Everything Bagel Seasoning - Trader Joe's Copycat Recipe (2024)

Everything bagel seasoning, or sometimes called ‘everything but the bagel’ seasoning is seriously one of the greatest things to have on hand. It works so well for breakfast dishes I probably put it on more than I should. One of my favorites:? A warm, thick slice of sourdough with a schmear of cream cheese!

While there is no strict definition as to what goes into everything bagel seasoning, one of the most popular store-bought versions is the one made by Trader Joe’s. So for this ‘copycat’ recipe if you will, I’ve tried to break down their exact recipe.

This seasoning blend is so delicious you’ll constantly refill your jar, but by making it at home you can save a ton of money (if you go through this mix as fast as I do). But if you don’t want to spend the time, you can buy it online here.

So What Is Everything Bagel Seasoning?

The origins of the everything bagel are quite disputed. Many people from all over America claim to be the inventor at one point or another – but it seems to have emerged in the 1970s. Before that people had to buy 6 or more different bagels, scrape off the seasonings, mix them together, and stick them back on.

…That was a joke.

But what actually makes up the everything bagel seasoning? The most common ingredients are salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds. My version as a few more as it is recreating the popular everything but the bagel seasoning recipe from Trader Joe’s.

How To Copycat Everything But The Bagel Seasoning

For those of you that don’t have access to Trader Joe’s here is a photo of the ingredients and nutrition facts from the back of their label. Due to American labeling rules the ingredients are listed in the order of prevalence. That means the first ingredient listed will be the largest percentage by weight.

Yes, there is quite a lot of salt in this mix, as it is essentially a seasoning salt no different than Old Bay or Lawrys. The main difference being this one is used for breakfast food.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp White Sesame Seeds
• 1.5 tbsp Dried Garlic Flakes
• 1.5 tbsp Dried Onion Flakes
• 1 tsp Sea Salt – Try to get a very flaky sea salt like Maldon or Diamond Crystal Kosher Flakes
• 1 tsp Black Sesame Seeds
• 3/4 tsp Poppy Seeds

Instructions

In a bowl mix all of the ingredients together. Place the seasoning in an airtight container until ready to use. I actually just put it back into my store-bought everything but the bagel seasoning jar since I like the shaker top.

You can also use a swing top Kilner jar which look beautiful in glass fronted cabinets or left on the counter. Those are my favorite to use for sauces but they are also excellent for dry goods.

Everything Bagel Seasoning Variations

There are so many ways to change up and customize this everything bagel seasoning recipe. Even going so far as to make different ‘everything’ seasonings like some examples below. Here are a few of my favorite bagel seasoning variations.

• Sweet Everything Seasoning:
  • Combine sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, and a touch of brown sugar.
  • Use it to sprinkle on top of cinnamon rolls, pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
• Mexican Fiesta Seasoning:
  • Mix together sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced garlic, dried chili flakes, cumin, and smoked paprika.
  • Sprinkle on top of tacos, guacamole, grilled corn, or roasted vegetables.
• Italian Herb Everything:
  • Blend sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried basil, dried oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Use it as a topping for garlic bread, pasta dishes, or pizza.
• Asian Fusion Everything:
  • Combine sesame seeds, poppy seeds, crushed nori (seaweed sheets), black sesame seeds, and a pinch of wasabi powder.
  • Sprinkle on sushi rolls, rice bowls, or stir-fried noodles.
• Mediterranean Delight:
  • Mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried oregano, dried thyme, lemon zest, and crumbled feta cheese.
  • Use it to season Greek salads, roasted chickpeas, or hummus.
• BBQ Everything Seasoning:
  • Blend sesame seeds, poppy seeds, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
  • Sprinkle on grilled meats, roasted corn, or baked beans.
• Tex-Mex Everything:
  • Mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, ground cumin, chili powder, and finely grated cheddar cheese.
  • Use it as a topping for nachos, chili, or loaded baked potatoes.
• Hot Breakfast Everything:
  • Combine sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried bacon bits, dried chives, and grated cheddar cheese.
  • Sprinkle on scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos, or avocado toast.
• Middle Eastern Everything Seasoning:
  • Mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, ground cumin, ground coriander, and sumac (for a tangy twist).
  • Use it to season roasted vegetables, couscous, or falafel.
• Citrus Zest Everything:
  • Blend sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried orange zest, lemon zest, and a pinch of ground black pepper.
  • Use it as a topping for salads, grilled fish, or citrus-infused desserts.

Feel free to adjust the ingredient ratios to suit your taste preferences, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to create your own unique seasoning blends. These creative variations can add exciting flavors to your favorite dishes and elevate your home cooked creations.

Where To Use Everything Bagel Seasoning

I find that everything bagel seasoning is one of the most versatile pantry staples. While I primarily use it for breakfast food, there is so much variety it really can be used in many things people don’t realize. Here are a list of recipes that this seasoning works well with:

• Simple Sunny Side Up Eggs
• Avocado Toast
• Tamago Kake Gohan (Japanese Egg Rice)
• Scrambled Eggs with Lox (The NY Scramble)
• Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich
• Tortilla Breakfast Rolls
• Soft Scrambled Eggs
• Baked Egg Cups (Oeufs Cocotte)
• Shakshuka