Everything But The Bagel (commonly abbreviated as “Everything” or “EBTB”) seasoning has taken the culinary world by storm. This magical blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt has transformed from a simple bagel topping to a flavor powerhouse used on everything from roasted vegetables to avocado toast.
What is Everything But The Bagel Seasoning?
At its core, Everything But The Bagel seasoning is a dry spice blend designed to mimic the classic flavor profile of a traditional everything bagel. It typically includes:
Sesame Seeds: White and black sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and a subtle earthy flavor.
Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds provide a slightly sweet and slightly nutty flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds a pungent, savory flavor.
Onion Powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and a touch of savory depth.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the other ingredients.
Some commercial blends may also include:
Amazon.com: Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend . Oz : Books
Dried Minced Garlic: Offers a more intense garlic flavor.
Dried Minced Onion: Provides a stronger onion flavor.
Black Pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
Dried Seaweed: Adds a unique umami flavor.
The Rise of Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
The popularity of Everything But The Bagel seasoning can be attributed to several factors:
Versatility: It can be used on a wide variety of dishes, from savory to sweet.
Convenience: It’s a ready-made blend that eliminates the need to measure individual spices.
Flavor Explosion: It adds a complex and satisfying flavor to any dish.
Social Media: The rise of food trends on platforms like Instagram and TikTok has significantly contributed to its popularity.
How to Use Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
The beauty of Everything But The Bagel seasoning lies in its versatility. Here are some creative ways to use it:
Savory Applications
Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables (broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts) with olive oil and a generous sprinkle of Everything But The Bagel seasoning before roasting.
Roasted Potatoes: Season roasted potatoes with Everything But The Bagel seasoning for a flavorful and addictive side dish.
Scrambled Eggs: Sprinkle Everything But The Bagel seasoning on top of your scrambled eggs for a savory and satisfying breakfast.
Avocado Toast: Sprinkle on top of avocado toast for an extra flavor boost.
Popcorn: Toss popcorn with melted butter and Everything But The Bagel seasoning for a delicious and addictive snack.
Grilled Cheese: Sprinkle on the outside of the bread before grilling for a crispy, flavorful crust.
Salads: Add a sprinkle to salads for a flavorful and crunchy topping.
Soups and Stews: Sprinkle on top of soups and stews for a flavorful finishing touch.
Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs with Everything But The Bagel seasoning before baking or grilling.
Seafood: Sprinkle on top of baked or grilled fish for a flavorful crust.
Meatballs: Add Everything But The Bagel seasoning to your meatball mixture for extra flavor.
Sweet Applications
Yogurt and Granola: Sprinkle on top of yogurt and granola for a flavorful and crunchy topping.
Oatmeal: Add a sprinkle to your oatmeal for a flavorful and satisfying breakfast.
French Toast: Sprinkle on top of French toast for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
Baked Goods: Add a small amount to cookie dough or muffin batter for a subtle flavor enhancement.
Making Your Own Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
Making your own Everything But The Bagel seasoning is easy and allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. Here’s a basic recipe:
1/4 cup sesame seeds (white and black)
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon salt
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Tips and Variations
Adjust the spice levels: Add more or less garlic powder and onion powder to suit your taste.
Add some heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Get creative with herbs: Add dried herbs like dried dill, dried parsley, or dried chives for additional flavor.
Use different types of seeds: Experiment with other seeds such as chia seeds, flax seeds, or sunflower seeds.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs or panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
Where to Buy Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
Everything But The Bagel seasoning is widely available at most grocery stores, including:
Supermarkets: Major grocery store chains like Walmart, Target, and Kroger typically carry their own store brand versions or popular brands like Trader Joe’s.
Specialty stores: Specialty food stores often carry a wider variety of brands and flavors.
Online retailers: You can also purchase Everything But The Bagel seasoning online from retailers like Amazon.
Popular Brands
Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning is a popular and widely available option.
Spiceology: Spiceology offers a variety of Everything But The Bagel seasoning blends with unique flavor profiles.
McCormick: McCormick offers a classic Everything But The Bagel seasoning blend.
Health Benefits
Everything But The Bagel seasoning offers several potential health benefits:
Rich in antioxidants: Sesame seeds and poppy seeds are good sources of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.
Good source of fiber: Sesame seeds and poppy seeds are also good sources of fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote gut health.
Contains essential minerals: Sesame seeds are a good source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Conclusion
Everything But The Bagel seasoning has rightfully earned its place as a culinary staple. Its versatility, ease of use, and incredible flavor make it a must-have for any home cook. Whether you’re using it to elevate your roasted vegetables or add a unique twist to your breakfast, Everything But The Bagel seasoning is sure to impress.
