Everything Seasoning Is Better Homemade — Here’s Why

You know when you find something at the shops, get excited, and then realise it’s mostly just salt and air? That’s what led me to create this homemade seasoning blend. The store-bought versions of everything bagel seasoning just didn’t cut it. Either they were bland, way too salty, or missing that punchy garlic-onion flavour I love. So, I made my own.

And honestly? I haven’t looked back.Not only is this DIY seasoning mix more flavourful, it’s also more affordable and way better quality. You get full control over your ingredients — which means no weird fillers, no preservatives, and no short-changing on the good stuff.

Plus, if you’re in Australia like me, you already know that everything bagels aren’t as common here as they are in the US. So this is the perfect way to bring that bold, savoury flavour into your Aussie kitchen.

What’s In My Everything Seasoning?

This mix is made with pantry staples you probably already have on hand — but the magic is in how you use them.
I use:

  • White sesame seeds
  • Poppy seeds
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Flakey salt (I highly recommend Murray River pink flake salt – proudly Aussie and perfectly textured)

The sesame seeds get gently toasted to bring out that nutty aroma, and everything is combined into the most glorious crunchy mix. Every time I make a batch, the smell in the kitchen is enough to make me hungry instantly.

My Pro Tips for Toasting Seeds Without Burning Them

The heart of this everything seasoning is the toasted sesame seeds — and toasting them just right is key. Here’s how I make sure they’re golden and nutty, not burnt and bitter:

  • Use a dry non-stick frying pan
  • Medium heat is your best friend — too hot and you’ll scorch them
  • Stir constantly — don’t walk away!
  • As soon as they turn light golden and fragrant, take them out of the pan immediately

Hot tip: Seeds continue to cook even after you turn off the heat. So get them out of the pan right away to avoid bitterness.

How I Use Everything Seasoning (aka, What I Sprinkle This On!)

Here’s where it gets fun. This isn’t just for bagels (although it’s amazing on those). I sprinkle my everything seasoning on nearly everything I eat.
Here are my favourite ways to use it:

Breakfast

  • Avocado toast with a poached egg and a sprinkle of everything seasoning
  • Scrambled eggs or omelettes — instant flavour upgrade
  • Cottage cheese or Greek yoghurt bowls (savoury breakfast lovers, this is your dream)

Snacks

  • Popcorn tossed with olive oil or butter and this seasoning = chef’s kiss
  • Stir into cream cheese and spread on crackers for a killer snack
  • On top of hummus or baba ghanoush with a drizzle of olive oil

Lunch & Dinner

  • Sprinkle over grilled chicken, roast veg, or baked salmon for extra flavour
  • Add to a grain bowl — think quinoa, rice, or couscous topped with roast veggies and tahini
  • Finish a salad with it instead of croutons — adds crunch and flavour

The Unexpected

  • Toss it into bread dough or savoury muffins
  • Use it as a crust for chicken schnitzel or fish
  • And yes, I’ve even tried
How to Store Everything Seasoning

Because we’re using toasted seeds, it’s important to keep your mix fresh and crunchy. Here’s how I do it:

  • Store in a sterile glass jar (run it through the dishwasher first)
  • Keep it in a cool, dry place — away from direct sunlight
  • If you live in a warm or humid area, store it in the fridge

Shelf life: 2–3 months for peak flavour. But if I’m being honest, I go through mine in about 3 weeks.

Bonus Tips to Level Up Your Everything Seasoning

Want to customise your mix? Here are a few bonus add-ins I sometimes use:

  • Black sesame seeds: Add visual contrast and a slightly bolder flavour
  • Granulated garlic & onion: Adds texture compared to powders
  • Chilli flakes: For a spicy kick
  • Dried herbs: A tiny pinch of thyme or oregano for a herby twist

Don’t overdo it with extra salt! The flakey sea salt should complement, not dominate.

Other Recipes to Try with Everything Seasoning

Share Your Everything Seasoning Creations!

I love seeing what you all make with my recipes — especially the creative ways you use this everything seasoning. If you’ve made a batch, sprinkle it on your fave dish, take a photo, and tag me over on Insta at @steph_cooks_stuff.
Why This Is the Best Seasoning for Eggs, Salads, and More

I love seeing what you all make with my recipes — especially the creative ways you use this everything seasoning. If you’ve made a batch, sprinkle it on your fave dish, take a photo, and tag me over on Insta at @steph_cooks_stuff.

Share Your Everything Seasoning Creations!

This isn’t just a seasoning — it’s a total kitchen upgrade. Once you start making and using this everything seasoning, you’ll find new uses for it every day. Whether you’re building a fancy brunch board, packing lunch, or trying to jazz up a sad salad, this savoury mix delivers BIG on flavour and crunch.Plus, you can feel good knowing it’s made with real ingredients, no nasties, and none of that overpowering salt you get in store-bought versions. It’s the ultimate homemade seasoning blend — and one you’ll reach for again and again.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple way to add flavour, texture, and a little bit of magic to your everyday meals, this Everything Seasoning is it. Whether you’re a brunch queen, a salad lover, or just someone who likes a bit of crunch on your eggs, this DIY seasoning mix is about to become your new best friend.So grab your seeds, get toasting, and start sprinkling. Your taste buds will thank you.Happy sprinkling!

seasoning
Steph de Sousa

Everything Seasoning

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This easy Everything Seasoning is crunchy, salty, and totally addictive! Perfect on avo toast, eggs, salads, and more — once you make it at home, you’ll never buy it again.
prep time Prep Time 5 minutes
setting time Cook Time
 5 minutes
total time Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Recipes
Cuisine: Australian
Calories: 81

Ingredients
 

  • 200 g white sesame seeds
  • 100 g poppy seeds
  • 40 g onion powder
  • 40 g garlic powder
  • 3 tbsp flakey salt

Method
 

  1. Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat — keep stirring constantly so they don’t burn! Once they turn a light golden colour, take them straight out of the pan to cool. They will keep cooking in the pan even if off the stove so do this part quickly!
  2. Add in your poppy seeds, onion powder, garlic powder and salt. Stir really well to mix it all together.
  3. Let it cool completely, then spoon into clean, sterile jars. (The easiest way to sterilise them is to run them through your dishwasher on a hot cycle!)

Nutrition

Calories: 81kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 1184mgPotassium: 106mgFiber: 2gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is everything seasoning the same as everything bagel seasoning?

Yes — they’re basically the same thing. The term “everything bagel seasoning” comes from the classic New York bagel that’s topped with this mix. My version is inspired by that, but I’ve made it with Aussie ingredients and a bit more balance (less salt, more garlic/onion!).
Can I make this seasoning without sesame seeds?

You can, but you’ll lose the nutty backbone of the flavour. If you’re allergic, try sunflower seeds or hemp seeds as a crunchy alternative.
Can I use this mix while cooking or just as a topping?

Mostly, it’s used as a finishing seasoning — the toasted seeds can burn if cooked again. But it works great in baking, like in savoury muffins or as a crust on baked meats.