What Are Everything Bagel Bits?
Everything Bagel Bits are small, crunchy pieces made from bread, bagels, or dough, coated in oil or butter and generously seasoned with everything bagel seasoning—a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. Once baked, they become golden, crisp, and deeply flavorful.
Think of them as:
- Savory croutons
- Snackable crackers
- Salad toppers
- Soup crunchies
- Charcuterie board extras
They’re incredibly simple, yet dangerously addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade version is:
- Crispier than store-bought
- More flavorful and customizable
- Budget-friendly
- Perfect for meal prep
- Naturally vegetarian
Plus, you control the salt, oil, and crunch level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Base Options (Choose One)
- 4 plain bagels (day-old is best)
- OR 5–6 cups cubed crusty bread
- OR pizza dough or bread dough (baked and cubed)
For Coating
- ¼ cup olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for balance)
Everything Bagel Seasoning
You can use store-bought or homemade.
Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons dried minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1½ teaspoons flaky salt
Choosing the Best Bread or Bagels
For the crunchiest results:
- Slightly stale bread works best
- Plain bagels give authentic flavor
- Avoid soft sandwich bread (too airy)
If your bread is fresh, lightly toast it first to dry it out.
Preparing the Bagel Bits
Step 1: Cut Into Bite-Sized Pieces
Cut bagels or bread into small, even cubes, about 1–1.5 cm. Uniform size ensures even baking.
Step 2: Toss with Oil or Butter
Place the cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and toss until evenly coated.
You want them lightly coated—not soaked.
Step 3: Season Generously
Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the bread cubes and toss again. Be generous—this is where all the flavor comes from.
Optional additions:
- Pinch of black pepper
- Chili flakes for heat
- Parmesan for richness
Baking Method (Best Crunch)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
Step 2: Spread on Baking Tray
Arrange seasoned cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking tray. Do not overcrowd.
Step 3: Bake Slowly
Bake for 25–35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until:
- Deep golden
- Dry and crisp
- No soft centers
Low and slow baking creates the best crunch.
Air Fryer Method (Fast & Extra Crispy)
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (360°F)
- Add bagel bits in a single layer
- Cook for 8–12 minutes, shaking halfway
Watch closely—they brown fast.
Cooling = Extra Crunch
Once baked, let the bagel bits cool completely on the tray. They continue to crisp as they cool.
Do not store while warm, or they’ll trap steam and soften.
Texture & Flavor Profile
- Texture: Ultra-crispy, crunchy, satisfying
- Flavor: Garlicky, savory, slightly nutty
- Aroma: Toasted seeds and onion
They’re the kind of snack you keep reaching for without realizing it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too Much Oil
Makes them greasy instead of crisp.
High Heat
Burns seeds before bread dries out.
Uneven Pieces
Leads to mixed textures—some burnt, some soft.
Delicious Variations
Cheesy Everything Bagel Bits
Add grated parmesan in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
Garlic Butter Style
Use melted butter + extra garlic powder.
Sweet-Savory Twist
Add a drizzle of honey before baking.
How to Use Everything Bagel Bits
These little crunch bombs are incredibly versatile:
As a Snack
Eat straight from the jar—no shame.
On Salads
Replace croutons for extra flavor.
On Soups
Perfect on tomato soup, cream soups, or lentil soup.
On Eggs
Sprinkle over scrambled eggs, omelets, or avocado toast.
On Pasta
Add crunch to creamy pasta dishes.
Charcuterie Boards
Serve with dips, cheese, and olives.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature
- Keeps crispy for 7–10 days
- If they soften, re-toast in oven for 5 minutes
Avoid refrigeration—it adds moisture.
Make-Ahead & Gifting Idea
Everything Bagel Bits make amazing:
- Meal prep snacks
- Salad toppers for the week
- Edible gifts in jars
Add a label and ribbon—simple and thoughtful.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per ½ cup)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 4g
A satisfying savory snack that beats chips.
Final Thoughts
Everything Bagel Bits prove that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. Crunchy, bold, and endlessly versatile, they’re one of those recipes you make once—and then always want on hand. Whether you snack on them, sprinkle them on meals, or gift them to friends, they deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.