What’s an Everything Bagel? The Quintessential Bread Circle Explained
An Everything bagel is a type of bagel seasoned with a distinctive mixture of toppings including poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and flaked salt. Its name reflects the idea that it contains “everything” one could want on a bagel.
A Brief History: From Leftovers to Legend
The origin story of the Everything bagel is shrouded in a delicious sort of mystery, but most accounts credit David Gussin in the 1970s. While working at a bagel shop in Long Island, Gussin is said to have invented the now-iconic flavor by sweeping up the leftover seed and spice mixes from the oven floors and repurposing them onto bagels. Whether apocryphal or true, the story speaks to the ingenuity that sparked this culinary phenomenon. Whatever the origin, the Everything bagel quickly became a staple, its savory and textural complexity winning over bagel lovers across the United States and beyond.
The Symphony of Flavors: Unpacking the Toppings
What makes an Everything bagel truly “everything” is the particular combination of toppings. Each component contributes its own unique flavor and texture, creating a harmonious whole that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds impart a mild, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Sesame Seeds: Offering a richer, slightly sweet, and toasty flavor, sesame seeds add a distinct nutty element.
- Dried Garlic: Providing a pungent and savory kick, dried garlic is essential to the Everything bagel’s distinctive aroma and flavor.
- Dried Onion: Similar to garlic, dried onion adds a savory depth and slight sweetness, complementing the other savory components.
- Flaked Salt: Crucially, flaked salt delivers a burst of salinity that enhances all the other flavors and adds a delightful textural contrast.
The Bagel-Making Process: Base and Beyond
The process of making an Everything bagel begins with a traditional bagel recipe. The dough is typically made from high-gluten flour, water, yeast, and a touch of malt. The bagels are then boiled briefly before being baked, which gives them their characteristic chewy interior and slightly crisp exterior. Finally, before baking, the bagels are liberally coated with the Everything seasoning mixture. The heat of the oven bakes the seasonings into the bagel, creating a flavorful crust that is both aromatic and satisfying.
Beyond Breakfast: Creative Ways to Enjoy an Everything Bagel
While traditionally enjoyed with cream cheese, the Everything bagel’s versatility extends far beyond a simple breakfast. Its savory profile makes it an excellent choice for sandwiches, pizzas, or even as a base for creative appetizers. Consider these possibilities:
- Sandwiches: Load it with smoked salmon, avocado, and a squeeze of lemon. Or try a classic deli sandwich with turkey, Swiss cheese, and a smear of mustard.
- Pizza Bagels: Top it with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings.
- Appetizers: Slice it into thin rounds and top with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers for an elegant and flavorful hors d’oeuvre.
Common Mistakes: Avoiding Everything Bagel Pitfalls
Making (or even ordering) a perfect Everything bagel requires attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Skimping on the Seasoning: A lightly sprinkled Everything bagel is a sad bagel. Be generous with the seasoning to ensure maximum flavor.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of the Everything bagel is heavily reliant on the quality of its toppings. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Overbaking: An overbaked bagel will be tough and dry. Watch the bagels carefully during baking and remove them from the oven when they are golden brown.
- Using the Wrong Salt: Table salt won’t cut it. Flaked sea salt is important for both texture and flavor. Its larger crystals provide a more distinct and satisfying saltiness.
Comparing Bagel Varieties
| Bagel Type | Key Characteristics | Common Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Plain | Neutral flavor, versatile | Cream cheese, butter, jam |
| Everything | Savory, complex flavor from seeds, garlic, and onion | Cream cheese, smoked salmon, avocado |
| Sesame | Nutty flavor from sesame seeds | Cream cheese, hummus, deli meats |
| Poppy Seed | Mild, nutty flavor from poppy seeds | Butter, cream cheese, fruit spreads |
| Cinnamon Raisin | Sweet flavor from cinnamon and raisins | Cream cheese, butter, honey |
FAQs: Your Burning Everything Bagel Questions Answered
What is the shelf life of an Everything bagel?
Like most fresh-baked goods, Everything bagels are best enjoyed fresh. However, they can last for 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. To extend their shelf life, you can also freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
Can I make my own Everything bagel seasoning?
Absolutely! Making your own Everything bagel seasoning is easy and allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. Simply combine equal parts of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and flaked sea salt.
Are Everything bagels healthy?
While Everything bagels offer some nutritional value, such as fiber and complex carbohydrates, they are relatively high in calories and carbohydrates. Be mindful of portion sizes and choose healthy toppings. The toppings themselves are generally healthy, offering beneficial fats and micronutrients.
Do Everything bagels contain gluten?
Yes, traditional Everything bagels are made with wheat flour and therefore contain gluten. However, you can find gluten-free Everything bagel alternatives made with gluten-free flours.
Can I toast an Everything bagel?
Yes, toasting an Everything bagel is a common and delicious way to enjoy it. Toasting enhances the flavors of the seasonings and gives the bagel a crispier texture.
Why is it called an “Everything” bagel?
The name “Everything” bagel refers to the fact that it contains a combination of various toppings, supposedly including everything one could want on a bagel.
Are Everything bagels vegan?
Most Everything bagels are vegan, as they are typically made with plant-based ingredients. However, it is always a good idea to double-check the ingredients list, as some recipes may include honey or other non-vegan ingredients.
Where can I buy Everything bagels?
Everything bagels are widely available at bagel shops, bakeries, and most major grocery stores. You can also find them online from various retailers.
What is the best way to store Everything bagels?
The best way to store Everything bagels is in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help to prevent them from drying out and becoming stale. For longer storage, you can freeze them.
Can I use Everything bagel seasoning on other foods?
Absolutely! Everything bagel seasoning is a versatile seasoning that can be used on a variety of foods, such as avocado toast, eggs, salads, grilled chicken, and vegetables.
Does the Everything bagel exist outside of the USA?
While the Everything bagel originated in the United States, its popularity has spread globally. You can now find Everything bagels at bagel shops and bakeries in many countries around the world. However, the exact recipe and availability may vary.
Are there variations on the Everything bagel?
Yes! Some bakeries offer variations on the Everything bagel, such as adding black sesame seeds, caraway seeds, or even red pepper flakes for an extra kick. These variations offer unique twists on the classic flavor profile.