How to Make Classic Bagels From Scratch at Home
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bagels wafting through your kitchen. I first made bagels from scratch during a cozy weekend baking spree, and I’ve been hooked ever since. There’s just no comparison between store-bought and homemade—the chewy texture, the golden crust, and the ability to choose your own toppings make these bagels a must-try recipe for any baking enthusiast. Whether you’re enjoying them plain or slathered in cream cheese, these bagels are a satisfying way to start your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bakery-Quality at Home – Achieve that chewy interior and crisp golden crust without leaving the house.
Customizable Toppings – Sesame, everything seasoning, or plain—you decide!
Great for Freezing – Make a batch now and enjoy them later with just a quick warm-up.
Ingredients
Servings: 8–12 bagels
Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (includes rising)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
For the Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the bowl)
For Boiling:
- 2–3 quarts of water
- ¼ cup honey
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, whisked
Toppings:
- Sesame seeds
- Everything bagel seasoning
Substitutions:
- You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the bread flour for a nuttier taste.
- Use maple syrup or barley malt syrup instead of honey for boiling, if preferred.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5 minutes, until frothy.
Step 2 – Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine bread flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3 – Knead the Dough:
Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 4 – Grease the Bowl:
Grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Add the dough and turn to coat. Cover with a damp towel.
Step 5 – Let Dough Rise:
Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1–2 hours.
Step 6 – Shape the Bagels:
Punch down the dough and divide into 8–12 pieces. Roll each into a ball, poke a hole in the center, and gently stretch into rings. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 7 – Prep to Boil:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring water to a boil and add honey.
Step 8 – Boil the Bagels:
Boil bagels in batches for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheet.
Step 9 – Apply Egg Wash:
Brush boiled bagels with whisked egg.
Step 10 – Add Toppings:
Sprinkle sesame seeds, everything seasoning, or your favorite toppings.
Step 11 – Bake:
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 12 – Cool:
Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tip: Boiling your bagels in honey water helps achieve that signature shiny, chewy crust!
Expert Tips
- Use bread flour – It has higher protein content for better chew.
- Don’t skip the boil – This step is key to that traditional bagel texture.
- Shape gently – Avoid tearing the dough when stretching into rings.
Variations
- Add shredded cheddar and jalapeños for a savory twist
- Mix cinnamon and raisins into the dough for sweet bagels
- Skip the toppings and use them as sandwich bagels instead
Storage
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days
- Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bagels for up to 2 months
- To Reheat: Toast or warm in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after kneading and let it rise overnight.
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, but the bagels may be slightly less chewy than those made with bread flour.
Q: Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?
A: Nope! This recipe works great with hand kneading.
Final Thoughts
Once you try making bagels from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought. They’re surprisingly easy, endlessly customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy them with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite sandwich fixings, these homemade bagels will become a regular feature in your kitchen.
Bagels From Scratch Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing the bowl
For Boiling:
- 2-3 quarts water
- 1/4 cup honey
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg whisked
Toppings:
- Sesame Seeds
- Everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
For the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms
Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky, or more water if the dough is too dry.
- After kneading, lightly grease a clean bowl with the olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides with the oil.
Let the Dough Rise:
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
Form the Bagels:
- Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 8-12 equal pieces, depending on your desired size.
- Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger. Gently stretch the dough to form a ring. Place the shaped bagels on a lightly floured surface, cover loosely, and let them rest covered for about 10 minutes.
Cook the Bagels:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Bring the water to a boil in a large pot and add the honey.
- Boil the bagels, a few at a time, for 1-2minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Whisk the egg. Brush each boiled bagel lightly with the egg wash.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning over the bagels after applying the egg wash. Leave some plain if desired.
- : Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Transfer the bagels to a wire rack and let them cool before serving.
