time to unlock its full potential.
Bagel seasoning can transform everything from eggs to popcorn, and even elevate your dinner game in ways you never imagined.
In this post, we’ll explore the many ways to use bagel seasoning, from classic breakfast ideas to surprising dinner and snack hacks.
Let’s dive into the delicious world of what to do with bagel seasoning and make that jar work overtime.
Why Bagel Seasoning Is a Pantry Powerhouse
Bagel seasoning is more than just a topping for bread because it’s a flavor bomb that combines umami, crunch, and saltiness.
The typical blend of white and black sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and flaky salt creates a versatile seasoning that pairs well with nearly any savory dish.
Since it’s already perfectly balanced, you don’t need to mix it with anything else to get amazing results.
That’s why learning what to do with bagel seasoning is so rewarding: it’s an instant upgrade for so many meals.
Here are some of the best ways to get creative with bagel seasoning and enjoy its bold flavor.
1. Elevate Your Breakfast Eggs
One of the easiest ways to use bagel seasoning is to sprinkle it over scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or an omelet.
The toasted sesame seeds add a lovely nutty crunch, while the garlic and onion give your eggs a savory depth that plain salt just can’t match.
You can also mix a teaspoon of bagel seasoning directly into your egg mixture before cooking for an even flavor distribution.
If you’re making an egg salad sandwich, use bagel seasoning in place of regular salt and pepper, and you’ll wonder why you never tried it before.
When you do this with bagel seasoning, you’ll turn a simple breakfast into something crave-worthy.
2. Upgrade Your Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is already a favorite, but bagel seasoning takes it to a whole new level.
Mash your avocado with a little lime juice, spread it on toasted sourdough, and finish with a generous sprinkle of bagel seasoning.
The crunchy seeds pair perfectly with the creamy avocado and the toasted bread, making every bite a textural delight.
Plus, since bagel seasoning is so flavorful, you can skip the extra salt and pepper entirely.
Using bagel seasoning this way is one quick way to make a healthy breakfast feel like a restaurant-quality meal.
3. Create a Delicious Popcorn Topping
If you’re looking for a fun snack idea, bagel seasoning is the perfect popcorn topping.
After popping your popcorn, toss it with a little melted butter or olive oil, then sprinkle on bagel seasoning to taste.
The seasoning sticks to the popcorn because of the oil, and the garlic, onion, and sesame create a savory snack that’s way more interesting than plain buttered popcorn.
You can even use it on roasted nuts for a similar effect.
This is definitely one of the most addictive ways to use bagel seasoning, so be prepared to make extra.
Bagel Seasoning for Lunch and Dinner Dishes
Bagel seasoning isn’t just for breakfast, because it shines in lunch and dinner recipes too.
You can use it as a dry rub for proteins, a crust for fish, or a finishing touch on roasted vegetables.
The key is to remember that bagel seasoning has salt in it, so adjust your other salt accordingly.
Here are some dinner ideas so you can see how versatile bagel seasoning can be.
1. Crust for Chicken or Fish
Use bagel seasoning as a crust for baked or pan-seared chicken breasts and fish fillets.
Just pat your protein dry, press it into a plate of bagel seasoning, and cook as you normally would.
The sesame seeds will toast and become incredibly fragrant, creating a crunchy crust that locks in moisture.
If you’re cooking salmon, this is one the best ways to use bagel seasoning because the flavors complement the rich fish beautifully.
You can also use this same method for tofu for a tasty vegetarian option.
2. Roasted Vegetables with a Twist
Bagel seasoning can turn boring roasted veggies into a side dish everyone will fight over.
Toss vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or green beans with olive oil and a generous amount of bagel seasoning.
Roast them at high heat until they’re caramelized and slightly crispy.
The seasoning will cling to the vegetables and deliver a hit of garlic, onion, and sesame with every bite.
Using bagel seasoning this way is also a fantastic low-effort side dish for weeknight dinners.
3. Mix into Pasta and Grain Salads
When you know what to do with bagel seasoning, you’ll start adding it to pasta salads, quinoa, and rice pilaf.
Stir a tablespoon of bagel seasoning into your cooked grains along with a little butter or olive oil.
It will infuse the grains with a savory flavor that’s perfect alongside grilled meats or roasted veggies.
You can also sprinkle it over a cold pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a delicious twist.
Bagel seasoning adds complexity to these dishes without requiring any extra chopping or prep.
Creative Ways to Use Bagel Seasoning in Sauces and Dips
Another fantastic answer to what to do with bagel seasoning is to incorporate it into sauces and dips.
Because the seasoning is so dry and crunchy, it’s perfect for mixing into creamy bases.
You can make a quick bagel seasoning dip by stirring it into sour cream or Greek yogurt.
And wait until you see how good it is in a simple vinaigrette.
Here are a couple of ideas for making bagel seasoning the star of your next dip.
1. Bagel Seasoning Cream Cheese Dip
Mix softened cream cheese with a few tablespoons of bagel seasoning and a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.
This creates a spread that tastes just like the inside of an everything bagel, making it perfect for crackers, celery, or pretzels.
You can also use this cream cheese mixture as a sandwich spread for turkey or roast beef sandwiches.
Using bagel seasoning this way is an easy appetizer for parties or a quick snack at home.
2. Sprinkle on Salads and Soups
Forget plain croutons, because bagel seasoning is a wonderful final touch on green salads and soups.
Sprinkle it generously over a leafy salad that has cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta, and the seasoning will add crunch and flavor.
You can also add it to creamy soups like tomato, butternut squash, or broccoli cheddar right before serving.
The sesame seeds and garlic will give your soup a rustic, savory finish.
So, when you wonder what to do with bagel seasoning, simply remember to use it as a finishing salt alternative.
So, What to Do With Bagel Seasoning?
When it comes to what to do with bagel seasoning, the possibilities are truly endless because it’s so versatile.
You can use bagel seasoning on eggs, avocado toast, popcorn, chicken, fish, vegetables, pasta, and even in dips and soups.
The trick is to treat it like a finishing salt or a multi-purpose savory seasoning, not just a breakfast condiment.
Since it’s packed with garlic, onion, and sesame seeds, just a small amount can make a huge difference to many dishes.
So, what to do with bagel seasoning is simple: use it anywhere you want a burst of savory, nutty, and crunchy flavor.
We hope this post has given you plenty of ideas on how to use bagel seasoning, so you can finally use up that jar and fall in love with this pantry staple all over again.