There’s something magical about a fresh, golden bagel pulled straight from the oven. This bagel recipe is your ticket to recreating that bakery-style goodness right in your own kitchen. With their chewy texture, shiny crust, and endless topping possibilities, bagels have long been a breakfast favorite worldwide. Originating from Eastern European Jewish communities, bagels have since become a global staple—trending again as more home bakers look for simple, comforting recipes. If you’ve ever wanted to master a bagel recipe at home, this step-by-step guide will show you how.
Why You’ll Love This Bagel Recipe
- Simple ingredients – No fancy items required, just pantry basics.
- Chewy, bakery-style texture – Achieve the perfect bite without leaving your kitchen.
- Customizable flavors – From sesame seeds to everything seasoning, the options are endless.
- Beginner-friendly – Even if you’ve never baked bread, this recipe is approachable.
- Cost-effective – Skip the expensive bakery bagels and make a batch at home for less.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Bagel Recipe
- Bread flour – The higher protein content gives bagels their signature chewiness.
- Yeast – Helps the dough rise and creates that fluffy interior.
- Warm water – Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
- Sugar or honey – Adds subtle sweetness and helps with browning.
- Salt – Balances flavor and strengthens the dough.
- Optional toppings – Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or coarse salt for crunch and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Bagel Recipe
- Activate the yeast – Mix warm water with yeast and sugar. Let it sit until frothy.
- Form the dough – Add flour and salt, then knead until smooth and elastic.
- First rise – Cover and let the dough double in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape the bagels – Divide into equal portions, roll into balls, and poke a hole in the center.
- Second rise – Place shaped bagels on a tray, cover, and let rest briefly.
- Boil the bagels – Drop each bagel into simmering water for about 1 minute per side to create the chewy crust.
- Add toppings – Sprinkle with sesame, poppy seeds, or your favorite seasoning.
- Bake – Transfer to a hot oven and bake until golden brown and firm.
Expert Tip: For extra shine and flavor, add a spoonful of honey or malt syrup to the boiling water.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Sweet version – Add cinnamon and raisins for a breakfast twist.
- Whole wheat – Swap part of the flour with whole wheat for a heartier option.
- Stuffed bagels – Fill with cream cheese or Nutella before baking.
- Gluten-free – Use a gluten-free bread flour blend for dietary needs.
How to Store & Reheat
- Room temperature – Store cooled bagels in an airtight bag for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Slice bagels, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat – Toast straight from the freezer or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this bagel recipe, you’ll definitely want to try a few other sweet and bakery-style treats from my kitchen. For a fun twist, check out these Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies — crisp, cinnamon-sugar goodness wrapped in a soft cookie bite. Fall lovers will adore these Baked Pumpkin Donuts that are soft, fluffy, and full of cozy spice flavor. And for something indulgent yet elegant, don’t miss these White Chocolate Blueberry Cheesecake Cupcakes, bursting with creamy sweetness and fruity brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need bread flour for this bagel recipe?
Yes, bread flour is best for chewy texture, but you can substitute all-purpose flour in a pinch (bagels will be softer).
Why do you boil bagels before baking?
Boiling gelatinizes the surface starch, creating a shiny crust and signature chewiness.
Can I make bagels ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the dough, refrigerate overnight, and boil/bake the next morning for fresh bagels.
What toppings work best?
Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning, coarse salt, or even cheese are all delicious choices.
This bagel recipe brings bakery-quality results right into your kitchen with minimal effort. Soft, chewy, and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Ready to bake your first batch? Give it a try, share your results, and don’t forget to explore more homemade bread recipes for your collection.
Bagel Recipe – Homemade Chewy Bagels
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 ½ cups warm water 110°F / 45°C
- 2 tbsp sugar or honey
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar for boiling water
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, coarse salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape into balls, then poke a hole through the center of each and stretch gently.
- Let shaped bagels rest on a lined tray for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a simmer and add 1 tbsp sugar.
- Boil each bagel for 1 minute per side, then transfer to a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with desired toppings.
- Bake 20–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving warm or toasting later.