What is an Everything Bagel? Everything You Need to Know About This American Delicacy!

We’ve all been there: standing in line at the bagel shop, agonizing over which topping to choose. Should it be sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, or onion? Why can’t we just have it all? Well, actually, we can! Enter the everything bagel, the culinary answer to indecisiveness and the ultimate flavor explosion for bagel lovers.

What is an Everything Bagel?

An everything bagel is a type of bagel topped with a savory mix of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion flakes, garlic flakes, and coarse salt. This combination creates a bagel with a complex, robust flavor profile that satisfies a wide range of taste preferences. The everything bagel is made by boiling the dough before baking, just like a regular bagel, but it’s the topping mix that sets it apart. The result is a crunchy, aromatic crust with a chewy interior, making each bite a symphony of flavors and textures.

Who Invented the Everything Bagel?

The origin of the everything bagel is a tale wrapped in mystery and sprinkled with controversy. While several individuals claim to have invented this popular bagel variety, one notable story attributes its creation to David Gussin in the early 1980s. As the story goes, Gussin, then a teenager working in a bagel shop in Queens, New York, decided to use the leftover seeds and spices from other bagel varieties to create a new topping mix. This innovative blend quickly became a hit, giving birth to the everything bagel. Whether this account is the definitive history or just a flavorful anecdote, it highlights the bagel's humble beginnings and creative spirit.

Why is it Called an Everything Bagel?

The name “everything bagel” is as straightforward as it is appetizing. It’s called an everything bagel because it features a bit of “everything” in terms of traditional bagel toppings. The mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt creates a bagel that offers the best of all worlds. It’s a clever, catchy name that perfectly captures the essence of this flavorful creation – a bagel that doesn't make you choose just one topping but lets you enjoy them all in harmony.

Everything Bagel vs. Regular Bagel

While regular bagels are delicious in their simplicity, the everything bagel stands out due to its diverse toppings. A plain bagel offers a blank canvas, often enjoyed with various spreads like cream cheese or butter. In contrast, the everything bagel comes pre-loaded with a robust mix of seasonings, providing a flavorful punch right from the first bite. It’s like the difference between a basic sandwich and a fully loaded sub – both are satisfying, but one offers a more complex, multi-layered experience. For those who enjoy a little extra zing with their bagel, the everything bagel is the clear winner.