Go Back
Freshly baked homemade bagels on a cooling rack, showcasing a golden-brown crust and topped with sesame seeds.

Homemade Bagels

These homemade bagels are soft, chewy, and perfectly baked, offering a deliciously fresh option for breakfast or brunch that you can customize with your favorite toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rise time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8 bagels

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • baking sheet
  • Parchment paper optional
  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Cups All purpuse flour (bread flour works good too)
  • 1 Tbsp Granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 pkt Dry active yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 1/2 cups Warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 1 tbsp Malt syrup or honey (optional, for boiling)
  • Toppings (e.g., sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

  • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

  • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

First Rise:

  • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Bagels:

  • Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape.

Second Rise:

  • Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes.

Boil the Bagels:

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the malt syrup or honey if using.
  • Boil the bagels in batches for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet.

Add Toppings:

  • While the bagels are still wet, sprinkle your desired toppings on top.

Bake:

  • Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool:

  • Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying!
Keyword Bagels, baking, breakfast, homemade