Go Back
To make tasty bagels at home, you need these key ingredients: - 4 cups bread flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C) - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons salt - 2 tablespoons honey (for boiling) - Assorted toppings (like sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning) These ingredients work together to create bagels that are soft inside and chewy outside. Bread flour gives them structure. Yeast helps them rise. Warm water activates the yeast. Sugar feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness. Salt brings out the flavors. Honey helps with the boiling process and adds a touch of flavor. Finally, toppings add crunch and taste. You can also add these optional ingredients to mix things up: - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Cheese - Fresh herbs If you love garlic or onion, sprinkle some powder into the dough. Cheese adds a rich taste. Fresh herbs bring in a burst of flavor. These fun additions let you create bagels that suit your fancy. Want a unique twist? Try a blend of toppings for a flavor explosion. You can find the full recipe in the article. Start by mixing warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. You want the water to be about 110°F (45°C). Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This waiting time helps the yeast froth up, showing it is ready to work. If you see bubbles forming, you know your yeast is active and good to go! In a large mixing bowl, sift together the bread flour and salt. This step ensures an even mix. Make a well in the center, and pour in the frothy yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough becomes shaggy. Then, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough with your hands for about 10 minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. If it sticks, add a bit more flour. Next, lightly grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough inside the bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size during this time. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air trapped inside. Now, divide the dough into 8 equal parts. Roll each piece into a ball. Use your finger to poke a hole in the center of each ball, shaping it into a bagel. Make sure the hole is big enough, as it will shrink during cooking. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a gentle boil. Add honey to the water, stirring it in well. Carefully place the bagels in the boiling water, making sure they don’t stick together. Boil each side for 1-2 minutes. This step helps create that classic chewy bagel texture. Once boiled, use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a greased baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the bagels are still wet, sprinkle your choice of toppings over them. This helps the toppings stick. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and a lovely aroma. After baking, let the bagels cool on a wire rack. This cooling step helps them firm up before you enjoy your delicious homemade bagels. For the full recipe, check out Bagel Bliss 🥯. Boiling is key to great bagels. This step gives them that unique chew. The honey in the boiling water adds flavor and shine. Adjust the water temperature to about 110°F. This warmth helps activate the yeast. Yeast loves warmth and needs it to grow well. One mistake is over-kneading the dough. Knead until smooth, about 10 minutes. Too much kneading can make bagels tough. Also, do not skip the rise time. Let the dough rise until it doubles. Rushing this step will lead to dense bagels. You can get creative with toppings. Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and everything seasoning are popular. Try adding garlic or onion powder for extra flavor. For serving, pair bagels with spreads like cream cheese or butter. Sliced bagels topped with smoked salmon are a classic. You can find the full recipe for the perfect bagels in the previous section. {{image_4}} You can make your bagels even more fun by adding flavors. - Everything bagel seasoning: This mix contains sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion. It gives your bagels a savory crunch. Just sprinkle it on right after boiling. - Sweet bagels: If you like sweet treats, try a cinnamon sugar mix. Combine sugar and cinnamon, then coat your bagels before baking. It makes for a delightful breakfast or snack. Do you need gluten-free bagels? You can make them by swapping out the flour. - Substituting flour types: Use a gluten-free blend that is meant for bread. These blends often have a mix of flours and starches to mimic bread flour. - Adjusting measurements: Gluten-free dough may need more liquid. Start with the same water amount, then add more as needed. Aim for a smooth, pliable dough. Making vegan bagels is simple and tasty! - Non-dairy alternatives: Use almond milk or soy milk instead of regular milk. You can also replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for that sweet touch. - Egg substitutes: If your recipe calls for eggs, use flaxseed meal or chia seeds. Mix one tablespoon of either with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, then add it to your dough. These variations will help you create unique bagels for everyone to enjoy. Try mixing and matching flavors to find your favorite! To keep your homemade bagels fresh, store them properly. You can keep bagels at room temperature for a short time. Use a clean cloth to wrap them. This keeps them soft, but only for a day or two. If you want to save them longer, it’s best to use the fridge. However, the fridge can dry them out. So, always use airtight containers. This method helps keep them moist and fresh for about a week. Freezing bagels is a great way to keep them tasty. Start by letting them cool completely. Once cool, place each bagel in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze bagels for up to three months. When you want to enjoy a bagel, take one out. Let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, pop it in the toaster or oven. Heat it for around 5-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for a fresh, chewy bite. Enjoy your bagels again with your favorite toppings! Homemade bagels stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. Store them at room temperature in a paper bag. This keeps them soft without making them soggy. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Place them in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. When you want to eat them, just toast or warm them up. Yes, you can make bagels without yeast. You can use baking powder instead. This makes a quick version of bagels. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and yogurt. Knead it, shape it, and bake. They won't taste the same but will still be tasty. Bagels may not be chewy for a few reasons. First, they might not have boiled long enough. Boiling helps give bagels their chewy texture. Second, using all-purpose flour instead of bread flour can change the texture. Bread flour has more protein, which helps with chewiness. Lastly, under-kneading the dough can also make them soft. Make sure to knead well until the dough is smooth. To get shiny bagels, boil them in water with honey. Honey helps create a nice glaze. Boil each bagel for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. After boiling, place them directly on the baking sheet. Bake them until golden brown. This gives you that beautiful shine and crust. You learned how to make delicious homemade bagels step by step. Start with key ingredients like bread flour and yeast. Activating the yeast ensures good rise, while boiling gives bagels that great chewy texture. I shared tips to perfect the flavor and avoid common mistakes. You can try fun variations, too, like gluten-free or sweet bagels. Proper storage keeps your bagels fresh longer. Now, it’s time to enjoy your bagels, share them with friends, and experiment with new flavors!

Homemade Bagels

Discover the joy of homemade bagels with our easy Bagel Bliss recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create delicious, golden-brown bagels right in your kitchen. Learn how to mix, knead, and boil before baking to perfection. Top them with your favorite seeds or seasonings for a delightful twist. Click through now to explore this recipe and elevate your breakfast or brunch game!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 cups bread flour

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons honey (for boiling)

Assorted toppings (such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning)

Instructions
 

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy—this indicates that the yeast is activated.

    In a large mixing bowl, sift together the bread flour and salt to ensure an even distribution. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and carefully pour in the frothy yeast mixture.

      Using a wooden spoon, stir the ingredients together until they form a shaggy, rough dough. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough with your hands for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour as needed.

        Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray and place the kneaded dough inside. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and allow the dough to rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

          Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the honey to the water, stirring it in well.

            After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any trapped air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole through the center of each ball, gently shaping it into a bagel form.

              Carefully place the formed bagels into the boiling water, ensuring they do not stick together. Boil the bagels for about 1-2 minutes on each side; this process helps create that classic bagel texture. Once done, remove them using a slotted spoon and arrange them on a greased baking sheet.

                While the bagels are still wet, generously sprinkle your choice of toppings over them, allowing the toppings to adhere.

                  Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a delicious aroma.

                    After baking, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This cooling process allows them to firm up before indulging.

                      - Prep Time: 20 minutes

                        - Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

                          - Servings: 8 bagels

                            - Presentation Tips: Serve the bagels warm with an assortment of spreads like cream cheese, avocado, or butter. You can also slice them in half and serve with smoked salmon for a classic twist!