Bagel Recipe – Homemade Chewy Bagels
This easy bagel recipe creates bakery-style bagels with a golden crust and chewy inside. Simple ingredients, customizable toppings, and beginner-friendly steps make it perfect for home bakers.
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.
Notes
For shinier bagels, add a spoonful of honey or malt syrup to the boiling water.
Use bread flour for best chewiness; all-purpose flour works but creates softer bagels.
Store cooled bagels in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.