Everything Bagel Buns: A Savory Twist for Breakfast and Brunch

A savory blend of seeds and soft dough promises a new way to start your day.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Created on

Everything Bagel Buns: The Ultimate Savory Breakfast Treat

Imagine the classic flavors of an everything bagel—poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried onion and garlic, and a hit of flaky salt—wrapped around a pillow-soft bun filled with luscious cream cheese. Everything Bagel Buns take the beloved breakfast staple and reinvent it as a tender, pull-apart treat, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a savory delight.
Whether you’re hosting family or spicing up your weekend morning, this recipe brings together familiar flavors in a comforting, easy-to-share format.

What Are Everything Bagel Buns?

Everything bagel buns are a hybrid of a classic bagel and a soft, fluffy bun. Instead of boiling and baking dough rings, you’ll wrap soft enriched dough around a generous layer of cream cheese, roll it into a log, slice it, and bake it in a pan, allowing the buns to rise together like cinnamon rolls. Each bun is coated in homemade everything bagel seasoning for flavor and crunch in every bite.
They’re an irresistible breakfast centerpiece, offering the chewiness of buns and the iconic savory crunch of bagels.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The recipe is divided into two main components: the savory bun dough and the everything bagel filling.

  • Savory Bun Dough:
    • Whole milk: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
    • Vegetable oil: Keeps the buns moist.
    • Sugar: Balances flavor and feeds the yeast.
    • Active dry yeast: Leavens the dough for a soft rise.
    • All-purpose flour: The base structure of the buns.
    • Baking powder & baking soda: Support extra lift and flavor.
    • Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and controls fermentation.
  • Everything Bagel Filling:
    • Poppy seeds
    • Toasted sesame seeds
    • Flaky sea salt
    • Dried garlic flakes
    • Dried onion flakes
    • Coarsely ground black pepper
    • Salted butter
    • Cream cheese, softened for easy spreading
    • All-purpose flour for dusting
IngredientPurpose
Whole MilkEnriches, softens dough
Vegetable OilKeeps buns moist
SugarSweetens and feeds yeast
Active Dry YeastLeavening
FlourMain structure
Baking Powder/SodaExtra lift, flavor
Kosher SaltFlavor and dough control
Cream CheeseRich, creamy filling
Bagel SeasoningSignature flavor & crunch
ButterEnhances moisture, flavor

Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Everything Bagel Buns

Prepare the Dough

  • Warm Milk Mixture: Heat milk, oil, and sugar just until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, let cool until lukewarm.
  • Bloom Yeast: Sprinkle yeast over the warm milk mixture. Wait for visible bubbling, about 1 minute.
  • First Flour Addition: Stir in most of the flour (2 cups) until you have a shaggy dough. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour in a warm spot. The dough should double in size.
  • Add Remaining Dry Ingredients: Whisk together baking powder, baking soda, salt, and remaining flour. Add this mixture to the dough, then stir and knead until elastic and not too sticky (~2 minutes).
  • Optionally, refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days. Punch down if it rises too much.

Mix the Everything Bagel Seasoning

Combine poppy seeds, sesame seeds, flaky salt, dried garlic flakes, dried onion flakes, and black pepper in a small bowl. This blend is the key to the buns’ signature flavor.

Roll, Fill, and Shape the Buns

  • Roll Out Dough: Use a lightly floured surface to roll dough to a 10-by-15-inch rectangle, longer side facing you.
  • Spread Cream Cheese: Evenly spread softened cream cheese over the surface.
  • Sprinkle Seasoning: Sprinkle two tablespoons of the everything seasoning onto the cream cheese layer.
  • Roll Into Log: Starting from the long side farthest from you, tightly roll the dough towards you. Pinch seam to seal.
  • Slice: Cut the finished log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife.

Arrange and Second Rise

  • Prepare the Pan: Brush a 9-inch round cake or deep-dish pie pan with melted butter.
  • Arrange Slices: Place buns cut-side up. Brush tops with melted butter. Sprinkle with remaining seasoning.
  • Proof: Cover the pan with a towel. Let rise until puffy and nearly doubled (~20 minutes).

Bake and Finish

  • Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F while buns finish rising.
  • Bake: 20-25 minutes until golden, but not overly brown.
  • Butter Drizzle: Right after baking, drizzle the buns generously with melted butter for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Serving Suggestions for Everything Bagel Buns

  • Enjoy warm straight from the pan, pulling apart each cheesy, savory bun.
  • Great for breakfast spreads: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or fruit.
  • Perfect for brunch gatherings: They stand out as a savory centerpiece that can be made ahead.
  • Pair with jam, smoked salmon, or sliced deli meats for a build-your-own breakfast sandwich.
  • These buns travel well—bring them to potlucks or picnics!

Tips for Success

  • Let your dough rise in a warm place for best results—oven with the light on or near a sunny window.
  • Don’t rush the yeast bloom. Visible bubbling lets you know it’s active.
  • Softened cream cheese spreads best and will melt into the buns as they bake.
  • If you prefer, use store-bought everything bagel seasoning, but homemade allows for customization.
  • Leftovers keep well in airtight containers; reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Modifications and Variations

  • Add chopped scallions to the dough or filling for extra oniony zing.
  • Swap cream cheese for whipped feta or herbed goat cheese.
  • Use alternative seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin) for a twist on the classic seasoning.
  • Make mini versions by slicing the rolled log thinner and using a muffin tin.
  • Try using whole wheat flour for added flavor and nutrition.

How Do Everything Bagel Buns Compare to Classic Everything Bagels?

FeatureBagel BunsClassic Bagels
TextureSoft, tender, fluffyChewy, dense
PreparationBaked in a pan, no boilingBoiled then baked
FillingCream cheese insideCream cheese spread after baking
Serving StylePull-apart buns, great for sharingIndividual rings

Breakfast Inspiration: More Recipes to Try

  • French Toast Recipes: Sweet, custardy slices perfect for weekend mornings.
  • Halloween Breakfast Ideas: Playful ways to start spooky celebrations.
  • Cozy Fall Breakfasts: Pumpkin spice pancakes, apple fritters, and more for brisk mornings.
  • Breakfast Tacos: Crispy, flavorful, and quick for busy days.
  • Blackberry Jam: Homemade jam adds to buns or toast for a sweet-tart treat.
  • Father’s Day Brunch: Feast on steak and eggs, savory pastries, and classic brunch drinks.
  • Creamy Country Gravy and Biscuits: Southern comfort for weekend indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make everything bagel buns ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the dough up to three days ahead and keep in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature, roll out, fill, and bake when ready. Baked buns store well for two days; simply reheat before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have all the spices for everything bagel seasoning?

Feel free to substitute or omit spices based on what you have. Toasted sesame and poppy seeds are key; dried garlic and onion are classic but not strictly necessary.

Q: How should I store leftover buns?

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat in oven at 300°F until warm, or microwave briefly.

Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?

A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend will work, but the texture may be slightly different—softer and less chewy than traditional wheat buns.

Q: Are these buns freezer-friendly?

Yes! Bake and cool completely, then freeze in individual portions. Thaw overnight and reheat gently in the oven.

Why These Buns Deserve a Spot on Your Breakfast Table

Everything Bagel Buns deliver comfort and flavor in a novel format. Their pull-apart style encourages sharing, their cream cheese center offers satisfying richness, and their crispy, seasoned tops guarantee the classic everything bagel experience with every bite. Try making them for your next brunch gathering or just to upgrade a weekday breakfast—your mornings will thank you.

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete