What is an Everything Bagel?

One of everything, please! Why settle for one flavor when you could have them all? The classic everything bagel is a best-selling flavor everywhere. In fact, people love this spice mix so much that it’s spawned other “everything” creations like everything hot dog buns or everything croissants (mon dieu!)

What do you mean, everything?

The bagel underneath the everything topping is just a plain bagel—until it’s transformed by the addition of a spice mix right before it’s baked. The standard combination of toppings on an everything bagel is as follows: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic, and salt. Some may add in black sesame and cracked pepper, too. The result is a supremely flavorful bite, a complex nutty flavor, and an exquisite extra crunch (and usually a ton of crumbs.)

A nice spice

The everything bagel is for those okay-it-I’m-going-for-it days. It’s the perfect level of extra and over-the-top. The saltiness of the seasoning pairs very well with a generous spread of cream cheese or avocado, and in fact it gives eggs, veggies, and meats a boost as well. And feel free to think outside the (bread)box! This blend of spices works great as an addition to snacks like chex mix, or mixed into a rub for roasted meat or veggies. Some also sprinkle it over salad, pasta, or fried eggs, and have even incorporated it into a cocktail: the everything bloody mary.

Who invented the everything bagel?

There is—as is often the case with popular culinary inventions—some drama over who came up with this flavor first. Claims have been made by many bagel makers: David Gussin, who allegedly had the eureka moment while sweeping up crumbs from the oven; Seth Godin, who allegedly had everything bagels in full production at his factory years prior; and Brandon Steiner, who allegedly invented it in a Frankenstein-like sequence of events one overnight bakery shift. And there are more stories, too! The general consensus is that this moment of creation happened in the mid to late seventies, when many bagel makers were trying out new flavors.

Try it out!

We sell 8oz containers of our specially-blended everything spice on our website, but if you’d like to try your hand at making some, it’s simple! You can choose how much of each spice you like in the mix—and skip something altogether if you wish. More salt, less salt, skip the poppyseeds—you choose. The bottom line is, EVERYTHING is worth a try!