Go Back

Bagels From Scratch Recipe

This easy homemade bagel recipe delivers bakery-style results with a chewy interior and crisp crust. Boiled in honey water and baked to golden perfection, they’re customizable and freezer-friendly!
Prep Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Course Breakfast

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.