Baked Salmon Bagel Seasoning

I discovered everything bagel seasoning on a lazy Sunday morning when my kitchen smelled like toasted sesame and salt, and I realized I had four salmon fillets but absolutely nothing interesting to do with them. A friend had left a tin of the seasoning on my counter weeks before, and I finally opened it out of pure desperation. Fifteen minutes later, the oven was doing all the work, and I was standing in front of it like a fool watching salmon turn golden and flaky. That simple moment taught me that sometimes the best meals come from happy accidents and whatever you have on hand.

Years ago I made this for my roommate who was going through a phase of eating nothing but "clean" food, and she actually asked for seconds. We sat at the kitchen table with the salmon still steaming, and she admitted she'd been bored out of her mind by her usual meals. That's when I realized healthy food doesn't have to taste like punishment, and this recipe became a regular rotation in our apartment.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: Six ounces each gives you a perfect portion that cooks through in exactly the right time without drying out, and skin-on helps keep everything moist.
• Olive oil: This does two things at once, it helps the seasoning stick and keeps the fish from sticking to the pan.
• Everything bagel seasoning: The real star here with its mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and salt that somehow makes plain fish taste like you spent hours on it.
• Lemon slices: These aren't just decoration, they steam into the fish and add brightness that cuts through the richness of the salmon.
• Fresh dill: Optional but honestly why would you skip it, the herbaceous notes make the whole dish feel complete.

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 400°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup becomes a non-issue and nothing sticks.

Prepare the salmon:

Pat each fillet completely dry with paper towels, because any moisture on the surface is moisture that won't let the seasoning stick properly. This is the detail that changes everything.

Oil and season:

Brush each fillet generously with olive oil on all sides, then sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning evenly over the tops and press it gently so it actually adheres instead of falling off into your mouth.

Add lemon:

Place one lemon slice on top of each fillet, which will keep the fish moist while adding subtle flavor as it steams.

Bake with confidence:

Slide it into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, watching for the salmon to turn opaque and flake easily when you test it with a fork. The thickest part should reach 145°F if you're the checking type.

Finish and serve:

Pull it out, scatter fresh dill and extra lemon wedges on top if you want to look like you actually know what you're doing, and get it on the table while it's hot.

Save Pin

I remember serving this to my partner on a Wednesday night when we were both too tired to think, and the fact that it looked restaurant-quality despite taking less time than a frozen dinner somehow made everything feel okay again. That's when I understood that good food doesn't have to be complicated to matter.

Choosing Your Fish

Salmon is reliable and widely available, but if you find yourself at a good fish counter, steelhead trout and arctic char take this seasoning beautifully too. The key is picking fish with enough fat content to stay moist during baking, so avoid anything that looks too lean or pale. Wild-caught salmon has more flavor than farmed if you can swing it, but honestly any decent quality salmon will work.

What To Serve Alongside

The everything bagel seasoning brings enough savory complexity that you don't need anything fancy on the side, just something to balance it out. I usually throw together a quick salad or roast whatever vegetables look good that day, and a simple grain like rice or couscous rounds things out nicely. The real pairing win is a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness and feels like you actually planned this meal.

Kitchen Tweaks and Substitutions

Once you nail the basic formula, you can play around with what you have on hand. Swap the lemon slices for thin rounds of orange if you want something different, or add a drizzle of soy sauce under the seasoning for umami depth. If your everything bagel seasoning is mild, don't be shy about using the full amount or even a touch more.

• Dill can be swapped for tarragon or chives if that's what's in your garden or fridge.
• If you don't have everything bagel seasoning, make your own by mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and salt.
• Leftover salmon keeps in the fridge for three days and tastes just fine cold in a salad the next day.

Save Pin

This dish proved to me that you don't need hours in the kitchen or a complicated recipe to create something that feels special. It's become my go-to when I want to feed people something they'll actually remember.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What is everything bagel seasoning?

Everything bagel seasoning is a savory mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and salt. It adds a crunchy, flavorful crust to the salmon.

→ Can I use skin-on or skinless salmon?

Both skin-on and skinless salmon fillets work well. Skin-on helps keep the salmon moist and adds texture when baked.

→ How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

→ Can I substitute the salmon with other fish?

Yes, steelhead trout or arctic char are great alternatives that work well with this seasoning and method.

→ What side dishes complement this salmon?

Roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or rice pairs nicely, enhancing the bright and savory flavors of the salmon.