1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Bread Cubes
- Cut the bread or bagels into small, bite-sized cubes. Aim for uniform pieces so they bake evenly.
- Spread the cubes out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Coat with Butter or Oil
- Drizzle the melted butter or olive oil over the bread cubes, tossing gently to ensure they’re evenly coated.
4. Add the Seasoning Mix
- In a small bowl, combine the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, flaky salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the bread cubes, tossing again to distribute the flavors.
5. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the bits are golden brown and crispy.
- Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
6. Cool and Store
- Remove from the oven and let the Everything Bagel Bits cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
How to Use Everything Bagel Bits
These crunchy, flavorful bits can be sprinkled on just about anything. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Breakfast: Top avocado toast, scrambled eggs, or bagels with cream cheese.
- Snacks: Sprinkle on popcorn, roasted nuts, or hummus.
- Salads: Add crunch to green salads, grain bowls, or pasta salads.
- Soups & Stews: Use as a garnish for creamy soups like tomato or butternut squash.
- Dinners: Elevate roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or baked potatoes.
- Desserts: Try sprinkling lightly on savory-sweet treats like pretzel cookies or cheddar shortbread.
Tips for Success
- Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread or bagels hold up better when baked into crispy bits.
- Adjust Seasonings: Customize the seasoning blend to suit your taste—add dried herbs, spices, or extra salt.
- Make Ahead: Prepare a batch in advance and store it for quick flavor boosts throughout the week.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread or crackers as the base for a GF-friendly version.
Why This Recipe Works
These Everything Bagel Bits capture the iconic flavors of an everything bagel in a versatile, crunchy form that can be used to enhance a wide variety of dishes. The straightforward preparation ensures consistent results without requiring advanced cooking skills, while the customizable options allow you to tailor the recipe to your taste. Whether sprinkled as a standalone topping or incorporated into your favorite recipes, these bits deliver big on flavor and creativity.
Conclusion: A Flavor Booster Everyone Will Love
Whether you’re craving something crunchy and savory, looking for a way to simplify meal prep, or simply want to add a burst of flavor to everyday dishes, these Everything Bagel Bits are sure to delight. Their bold flavors, satisfying textures, and practical preparation make them a standout recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, their adaptability means you can tailor them to suit any occasion.
We’d love to see your creations! Tag us in your photos or share your favorite ways to use these bits—your take on this topping might just inspire others to try it too! 🍴✨
