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Homemade Bagels

Chewy on the outside, soft on the inside, these homemade bagels are a delicious and rewarding baking project. Whether you enjoy them plain, topped with seeds, or loaded with cream cheese, making bagels from scratch is simpler than you think and well worth the effort.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 40 minutes

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Dough hook (stand mixer) or wooden spoon (by hand)
  • Kitchen scale (optional but helpful)
  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Slotted spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Ingredients

  • For the Dough:
  • 4 cups 500g bread flour (plus more for kneading)
  • 2 tsp 10g salt
  • 1 tbsp 12g granulated sugar
  • 2¼ tsp 1 packet / 7g active dry yeast
  • 1¼ cups 300ml warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • For Boiling:
  • 2 quarts 1.9L water
  • 1 tbsp 15g granulated sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp 15g baking soda (optional, for darker crust)
  • Optional Toppings:
  • Sesame seeds
  • Poppy seeds
  • Everything bagel seasoning
  • Dried onion flakes
  • Sea salt

Instructions

  • Make the Dough:
  • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture.
  • Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little extra flour if too sticky.
  • Let the Dough Rise:
  • Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
  • Let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Shape the Bagels:
  • Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
  • Roll each piece into a ball. To form the bagels, poke a hole in the center of each ball with your finger and stretch gently to make a 1½–2 inch hole.
  • Boil the Bagels:
  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add sugar or honey and baking soda.
  • Boil each bagel for 1 minute per side. This helps create the chewy crust.
  • Add Toppings (Optional):
  • Remove bagels with a slotted spoon, letting water drain off.
  • Place on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with desired toppings.
  • Bake:
  • Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Servings: 8 medium sized bagels