The everything bagel isn’t just a bagel. It’s a flavorful experience that millions love. This savory treat combines a variety of toppings to create a perfect balance of taste and texture. With its roots deep in New York City culture, the everything bagel has become a staple in bakeries and kitchens everywhere.
But this bagel isn’t limited to its original form. Over time, it has inspired countless variations, from everything bagel chips to flavored crackers. We’re about to dive into everything you need to know about this culinary favorite. You’ll discover its history, how to make it, and some fun facts that you might not know.
1. Introduction to the Everything Bagel
An everything bagel is simple yet complex. It’s a bagel topped with a mix of garlic flakes, onion flakes, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and kosher salt. Some versions even add caraway seeds or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. This unique combination of flavors creates a crunchy, savory, and aromatic bite that has become iconic in the world of bagels.
What makes the everything bagel so popular? Its versatility. You can enjoy it plain, toasted, or paired with cream cheese, butter, or avocado. Some even prefer a lox sandwich, adding smoked salmon, capers, and red onion for a full meal. The toppings not only add flavor but also give the bagel a delightful texture—crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Pro Tip: For a rich experience, try adding cream cheese mixed with smoked salmon and dill. The flavors complement each other perfectly!
2. The Fascinating History of Everything Bagels
The everything bagel carries a history filled with mystery and debate. Several people have claimed to invent it, including David Gussin, who says he first made the everything bagel in 1980. Gussin recalls cleaning up after a shift in a bagel shop. Instead of discarding the leftover toppings, he combined them all on a bagel, creating what we now call the everything bagel.
However, some believe the everything bagel existed even before Gussin’s story. Brandon Steiner, a sports marketer, insists that he invented it in 1973. At just 14 years old, Steiner experimented with bagel toppings, deciding to combine them all on a single bagel. This bold move became the iconic everything bagel.
While the origin may be disputed, there is no doubt that the everything bagel gained popularity in New York City. It became a hit in local bagel shops and quickly spread across the U.S. Today, it’s a staple in bakeries and cafes worldwide. If you’re curious about the history of bagels, explore more in this insightful Smithsonian article.
3. What Exactly Goes on an Everything Bagel?
The toppings are what set the everything bagel apart. While the base is your standard wheat-based bagel dough, the real magic happens with the mix of savory, salty, and crunchy toppings. Here’s a breakdown of the typical ingredients:
- Garlic flakes for a bold, aromatic flavor
- Onion flakes to add a savory touch
- Sesame seeds that give a nutty flavor and crunch
- Poppy seeds for texture and a mild flavor
- Kosher salt to balance the savory elements
Some variations also include:
- Caraway seeds, which offer a licorice-like flavor
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for a spicy kick
These toppings are often sprinkled on the dough before the bagels are baked, allowing them to stick and toast to perfection. As the bagel bakes, the toppings become crisp, enhancing the overall experience. And if you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a secret to achieving this, you’re in luck. Sally’s Baking Addiction provides a step-by-step guide on how to make everything bagels at home, ensuring a perfect result every time.
4. How is an Everything Bagel Made?
Making an everything bagel from scratch is easier than you think. Here’s a simple outline of the process:
- Start with the dough: Mix flour, yeast, water, salt, and sugar. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic.
- Let it rise: Allow the dough to rise for about an hour.
- Shape the bagels: Divide the dough into even pieces and shape them into rounds with a hole in the center.
- Boil the bagels: Boil the bagels for about a minute on each side. This gives them that signature chewy texture.
- Add the toppings: Sprinkle your bagel with a mix of garlic flakes, onion flakes, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and salt.
- Bake: Bake the bagels in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Once baked, you can enjoy them fresh from the oven or freeze them for later. The best part? You can easily modify the toppings to suit your preferences. Want more garlic or a little less onion? It’s up to you!
5. Expanding Beyond the Traditional Bagel
The everything bagel has inspired many other foods. Everything bagel seasoning has become incredibly popular, and you’ll find it sprinkled on all sorts of products. From chips to croissants, this flavor combination adds a savory twist to many dishes.
Here are a few examples of how everything bagel seasoning is used:
- Everything bagel chips: A crunchy snack seasoned with the same ingredients
- Everything bagel croissants: Flaky and buttery with a savory topping
- Everything bagel roasted nuts: A salty, savory snack with a crunch
- Everything bagel cream cheese: Perfect for spreading on toast or crackers
- Everything bagel pizza: Yes, even pizza can get the everything treatment!
For creative twists on recipes, you can also explore sourdough discard recipes like those from Savannah Recipes, which offer delicious ways to use ingredients efficiently.
6. Nutritional Information: Are Everything Bagels Healthy?
While everything bagels are delicious, they aren’t necessarily the healthiest breakfast option. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutrition for a plain everything bagel:
- Calories: 280-350 per bagel (varies by size)
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
- Protein: 10-12 grams
- Fat: Low, unless you add butter or cream cheese
- Sodium: High due to the kosher salt and toppings
If you’re watching your sodium intake, you may want to limit how often you enjoy everything bagels. You can also opt for whole-wheat bagels to add more fiber and nutrients to your meal. Many people like to pair everything bagels with avocado, as it adds healthy fats and fiber while balancing out the carbs.
However, there are ways to make this breakfast staple healthier. By controlling portion sizes and choosing lighter spreads, you can still enjoy everything bagels while keeping things balanced. For a sweet alternative, you can try baked goods like Pumpkin Banana Loaf for a wholesome treat.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Everything Bagels
What makes the flavor of an everything bagel so special?
The combination of garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds creates a balanced, savory flavor with crunch in every bite. Each topping adds its own unique taste.
Why is it called an “everything” bagel?
It’s called an everything bagel because it contains all of the most popular bagel toppings at once. This gives it a rich flavor profile that appeals to many tastes.
How can I store everything bagels?
You can freeze everything bagels for up to six months. Make sure to slice them before freezing to make toasting easier.
What spreads work best on everything bagels?
Cream cheese is a classic choice, but many people enjoy their everything bagels with butter, avocado, or even hummus.
8. Fun Facts and Pop Culture
The everything bagel has made its way into pop culture in several unique ways. For example, in the 2022 movie Everything Everywhere All at Once, the everything bagel plays a central role. It symbolizes the infinite possibilities of life, representing chaos and order simultaneously. This speaks to the bagel’s wide appeal—there’s something for everyone.
Everything bagels have also been the subject of memes and food trends, particularly on social media. Many users joke about how the everything bagel is for those who can’t decide between flavors, so they just choose them all. This lighthearted sentiment underscores the universal appeal of this iconic bagel.
9. Make Your Own Everything Bagels at Home
Making your own everything bagel at home might sound challenging, but it’s actually quite simple. By following a tried-and-true recipe like the one found on Sally’s Baking Addiction, you’ll be able to create bakery-worthy bagels in your own kitchen. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Wheat flour
- Yeast
- Water
- Salt and sugar
- Everything seasoning (garlic flakes, onion flakes, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and kosher salt)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: Mix the ingredients and let the dough rise.
- Shape the Bagels: Form into circles with a hole in the middle.
- Boil the Bagels: Boil for 1-2 minutes to get the chewy texture.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle with everything seasoning.
- Bake: Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes.
This simple process allows you to customize your bagels with extra toppings or fillings, making them even more delicious.
10. Conclusion: Why the Everything Bagel is Here to Stay
The everything bagel continues to capture the imagination of food lovers around the world. Its bold combination of flavors makes it an essential part of breakfast menus everywhere. Whether you enjoy it with cream cheese or use the seasoning on other foods, the everything bagel has proven its versatility.
As you explore new ways to enjoy this classic, don’t forget to try unique pairings or incorporate everything bagel seasoning into other recipes. And if you’re looking for more delicious ideas, be sure to explore other baked goods like Pumpkin Banana Loaf and Earl Grey Cookies to add variety to your baking adventures.