Everything Bagel Bits: Crunchy, Savory, Addictively Delicious Snack Bites

There are some flavor combinations that have achieved legendary status. Everything bagel seasoning is one of them. That irresistible blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt has transcended its bagel origins to become a cultural phenomenon, sprinkled on everything from avocado toast to roasted vegetables, from eggs to popcorn.

Now imagine that iconic flavor packed into crispy, crunchy, bite-sized snack bits that you can munch on by the handful. These Everything Bagel Bits are exactly that—the most addictive, savory, satisfying snack you’ll ever make.

I first created these on a whim when I had a craving for something crunchy and savory but didn’t want to reach for processed snacks. I had everything bagel seasoning in my pantry (doesn’t everyone these days?) and a few simple ingredients. A little experimentation later, and these little flavor bombs were born.

The first batch didn’t last an hour. My family gathered around the kitchen counter, reaching for handful after handful, making those happy noises that only truly great snacks can produce. I knew I’d stumbled onto something special.

Since then, Everything Bagel Bits have become my go-to for parties, for snacking, for gift-giving, and for those times when only something crunchy, savory, and utterly delicious will do. They’re incredibly easy to make, endlessly customizable, and impossible to stop eating.

Today, I’m sharing this recipe with you, along with everything I’ve learned about making them perfect every single time.

Why You’ll Love These Everything Bagel Bits

Incredibly crunchy and satisfying. These little bites have the perfect crispy texture that makes snacking so satisfying.

Bursting with everything bagel flavor. That iconic blend of sesame, poppy, garlic, onion, and salt shines in every single bite.

Quick and easy. From mixing to snacking in under 30 minutes. No complicated techniques, no special equipment.

Versatile. Eat them as a snack, sprinkle them on salads, use them as soup toppers, or give them as gifts.

Customizable. Adjust the seasoning, add cheese, make them spicy—the possibilities are endless.

Budget-friendly. Simple ingredients, minimal cost, maximum deliciousness.

Perfect for parties. Set out a bowl and watch them disappear. They’re always the first thing to go.

Great for gift-giving. Packaged in a cute jar or bag, these make wonderful homemade gifts.

Kid-approved. My kids go crazy for these. They’re so much better than store-bought snacks.

The Complete Ingredient Breakdown

For the Base:

2 cups all-purpose flour

All-purpose flour provides the structure for these crispy bits. For a lighter texture, you can substitute up to half with white whole wheat flour.

1 tablespoon sugar

A tiny bit of sugar balances the savory flavors and helps with browning. Don’t skip it entirely—it makes a difference.

1 tablespoon baking powder

Fresh baking powder ensures they’re light and crispy, not dense.

1 teaspoon salt

Enhances all the flavors. Remember that everything bagel seasoning also contains salt, so adjust accordingly.

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Reinforces the garlic flavor throughout the bits.

½ teaspoon onion powder

Reinforces the onion flavor throughout.

½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Cold butter creates flakiness and richness. As it melts during baking, it creates layers and that irresistible crispy texture.

¾ cup cold buttermilk

Buttermilk adds tanginess and helps create tenderness. The acid also reacts with the baking powder for extra lift.

For the Everything Bagel Coating:

¼ cup everything bagel seasoning

You can buy this pre-mixed at most grocery stores, or make your own (recipe below). Use a generous amount—it’s the star.

Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning:

· 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
· 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
· 2 tablespoons dried minced garlic
· 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
· 1 tablespoon coarse salt (like kosher or sea salt)

Mix together and store in an airtight container. This makes more than you need—save the rest for sprinkling on everything.

For Finishing:

1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)

Helps the seasoning adhere and creates a beautiful golden crust.

Additional everything bagel seasoning for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

· 2 cups flour
· 1 tablespoon sugar
· 1 tablespoon baking powder
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder
· ½ teaspoon onion powder

Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender, two forks, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.

Step 4: Add Buttermilk

Make a well in the center and pour in the cold buttermilk. Stir with a fork or spatula until the dough comes together. It will be shaggy and sticky. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Pat and Cut

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle about ½-inch thick.

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into small bite-sized pieces—about ½-inch squares. They don’t need to be perfect; rustic is charming.

Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. They’ll spread slightly but not much.

Step 7: Apply Egg Wash and Seasoning

Brush each piece lightly with the egg wash. This helps the seasoning stick.

Sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Don’t be shy—you want every bite packed with flavor.

Step 8: Bake

Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, until the bits are golden brown and crispy. The bottoms should be browned and the tops nicely colored.

Step 9: Cool

Let cool completely on the baking sheet. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool.

Step 10: Enjoy

Transfer to a bowl and try to eat just one. Good luck with that.

The Science Behind Perfect Everything Bagel Bits

Cold butter creates flakiness: As the cold butter melts in the oven, it creates steam that pushes apart the layers of dough, creating that light, crispy texture.

Don’t overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which would make these tough instead of tender and crispy. Mix just until combined.

Egg wash is essential: The egg wash helps the seasoning adhere and creates that beautiful golden color. Without it, the seasoning would just fall off.

Cooling completely: These bits continue to crisp as they cool. Don’t rush this step—patience is rewarded with perfect crunch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

My Bits Aren’t Crispy

Several possible causes:

· They may need more baking time (try 2-3 minutes more)
· Oven temperature may be too low (use an oven thermometer)
· They may not have cooled completely (they crisp as they cool)

My Bits Are Tough

Overmixing is the most common cause. Next time, mix just until the dough comes together, and handle gently.

The Seasoning Fell Off

Either you skipped the egg wash or didn’t apply enough. Make sure to brush each piece thoroughly before sprinkling.

My Bits Are Too Pale

Your oven may not be hot enough, or they need more time. They should be golden brown when done.

The Dough Was Too Sticky

That’s normal! Work on a lightly floured surface and use floured hands. Add just enough flour to prevent sticking, but not so much that the dough becomes dry.

They Didn’t Rise Much

These bits aren’t meant to be tall and fluffy—they’re meant to be crispy and crunchy. A little rise is fine, but they should be relatively flat.

Delicious Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these variations.

Cheddar Everything Bagel Bits

Add 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients before adding buttermilk. The cheese melts and creates incredible flavor.

Spicy Everything Bagel Bits

Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients and use spicy everything bagel seasoning if available.

Parmesan Everything Bagel Bits

Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese to the dry ingredients and sprinkle extra Parmesan along with the seasoning.

Rosemary Garlic Everything Bits

Add 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary to the dough along with extra garlic. The herb flavor is wonderful.

Sesame Everything Bits

Use extra sesame seeds in the seasoning and add 2 tablespoons sesame oil (reduce butter slightly) for extra nutty flavor.

Everything Bagel Crackers

Roll the dough thinner (¼ inch) and cut into larger squares for everything bagel crackers. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Vegan Version

Use cold vegan butter and plant-based milk mixed with 1 teaspoon vinegar instead of buttermilk. Skip the egg wash and use a light brushing of plant milk instead.

How to Use Everything Bagel Bits

As a snack: The most obvious and best use. Eat them by the handful.

On salads: Sprinkle over green salads for crunch and flavor.

On soups: Float them on top of tomato soup, butternut squash soup, or creamy chowders.

On avocado toast: Crush slightly and sprinkle over avocado toast for extra crunch.

In lunchboxes: Pack them as a treat for kids and adults alike.

As a gift: Package in a cute jar or cellophane bag with a ribbon.

On charcuterie boards: Add a bowl alongside cheeses and meats for a savory crunch.

Crushed as coating: Crush and use as a coating for chicken or fish.

On mac and cheese: Sprinkle over the top for an everything bagel twist.

With dips: Serve alongside cream cheese dip, spinach dip, or hummus.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They stay crispy and delicious.

Refrigerator: Not recommended—the humidity can soften them.

Freezer: These freeze beautifully. Place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and re-crisp in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if needed.

Make-ahead for parties: Make them up to a week ahead and store in an airtight container. They’ll be ready whenever you need them.

Reviving stale bits: If they lose crispness, spread on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. They’ll be good as new.

The Everything Bagel Phenomenon

Everything bagel seasoning has taken the culinary world by storm in recent years, but its roots go back decades to the classic “everything bagel” found in Jewish delis and bakeries. The combination of sesame, poppy, garlic, onion, and salt was originally just one option among many for bagel toppings.

Somehow, that combination captured the public imagination in a way that few seasonings ever have. Today, you can find everything bagel seasoning on everything from popcorn to pizza, from roasted vegetables to deviled eggs. It’s become a cultural touchstone—a flavor that instantly signals savory, umami, garlicky deliciousness.

These Everything Bagel Bits are my love letter to that flavor. They take everything wonderful about the seasoning and put it in a perfectly crunchy, snackable form. Every bite delivers that iconic taste in a way that’s utterly satisfying.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Permanent Place in Your Kitchen

These Everything Bagel Bits represent everything I want in a snack recipe. They’re quick and easy to make. They use simple, accessible ingredients. They’re endlessly customizable. They’re perfect for parties, snacking, and gift-giving. And they’re genuinely, consistently, undeniably delicious.

I’ve made these bits for Super Bowl parties where they disappeared before halftime. I’ve made them for holiday gift-giving where friends texted me demanding the recipe. I’ve made them for no reason at all except that I wanted something crunchy and savory.

Every single time, they deliver. Every single time, people can’t stop eating them. Every single time, I’m reminded why this recipe is a keeper.

The combination of that crispy, buttery bite and that iconic everything bagel flavor is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of snack that makes you reach for “just one more” until the bowl is empty.

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s reliable, versatile, and always welcome at the table.

And now it can be that for you too.

So preheat that oven. Get that butter cold. Break out that everything bagel seasoning. And get ready to discover your new favorite snack.

Your hands (and your taste buds) are about to get very happy.

---

Have you made these Everything Bagel Bits? What variations did you try? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

More Recipes You Might Like