If you have ever walked into a New York bagel shop or scrolled through Trader Joe’s seasoning aisle, chances are you have seen or tasted the legendary Everything bagel. With its golden crust, chewy interior, and savory seed-and-spice topping, the Everything bagel has become more than just breakfast food. It’s a cultural icon, a seasoning blend, and even a pop-culture reference.
In this guide, we’ll cover what an Everything bagel is, who invented it, the ingredients that make it unique, how to make Everything bagels at home, and why the Everything bagel seasoning is now a kitchen staple.
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What is an Everything Bagel?
An Everything bagel is a classic New York–style bagel topped with a savory blend of seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. Unlike plain or sesame bagels, the Everything bagel combines multiple toppings “all at once,” giving it the name.
Typical ingredients include:
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Dried garlic flakes
- Dried onion flakes
- Coarse salt (kosher or sea salt)
This mix is often called Everything bagel seasoning blend. Some bakers also add caraway seeds, black sesame, or even chili flakes for extra flavor.
Quick facts:
- Average Everything bagel calories: ~250–330 kcal
- Flavor profile: savory, nutty, garlicky, slightly salty
- Popular worldwide, with gluten-free and low-carb options available
Everything Bagel Origin & History
The history of the Everything bagel is a story filled with flavor and controversy. Multiple bakers and entrepreneurs claim to have invented it, mostly in New York during the late 1970s and 1980s.
- David Gussin: A teenager working in a Queens bagel shop, he says he coined the term “Everything bagel” around 1980, by mixing leftover toppings from trays.
- Joe Bastianich: The restaurateur claims he was experimenting with bagel toppings before Gussin.
- Seth Godin: The well-known author and marketer has also mentioned baking Everything bagels in the 1980s.
- Brandon Steiner: Another New Yorker, who says he made them in the late 1970s.
Regardless of who truly invented it, the Everything bagel origin story shows how a simple “waste-not” idea transformed into one of the most beloved bagel flavors worldwide. By the 1990s, bagel shops in New York City had cemented the Everything bagel as a menu essential. Today, the flavor lives on not only in bakeries but also in supermarket aisles, thanks to products like Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning.
Everything Bagel Ingredients & Seasoning Mix
The magic of the Everything bagel seasoning lies in its balance of textures and flavors. Here’s what’s typically sprinkled on top:
- Sesame seeds: nutty crunch
- Poppy seeds: earthy flavor, traditional in Eastern European breads
- Dried garlic: savory aroma
- Dried onion: sweet-savory depth
- Salt: enhances flavor and adds crunch
Variations include:
- Black sesame seeds for visual contrast
- Caraway seeds for an herby bite
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Flavored salts (smoked salt, Himalayan pink salt)
Pro tip: To make the seasoning stick, bakers brush the bagel dough with egg wash or water mixed with malt syrup before baking. This ensures the bagel crust holds onto the seeds during boiling and baking.
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How to Make Homemade Everything Bagels
Want to try baking at home? Making homemade Everything bagels may take a little patience, but the results are worth it.
1. Prepare the dough
Mix high-gluten flour, water, yeast, and salt into a smooth, elastic dough. Let it rise until doubled.
2. Shape the bagels
Divide into equal portions, shape into rings, and proof until slightly puffy.
3. Boil before baking
Boil bagels in water with a splash of malt syrup or honey — this step is key for that chewy New York–style texture.
4. Add seasoning
Brush with egg wash, then dip or sprinkle with the Everything bagel spice mix.
5. Bake to perfection
Bake until golden brown, crisp on the outside, and chewy inside.
Pro tips:
- Press toppings lightly into the dough to keep them from falling off.
- For a softer bite, reduce baking time slightly.
- For a darker crust, extend the bake by 2–3 minutes.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: Homemade vs Store-Bought
The rise of Everything bagel seasoning has made it one of the most versatile pantry staples.
- Homemade seasoning: Mix equal parts sesame, poppy, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. Adjust ratios for your taste.
- Store-bought seasoning: The most famous is Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. Other brands like Einstein Bros. also sell their own blends.
Important note: Some countries (such as South Korea and Singapore) ban poppy seeds, so always check food regulations if you plan to travel with commercial seasoning.
Everything Bagel Nutrition & Health Facts
Is the Everything bagel healthy? The answer depends on your diet and portion size.
- Calories: ~250–330 per bagel (without toppings)
- Carbohydrates: 48–60g
- Protein: ~9–11g
- Fat: ~2–5g (mainly from seeds)
- Sodium: can be high due to salt and toppings
Healthier options:
- Gluten-free Everything bagel (made with rice flour or almond flour)
- Low-carb or keto bagels using almond or coconut flour
- High-protein bagels with added whey or chickpea flour
Note: Poppy seeds can very rarely cause positive results on drug tests, and may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
Everything Bagel Nutrition Facts
One of the most asked questions about the everything bagel is whether it’s healthy. On average, a medium everything bagel (about 100g) contains:
- Calories: 270–300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55–60g
- Protein: 9–11g
- Fat: 2–3g
- Fiber: 2–3g
- Sodium: 400–450mg
The everything bagel seasoning adds both flavor and minerals like calcium and iron from sesame seeds and poppy seeds. However, if paired with high-fat spreads like cream cheese, calories can quickly add up. Choosing toppings like avocado, smoked salmon, or hummus makes the everything bagel a more balanced meal.
How to Make a Homemade Everything Bagel
Making an everything bagel at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple step-by-step process:
Ingredients:
- Bread flour
- Warm water
- Instant yeast
- Sugar and salt
- Everything bagel seasoning mix
Steps:
- Prepare the dough – Mix flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt, then knead until smooth.
- Shape the bagels – Divide into portions, roll into balls, and poke a hole in the center.
- Boil the bagels – Briefly boil each bagel in water with a little baking soda for a chewy texture.
- Add the seasoning – Brush with egg wash and coat generously with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake until golden – Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Homemade everything bagels are fresher and allow you to control the seasoning levels and ingredients.
The Popularity of Everything Bagel Seasoning
The rise of everything bagel seasoning has been remarkable. Grocery stores and brands like Trader Joe’s, McCormick, and Simply Organic now sell pre-made blends. People sprinkle it on everything from popcorn to pasta.
Some creative uses of everything bagel seasoning include:
- On avocado toast
- Mixed into scrambled eggs
- As a salad topper
- On roasted vegetables
- Mixed into dips like hummus or Greek yogurt
This seasoning has transformed from a bagel topping into a household staple.
Creative Recipes Using Everything Bagels
The everything bagel is incredibly versatile. Here are some trending recipes:
- Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich – with eggs, bacon, and cheese.
- Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel – the classic New York-style pairing.
- Everything Bagel Pizza – using bagels as a crust base.
- Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese – melty cheese sandwiched between seasoned bagels.
- Everything Bagel Croutons – cut into cubes, toasted, and added to salads.
Restaurants and cafes now feature everything bagel-inspired dishes, further proving its popularity.
Where to Buy Everything Bagels and Everything Bagel Seasoning
You can find everything bagels at nearly every bakery, grocery store, or bagel shop in North America. Popular chains like Panera, Einstein Bros, and local bagel shops offer freshly baked options.
For everything bagel seasoning, popular options include:
- Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel seasoning
- McCormick Everything Bagel All Purpose Seasoning
- Simply Organic Everything Bagel Blend
You can also buy everything bagel seasoning online from Amazon or specialty food stores.
FAQs About Everything Bagels
1. Why is it called an Everything Bagel?
Because it’s topped with “everything” – a mix of sesame, poppy, garlic, onion, and salt.
2. Are everything bagels healthy?
In moderation, yes. They provide carbohydrates and protein, but watch out for high-calorie toppings.
3. Can I make gluten-free everything bagels?
Yes, by using gluten-free flour blends or almond flour recipes.
4. What spreads go best with an everything bagel?
Cream cheese, avocado, hummus, butter, smoked salmon spread, and even nut butters.
5. What’s the difference between an everything bagel and a sesame bagel?
A sesame bagel has only sesame seeds, while an everything bagel has multiple toppings for richer flavor.
Conclusion
The everything bagel is more than just bread it’s a cultural icon. With its bold flavor, crunchy topping, and endless pairing possibilities, it appeals to food lovers everywhere. Whether enjoyed with classic cream cheese, transformed into sandwiches, or simply toasted with butter, the everything bagel continues to reign as one of the most beloved bagels in the world.
For those who crave variety, convenience, and bold taste, the everything bagel truly has it all just as its name promises.
