Everything Bagel Bits

Introduction
Everything Bagel Bits are a smaller, bite-sized twist on the classic everything bagel. They’re soft, warm, chewy, and loaded with that iconic seasoning blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt. These little bites are perfect for breakfast, snacking, lunchboxes, game day spreads, or pairing with dips. With a golden exterior and a fluffy interior, they capture the full flavor of a bakery bagel but in a fun, mini, addictive form.

History
Bagels originated in Jewish communities of Poland in the 1600s and became a staple food once brought to North America. The everything bagel itself is believed to have been created sometime in the 1980s by combining leftover toppings from the bagel prep board into a single, bold flavor blend. Everything Bagel Bits are a modern evolution inspired by soft pretzel bites, snackable bread, and the popularity of everything seasoning. They take the traditional concept and turn it into a sharable comfort food.

Ingredients
For the dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 tablespoons olive oil

For boiling
8 cups water
2 tablespoons baking soda

For topping
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
4 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
Optional: extra flaky salt

Optional filling ideas
Cream cheese cubes
Chive cream cheese
Garlic herb cheese spread
Shredded cheddar

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until bubbly.
2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Punch the dough down and roll it into a long rope about 1½ inches thick.
6. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to form the bagel bits.
7. Optional: Press a small cube of cream cheese inside each piece and pinch tightly to seal.
8. Bring 8 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
9. Drop the dough pieces into the boiling water in batches for 20–25 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place onto a parchment-lined baking tray.
10. Brush the tops of each dough bite with egg wash.
11. Sprinkle generously with everything seasoning.
12. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Method
The key method in this recipe is the boil-before-bake technique. Boiling the dough in baking soda water creates the classic bagel chew and gives the exterior a dense, glossy finish. The rise time allows the gluten to develop, ensuring the bites stay soft and airy inside. The egg wash locks on the seasoning and provides a shiny, crisp crust.

Benefits
They are easy to share and serve, perfect for gatherings.
They store well and reheat beautifully.
They offer high energy from carbs, protein from flour, and optional calcium from cheese.
Customizable for sweet, savory, or stuffed versions.
Much cheaper and fresher than store-bought bagel bites.

Formation
The structure of the dough is based on traditional bread formation. The gluten development gives the bites their chewy texture. The boiling step forms a tight outer skin that helps the dough puff in the oven without collapsing. The seasoning attaches during the egg wash stage so the bits come out fully coated.

Nutrition (per 6 pieces, approximate)
Calories: 260
Carbs: 48g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: depends on seasoning amount
If filled with cheese, calories and protein increase.

Lovers
These Everything Bagel Bits are especially loved by people who enjoy bakery-style snacks, kids who want mini handheld bites, adults who love everything seasoning on anything, and families who want homemade comfort food.

Conclusion
Everything Bagel Bits are a fun, flavorful, and satisfying twist on the iconic bagel. They offer the same chewy texture and bold seasoning but in a small, snackable form that fits every occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain, dipped, or stuffed with cream cheese, they deliver bakery-level quality straight from your kitchen.