These Crispy Everything Bagel Bits are a brilliant, zero-waste solution for turning day-old bread into a gourmet, high-crunch snack. By cubing plain or pre-seasoned bagels and tossing them in a light emulsion of olive oil and everything bagel seasoning, you create a toasted crouton that is far superior to store-bought versions.
The dense, chewy crumb of the bagel allows it to withstand the high heat of a 375°F oven, resulting in a deeply golden exterior that shatters upon impact while maintaining a satisfyingly sturdy core.
Crunchy. Savory. Addictive. And made from bagels you might have thrown away.
Why These Bagel Bits Work
✅ Zero-waste – Uses day-old or stale bagels that might otherwise be tossed
✅ Incredibly crunchy – The dense bagel crumb creates perfect texture
✅ Packed with flavor – Everything bagel seasoning in every bite
✅ Versatile – Snack, salad topper, soup companion, or gift
✅ Better than store-bought – Fresher, more flavorful, customizable
✅ Simple ingredients – Bagels, oil, seasoning – that’s it
✅ Ready in 15 minutes – Quick and satisfying
The Ingredients
Ingredient Amount Notes
Day-old bagels 4 medium Plain, everything, or sesame work best
Olive oil 3 tablespoons Or avocado oil
Everything bagel seasoning 2 tablespoons Store-bought or homemade
Optional: Garlic powder ½ teaspoon For extra savory depth
For Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning:
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
2 teaspoons flaky sea salt
The Method: Cube, Toss, Bake, Crunch
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cube the Bagels
Cut bagels into ½-inch cubes. Day-old bagels are perfect—they’re drier and crisp up better. If your bagels are fresh, let them sit out for a few hours or toast briefly to dry them out.
Step 3: Season
In a large bowl, combine:
Bagel cubes
Olive oil
Everything bagel seasoning
Garlic powder (if using)
Toss until every cube is evenly coated.
Step 4: Bake
Spread the bagel cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let cool completely on the baking sheet. They’ll continue to crisp as they cool. Store in an airtight container.
Pro-Tips for Bagel Bit Perfection
1. Use Day-Old Bagels
Fresh bagels have too much moisture. Stale bagels crisp up perfectly. If you only have fresh bagels, let them sit out uncovered for a few hours or toast at 200°F for 10 minutes before cubing.
2. Cut Uniformly
Consistent cube size ensures even baking. Aim for ½-inch pieces.
3. Don’t Overcrowd
Spread cubes in a single layer. Overcrowding creates steam, not crispiness.
4. Stir Halfway
Flipping the cubes halfway through ensures even browning on all sides.
5. Cool Completely
The bits will continue to crisp as they cool. Don’t skip this step.
6. Double the Batch
These disappear fast. Make extra.
Flavor Variations
Garlic Parmesan:
Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the seasoning.
Spicy Everything:
Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning.
Rosemary Sea Salt:
Toss with 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary and flaky sea salt.
Cinnamon Sugar:
Skip the savory seasoning. Toss with 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Ranch Bagel Bits:
Toss with 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix.
Cheesy:
Add ¼ cup nutritional yeast or finely grated Parmesan.
Ways to Use Everything Bagel Bits
Snack by the handful – The most obvious and best use
Salad topper – Adds crunch and flavor to any salad
Soup companion – Sprinkle on creamy soups
Avocado toast topping – Elevates your avocado game
Mac and cheese topping – Crunchy, savory perfection
Roasted vegetable garnish – Adds texture to roasted broccoli or cauliflower
Cheese board addition – A crunchy, savory element
Gift in a jar – Layer in a mason jar with a pretty ribbon
Storage
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. If they lose crispness, reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Freezer:
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. No need to thaw—reheat at 350°F for 5-8 minutes.
Your Bagel Bit Questions, Answered
Can I use any type of bagel?
Yes! Plain, everything, sesame, poppy seed, or even cinnamon raisin (for sweet bits) all work.
Can I use gluten-free bagels?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bagels work well—they may be slightly more delicate.
My bits aren’t crispy. What went wrong?
Either too much oil, overcrowded pan, or not baked long enough. Next time, use less oil and spread them out.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway.
Can I use bagel chips instead?
You can, but fresh bagels give you that chewy-crispy contrast that chips can’t match.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.