An Everything Bagel: The Perfect Mix of Flavors and Spices
Everything is better with everything, right? That’s why the everything bagel is so popular. But what is it exactly?
An everything bagel is a type of bagel that has a topping of various seeds, dried onion flakes, and sometimes garlic and poppy seeds. It’s a popular type of bagel that people love to enjoy for breakfast, lunch, and snack. You can find it in grocery stores and supermarkets.
In this article, I’ll take you through everything about this delicious bagel, from its history to its nutritional value. Plus, I’ll share some cooking tips to make it just right for you.
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What Makes an Everything Bagel So Special?
An everything bagel is a type of bagel that is coated with a unique seasoning blend that includes onion, white and black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and salt. This seasoning mix is what gives the bagel its distinct flavor and texture. The combination of these ingredients creates a savory and slightly nutty taste that is perfect for any time of day.
Where to Find Them
Everything bagels are available at most grocery stores and supermarkets. They are a popular type of bagel that many people love to enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack. You can find them in the bakery section of your local grocery store or at your favorite bagel shop.
The Cooking Method
To prepare an everything bagel, it is first boiled in water and then baked to perfection. This cooking method gives the bagel its signature chewy texture and crispy exterior. It takes a bit longer to prepare than some other types of bagels, but the extra time is well worth it.
The Toppings
An everything bagel can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings, from cream cheese to lox and everything in between. The savory seasoning mix pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
The Nutritional Value
An everything bagel is a simple and delicious way to add some protein to your diet. It is similar in nutritional value to other types of bagels, but the seasoning mix actually takes the calorie count a bit higher. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you may want to opt for a plain bagel instead.
The Inspiration Behind It
The everything bagel has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that it became a popular choice in the United States. The unique seasoning blend was inspired by the flavors of traditional Jewish cuisine, which often includes onion, garlic, and sesame seeds. Today, the everything bagel is a beloved staple in many households and restaurants.
What You Need to Know
If you want to make your own everything bagels at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including dried onion flakes, garlic flakes, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and coarse salt. You can mix these ingredients together to create your own seasoning blend, or you can purchase a pre-made mix at your local grocery store. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
The Roots of the Everything Bagel
Bagels have been around for centuries, originating in Jewish communities in Poland. They were first made as a way to celebrate the Sabbath, and were often shaped like a circle to represent the continuity of life. They were also easy to transport, making them a popular food for travelers.
The Role of Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is often paired with everything bagels, but it wasn’t always that way. In fact, cream cheese was not a traditional Jewish food, and was only introduced to bagels in the early 20th century. Today, cream cheese is a staple topping for everything bagels, adding a creamy contrast to the savory spices.
The Importance of the Bakery
While the everything bagel can now be found in bakeries and cafes all over the world, it is important to remember its roots in Jewish bakeries. These bakeries were often family-owned and operated, and passed down recipes from generation to generation. The everything bagel is just one example of the creativity and innovation that can come from a small, family-owned bakery.
The Influence of Other Breads
While the everything bagel is a unique creation, it is not the only bread to feature a variety of toppings. In fact, other breads like challah and rye bread often have seeds and spices added to them. The everything bagel may have been inspired by these other breads, but it has certainly carved out its own place in the world of baked goods.
Overall, the everything bagel is a delicious and unique creation that has become a staple in many households and cafes. Its origins in Jewish bakeries and its innovative use of toppings make it a true American classic.
A Nice Spice: Elevating Your Everything Bagel Game
When it comes to an everything bagel, the toppings are everything. But what about the seasoning? Here are the basic ingredients you need to make a homemade everything bagel seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon of dried minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
Adding a Dash of Flavor
While the basic seasoning is great, why not add a twist to your batch of everything bagels? Here are some ideas to add a dash of flavor:
- Parmesan: Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the basic seasoning mix for a cheesy twist.
- Red Pepper Flakes: If you like it spicy, add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes to the mix.
- Garlic Parmesan: Mix 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley to the basic seasoning mix.
- Everything But the Bagel Seasoning: If you don’t feel like making your own seasoning, you can always buy a pre-made jar of Everything But the Bagel Seasoning from Trader Joe’s.
Making and Storing Your Spice Mix
Now that you know what to add to your seasoning mix, it’s time to make it and store it properly. Here’s how:
- Mix all the ingredients together in a glass jar or bowl.
- Shake or stir well to combine.
- Store in an airtight container, like a spice jar or a small glass container with a lid.
- Use as a topping for bagels, bread, or anything else you want to add some flavor to.
The Mind-Blowing Flavor of Everything Bagel Seasoning
Once you’ve made your own everything bagel seasoning, you’ll never go back to plain bagels again. Here are some ways to use your seasoning mix:
- Sprinkle it on top of cream cheese on a bagel or toast.
- Use it as a seasoning for roasted vegetables or potatoes.
- Mix it into scrambled eggs or omelets for added flavor.
- Use it as a seasoning for homemade bread or pizza dough.
With lots of flavor and endless possibilities, everything bagel seasoning is a must-have in any spice collection.
Conclusion
So there you have it- everything you need to know about the everything bagel. It’s a delicious and versatile bagel that’s perfect for any meal of the day. You can enjoy it with cream cheese, or you can use it as a base for a delicious sandwich. Plus, it’s a great way to add some extra protein to your diet! So don’t be afraid to try one for yourself!
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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.