Vanilla Ice Cream Gets a Savory Twist: Elevate Your Scoop with Everything Bagel Seasoning

Vanilla ice cream has long been the underdog of the dessert world, often dismissed as the plain Jane in a parade of bold, adventurous flavors. But hold onto your spoons—this unassuming classic is about to get a major upgrade. Enter everything bagel seasoning, the pantry hero that’s about to transform your vanilla ice cream into an extraordinary treat.

Why Vanilla Ice Cream Deserves a Second Chance

Let’s face it: vanilla can seem a bit mundane compared to its more flamboyant counterparts like rocky road or mint chocolate chip. But before you write it off, consider this: vanilla’s subtle, creamy notes are the perfect canvas for a flavor makeover. With just a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, this simple scoop of vanilla can be elevated from meh to magical.

Here’s the scoop: everything bagel seasoning, which you might know from its star turn on your favorite bagels, contains a delightful mix of sesame seeds, flaky sea salt, poppy seeds, and dried minced onion and garlic. This blend brings a savory, nutty crunch that complements vanilla’s mellow sweetness in the most surprising way. The seasoning’s slightly spicy and vegetal notes meld with the ice cream’s sweetness, creating a duo so intriguing you’ll be daring your friends to give it a try.

The magic happens when the seasoning’s salt and nutty crunch meet vanilla’s creamy sweetness. The sharpness of garlic and onion is softened by the ice cream, resulting in a complex yet harmonious flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a drizzle of honey to mellow the seasoning’s savory notes, or toss in some crushed graham crackers or granola for extra texture and crunch.

Savory Toppings to Transform Your Sweet Treat

Once you dip your toes into the world of savory ice cream toppings, it’s hard to look back. Vanilla’s natural sweetness makes it an ideal base for exploring bold flavors without sacrificing its dessert credentials. Here are a few delicious ways to jazz up your vanilla ice cream with savory twists:

Everything Bagel with a Twist: Mix everything bagel seasoning with crushed BBQ potato chips for a sweet and spicy kick. The BBQ chips add a smoky, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the seasoning.

Sesame and Tajín: If you’re a fan of the nutty notes in the seasoning, blend it with black and white sesame seeds and a dash of Tajín. The lime and chili salt from Tajín add a zesty, refreshing touch that’s perfect for summer.

Olive Oil and Sea Salt: For a simpler, yet sophisticated treat, drizzle high-quality olive oil over your vanilla ice cream and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt. The olive oil enhances the richness of the ice cream, while the sea salt adds a gourmet edge.

In the world of desserts, sometimes the simplest ingredients can make the most profound changes. So, the next time you’re faced with a tub of vanilla ice cream and a jar of everything bagel seasoning, remember: this classic combination is more than meets the eye. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself with a new favorite dessert that’s as exciting as it is unexpected.