Everything Bagel Bits

Everything Bagel Bits: The Perfect Snack Recipe

Introduction

Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of freshly baked bagels wafting through your kitchen. The warm, comforting scent promises a delicious treat is just moments away. For those who enjoy savory snacks that are both crunchy and flavorful, Everything Bagel Bits are the perfect solution.

Derived from the iconic “everything bagel” seasoning blend, these bite-sized snacks combine a variety of textures and flavors that will elevate any snack time. Whether you’re a culinary expert or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to creating a snack that’s as simple to make as it is delicious.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, instructions, and some tips to make sure you get the perfect batch every time.

Ingredients

To make your batch of Everything Bagel Bits, gather the following ingredients:

Plain Bagels (4-6, depending on the size and number of servings; you can opt for gluten-free bagels if preferred)

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)

Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon)

Poppy Seeds (1 tablespoon)

Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)

Onion Powder (1 teaspoon)

Sea Salt (½ teaspoon)

Optional Substitutions:

Bagel Type: While plain bagels are the classic choice, you can also experiment with whole wheat, multigrain, or even cinnamon raisin bagels to give the bits a unique flavor twist. For those on a gluten-free diet, simply opt for gluten-free bagels to maintain the taste without compromising dietary needs.

Seasoning Variations: Feel free to adjust the seasoning ratios based on your personal taste. For instance, if you love garlic, add a little more garlic powder. If you prefer more texture, you can double the sesame and poppy seeds. Customize to your liking!

Instructions

Making Everything Bagel Bits is simple and fun. Here’s how you can create these crunchy, flavorful bites:

Preheat Your Oven
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). The oven must be fully preheated to ensure that the bagel bits bake evenly, allowing them to achieve that perfect crunch.

Prepare the Bagels
Slice the bagels into small, bite-sized cubes. Use a serrated knife to avoid squashing the bagels. Try to cut them into pieces roughly 1-inch in size for the best balance of crunch and flavor. The more uniform the pieces, the more evenly they’ll cook.

Coat the Bagel Cubes with Olive Oil
In a large mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil over the bagel cubes. Toss gently to make sure each cube is coated with oil. The oil helps to crisp up the bagel pieces while giving them a rich, satisfying texture.

Add the Seasoning
In the same mixing bowl, sprinkle the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt over the bagel pieces. Toss everything together until the bagels are fully coated with the seasoning. Ensure that every piece has a good amount of seasoning for maximum flavor.

Bake the Bagel Bits
Spread the seasoned bagel cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Avoid overcrowding the pieces to ensure they bake evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, toss the bagel bits gently to ensure that all sides are golden brown and crispy.

Cool and Serve
Once the bagel bits are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This will allow them to firm up and become even crispier. Serve them once cooled, or store them for later enjoyment.

Tips for Perfect Everything Bagel Bits

To ensure that your Everything Bagel Bits are perfectly crispy, flavorful, and satisfying, here are a few tips:

Uniform Size Matters
When cutting your bagels, try to make sure the pieces are as uniform as possible. This will help them bake evenly, preventing some bits from being overcooked or undercooked.

Toss Halfway Through
When baking the bagel bits, be sure to toss them halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that all sides of the bagels get crispy and golden, and none of them are left soft or chewy.

Customize the Seasoning
One of the best parts about this recipe is how customizable it is. If you like more garlic flavor, add a bit more garlic powder. For a spicy kick, you can toss in some chili flakes or cayenne pepper. You could also experiment with other seasonings like dried herbs or nutritional yeast for an extra layer of flavor.

Try Different Bagel Types
While plain bagels work wonderfully, don’t be afraid to experiment with other flavors. Whole wheat or multigrain bagels will provide a heartier flavor, while cinnamon raisin bagels could add an interesting sweet and savory twist. Just make sure to pair the seasonings accordingly.

Storage

While freshly baked Everything Bagel Bits are best enjoyed right out of the oven, you can store any leftovers for later enjoyment. Here’s how:

Storage Container: Place the bagel bits in an airtight container or a resealable bag. This will help keep them crispy for a longer time.

Room Temperature: Store them at room temperature for up to 1 week. The lack of moisture helps the bagel bits stay crunchy.

Freezing: If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze the bagel bits. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to warm them up and restore their crispness.

Serving Suggestions

These Everything Bagel Bits are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways, either on their own or as part of a larger meal. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Snack Time
Serve these bagel bits as a crunchy snack on their own. Pair them with a refreshing drink, like iced tea or lemonade, for the perfect afternoon treat.

Topping for Soups
Add some texture to your soup with these bagel bits. They are especially great on creamy soups like tomato bisque or potato leek soup, where their crunch contrasts perfectly with the smooth texture of the soup.

Salad Croutons
These bagel bits can be used as a fun, flavorful alternative to traditional croutons. Toss them on top of your favorite salad for a savory crunch that complements the freshness of the greens.

Dip Companion
These bagel bits also pair wonderfully with your favorite dips, such as hummus, guacamole, or ranch dressing. Their crunchy texture and savory flavor make them a perfect vessel for scooping up dips.

Breakfast Side
You can serve these bits as a side to a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or a savory omelet. Their bold seasoning will elevate the flavors of your breakfast dish.

Conclusion

Making your own Everything Bagel Bits at home is not only fun but also a great way to enjoy a crunchy, flavorful snack without the artificial ingredients found in store-bought snacks. Whether you enjoy them on their own or as a topping for salads, soups, or dips, these bagel bits are sure to satisfy your savory cravings.

Plus, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste, making it a snack that you’ll return to time and time again. With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and endless serving possibilities, Everything Bagel Bits are bound to become your new favorite homemade treat!