Copycat Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Dip

Listen to me: open your recipe binder up to the “OMG” section, clear a spot, print this recipe out, then stuff it inside. You will thank me later!!

This weekend is Iowa’s Super Bowl, aka The University of Iowa vs Iowa State football game, and I’m already nauseous. What can I say, since Iowa doesn’t have a NFL team we take our college football seriously. Although I went to UNI, and Ben actually did attend Iowa State, we’re both rooting for the Hawkeyes and this matchup, this year, should be one for the books. I’m so excited not just for the game, but for what I’ll be nervously stuffing into my face whilst watching said game – Copycat Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Dip. Like I said, this recipe is OMG-good!!

If you’re a TJ’s fan, you’ve most likely seen and heard the buzz around their new Everything But the Bagel Dip product which is Greek yogurt combined with their mega popular Everything But the Bagel Seasoning blend. While we do have a Trader Joe’s in town, I rarely find myself with the opportunity to get there, so, what’s an Everything But the Bagel Dip craving gal to do?

MAKE. HER. OWN!

This dip recipe is so insanely yummy that I made it, nearly ate half, then put it away in the fridge. Took it back out then ate more dip. Put it away again. Snuck in a few more dunks then took a long, hard look at myself in the mirror. Wiped the sour cream off my face then went back–  just kidding. Figured eating a tub of sour cream in one day wasn’t a good look.

Speaking of sour cream – while Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Dip is a Greek yogurt based dip, I personally don’t love using Greek yogurt in dips so I initially tested this recipe using sour cream. That said, I figured TJ’s knew what they were doing when developing the dip so I also tested using Greek yogurt and have to admit it’s really good, too. I grew up eating potato chips and sour cream, so I do prefer that flavor, but the Greek yogurt version is undeniably delicious. Point being – you can use either! But definitely try the sour cream version at least once. ;)

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Sour Cream and Chive Dip

This dip recipe is awesome with fresh vegetables (Cameron demolished a bowl with three baby peppers yesterday – winning!!) but man oh man, you cannot beat a crispy, salty potato chip dunked into a sour cream-based dip. Heaven!

Copycat Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Dip is best made a day ahead of time, so the seasoning blend has a chance to meld with the sour cream or Greek yogurt, and just gets better and better as it sits. I have two batches sitting in my fridge waiting for kick off tomorrow – leftovers (if there are any!) are destined for baked potatoes on Sunday night!

How to Make Copycat Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Dip:

Start by making the homemade Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning blend. If you’ve got a jar of the real thing from Trader Joe’s – super! If not, it’s very easy to make at home. All you need is:

• 1-1/2 Tablespoons dried minced onion
• 1-1/2 Tablespoons white sesame seeds
• 1 Tablespoon dried minced garlic
• 1 Tablespoon black sesame seeds
• 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
• 3/4 Tablespoons flaky sea salt OR regular table salt

Add all the ingredients into a jar with a tight fitting lid then shake to combine. This homemade recipe makes a scant 1/2 cup, so you’ll have a couple Tablespoons of leftover seasoning for topping scrambled eggs, avocado toast – whatever your heart desires!

Now, one step you’ll need to take if using the homemade Everything But the Bagel Seasoning blend is quickly toasting it. On its own the mixture tastes a little bitter, on account of the raw dried minced onion and garlic. Toasting not only takes away the bitterness, but also enhances the flavor of the blend.

All you have to do is add 1/3 cup homemade Everything But the Bagel Seasoning blend into a small pot or skillet over medium heat then let sit for 15-20 seconds and swirl the pan. Keep doing this until the minced onion and sesame seeds are light golden brown and the mixture is very fragrant. It only takes a minute or so.

Add the toasted seasoning blend to a bowl with 16oz sour cream OR plain Greek yogurt then mix to combine. Again, I prefer using sour cream over Greek yogurt, but both are fantastic.

Locals – you know it’s got to be AE or nothing at all! ;)

As I mentioned, this dip tastes best when it’s had a chance to sit overnight – truly it just gets better and better as it sits. UGH, SO GOOD!!! Copycat Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Dip tastes super with fresh crudite but, between you and me, nothing beats a crunchy potato chip and dip. However you eat it – enjoy!