This Bagel recipe is perfect for making chewy, homemade bagels in your own kitchen! They take a bit of elbow grease and a bit of technique, but I’ll walk you step-by-step through the process in the post and in the how-to video below the recipe! Unlike many recipes, mine calls for no strange ingredients and can be made in a matter of hours (not days!) You’ve got this!
You can do this. You can make amazing, perfect, homemade bagels at home. If your local grocery store is anything like mine is right now, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to find any there. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
If you’ve been following my Instagram stories you know it took me a lot of tries to crack the code on this bagel recipe. Too many versions were too fluffy when I wanted them to be chewy, too bland, or took way too much time to prepare (I wanted a recipe that you could knock out in a few hours, not a few days… who has time to let the dough rest for 17 hours!?).
In one day alone I actually tested sixteen different versions (and there were many other days of testing before and after that!). I subjected it to my most critical taste testers; Zach and my little sister are hyper-critical about what a good bagel should taste like. So when I tell you that this bagel recipe is a good one, well it took a lot of rigorous testing to get to this point and I’m so proud of it and excited to share it with you.
What You Need
Both the ingredients and the process are similar to what you need for my soft pretzels:
- Warm water. Use a thermometer. Too cool and your yeast won’t proof. Too hot and it will kill your yeast. Remember what I said with my bread bowl recipe? Nobody wants to be a yeast murderer.
- Yeast. We’re using active dry, not instant.
- Sugar. We’ll use a pinch of granulated sugar to help activate our yeast and then 3 tablespoons of brown sugar to add flavor to our bagels.
- Olive oil. I tried this recipe with olive oil, butter, and a mix of the two. Olive oil was the winner for the chewiest bagels.
- Flour. Specifically, bread flour. Bread flour has more protein and produces more gluten, which means chewier bagels. The brand can also matter, I use Gold Medal bread flour but I believe King Arthur Flour contains even more protein.
- Salt. 1 Tablespoon, that’s not a typo. When I was filming myself make these bagels I accidentally mistook my salt for sugar and tried to activate my yeast with a whole tablespoon of salt. Needless to say it killed my yeast and I had to start all over.
- Cornmeal. A little bit sprinkled on your baking sheet keeps the bagels from sticking. I’ve been using this trick for my pizza dough recently, too.
- Honey or Barley Malt syrup. Barley malt syrup is often used in authentic bagel recipes, both in the bagels and when boiling them. However, it’s not super easy to find, so I wanted to provide an alternative option for those of you like myself who don’t like to spend a lot of time tracking down ingredients, or money buying things they won’t use very often. In the bagels themselves I’ve substituted brown sugar. When boiling, I’ve learned that a little bit of honey helps to make this bagel recipe a bit chewier.
- Egg. To make the egg wash for brushing over your bagels.
- Toppings! More on those a bit further down!
This is just an overview of the ingredients used and additional notes on why they were chosen, please scroll to the bottom of the post for measurements and the full recipe and video.
How to form the dough into bagel shapes
Rolling the dough into strips (like I do with my pretzels and garlic knots) and then connecting the ends did not work very well for me; the ends became loose while boiling and the bagels… didn’t look like bagels. Instead, I found that the best way to get that nice round shape was to divide the dough into twelve pieces and form each into a smooth, round ball. Use your thumbs to gently work a hole into the center of the ball and try to make the hole about 2″ wide (it will shrink as it sits). See photo above for visual.
Mine still look a little uneven, but I like to think that they’re just rustic 😉. At least they still taste like professional, authentic bagels, even if the edges are a little less than perfectly round.
Toppings
There’s nothing wrong with a plain bagel (at least that’s what Zach insists when I judge him for eating naked bagels for breakfast every morning), but I prefer mine with toppings. Here are a few of my favorites; you’ll brush the bagels with egg wash and then sprinkle your toppings before baking:
- Poppyseeds
- Sesame seeds
- Shredded cheese, Asiago or sharp cheddar are great options.
- Everything bagel mix
Everything bagel mix has recently become popular and is often available pre-mixed in the spice aisle. I prefer to make my own though, since I usually have all the ingredients in my spice drawer already. I make a blend using poppy seeds, sesames seeds, dried garlic and onion and kosher salt. I’ve included a simple recipe in the notes section of the bagel recipe.
Tips
- This bagel recipe makes a dozen, but can be cut in half. If making the full batch, make sure you use a bowl that’s large enough for the dough to double in size as it rises.
- My KitchenAid, workhorse that it is, couldn’t handle kneading the dough for this recipe. It was simply too much for it. If your mixer seems to be struggling, knead the dough by hand on a clean surface.
- Bagel dough can be made up to 2 days in advance, see notes below the recipe for how to make in advance.
Enjoy!
More Recipes to Try:
Are you more of a visual learner? Check out the video below the post and see my YouTube channel where I show you how to make bagels step-by-step in my own kitchen.
Homemade Bagel Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups (475 ml) warm water between 105-110F (40-45C)
- 5 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar firmly packed
- 6 cups (750 g) bread flour, plus additional as needed
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon cornmeal for dusting baking sheet
For Boiling
- 2 quarts (2 L) water
- ¼ cup (60 ml) honey or barley malt syrup¹ optional
Egg wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon water
- Bagel toppings² as desired (see note)
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Pour water into the bowl of a stand mixer³. Add yeast and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until foamy. Stir in oil and brown sugar.2 cups (475 ml) warm water, 5 teaspoons active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 2 Tablespoon olive oil, 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- In a separate bowl stir together flour and salt.6 cups (750 g) bread flour, plus additional as needed, 1 Tablespoon salt
- Attach dough hook to mixer and stir on low speed, gradually adding flour mixture until completely combined until dough is clinging together, is no longer sticky to the touch and is pulling away from the sides of the bowl. If needed, add additional flour, one tablespoon at a time (I often have to add as much as 6 additional tablespoons). Dough should feel almost dry to the touch and should not stick to your fingers.
- Knead with a dough hook for 4-5 minutes, but if your mixer seems to be struggling (my KitchenAid can’t handle this dough) then remove the dough and knead by hand on a clean countertop for 5-6 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover tightly, and place in a warm, draft-free place to rise until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).
- While dough is rising, prepare two cookie sheets by lining with parchment paper and then sprinkling cornmeal over the surface of the parchment (you only need a light sprinkling, about 1 ½ teaspoon per sheet).1 Tablespoon cornmeal
- Gently deflate dough and divide into 12 even pieces. Form each into a tight ball and then use your thumb to gently form a hole in the center that is about 2” wide (see video or photos in post for a visual if needed). Place bagels on prepared baking sheets, about 6 to a sheet, spacing each several inches apart.
- Cover bagels with a clean towel and set aside. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425F (220C) and pour two quarts of water into a large pot or Dutch oven. If using honey, add this to the pot as well and stir until combined.
- Bring water (and honey, if using) to a rolling boil. Boil bagels, 2-3 at a time, for 45-60 seconds on each side. Return to prepared baking sheet.¼ cup (60 ml) honey or barley malt syrup¹, 2 quarts (2 L) water
- Once your bagels have been boiled, prepare egg wash by whisking together egg and water. Brush egg wash liberally over bagels and sprinkle with any bagel toppings you would like to use (see notes for suggestions, you can of course leave them plain instead; brush with egg wash but do not add any toppings).1 large egg, 1 teaspoon water, Bagel toppings²
- Transfer to 425F (220C) oven and bake on center rack for 22 minutes or until golden brown. I recommend baking one sheet at a time.
- Allow bagels to cool before enjoying. Use a serrated bread knife to cut in half, if desired.
Notes
Everything Bagel Topping:
Stir together 2 teaspoons poppyseeds with 1 teaspoon each of sesame seeds, dried onion flakes, dried garlic flakes, sea salt or kosher salt. Sprinkle over bagels, you may not use all of the mixture!How to make in advance:
Bagel dough may be made 1-2 days in advance. After preparing dough and placing it in an oiled bowl, cover tightly and allow to rise in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before using. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.How to Store:
Allow bagels to cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. Bagels may also be frozen for several months, but I do not recommend refrigerating. This recipe was developed after studying recipes from many sources, most significantly from Food Guy, Baking Illustrated, and my soft pretzel recipe.Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Donnie
I’m no stranger to cooking but I am new to baking. These bagels turned out perfect! I love the video, it didn’t skip any steps and could be used as a stand-alone instructions. I love that you add the measurements to the instructions! That is pure genius! No scrolling up and down between instruction and ingredients. Whatever I make next I will be coming to you first! Thank you.
Imani
These turned out absolutely amazing. The instructions were very well written and I had a great time making them. My batch took a little less than all 6 cups of flour, and I used rapid-rise yeast as it was all I had on hand. They were perfect, and so tasty. Thank you!
Miriam Rose Blanar
these bagels are delicious!!! They were very easy to do. They turned out a little wonky looking, but that was all me. 😂 They taste good none the less!
Ro
awesome recipe, turned out chewy and perfect!! didn’t want to waste honey, so I put brown sugar in the water bath. I’ve used many of your recipes so I trusted this would be good, but wow, so easy and now I can’t buy store bought! thank you!!
Karyn
The best bagels I’ve ever had!! My toppings were 6cheddar cheeseand Everything Bagel seasoning. Thank you for the recipe!!
Susan Chesson
If you freeze these how do you prepare them?
Sam
Hi Susan! I’d only freeze after baking.
Karen Renee' Harkins
love this receip!
Kathy
Have been trying to make bagels, unsuccessfully, for years. Made these in my bread machine. Divided ingredients in two and made 6 bagels. They came out gorgeous and were delicious! Next time will make 8 because they were big. Love all of Sam’s recipes. My other all time favorite is her hamburger buns!
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Kathy! 🙂
Jeana
I used half honey and half molasses for the boil and amazing flavor!! I also topped with, poppyseed, everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, and Asiago cheese so i had a nice variety!! I wish I could give more than 5 stars!! You’re the best Sam!
Sam
Thank you so much, Jeana! I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much! 🙂
Wendy Genaros
when do you put the brown sugar in?
Sam
Step 1.
Carrie
I finally got around to making these bagels this weekend. I have been eying this recipe for a while. they were awesome! I did a few plain, a few sprinkled with kosher salt, a couple with toasted sesame seeds, and some with sharp cheddar and parmesan. Everyone enjoyed them!
Alison
Where has this recipe been all my life??? I am never buying bagels again! I have been using your recipe using my bread machine and it works great for anyone who wants to give it a try…just half the recipe so it all fits in. Today I tried a sun dried tomato version and a jalapeno cheddar version and both were delicious!
Sam
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed them so much, Alison! I love the sound of a sun dried tomato version. 🙂
Christine Dobson
I love this recipe. When would I add cinnamon and raisins?
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Hi Christine! We would add them before kneading the dough (step 3). Enjoy! 🙂
Elizabeth
I’m very excited to try this recipe! Do you think molasses can be used in place of the barley malt syrup?
Sam
Hi Elizabeth! I have never tried it, but I think it would work here. 🙂
Nicki
May I ask, how would you incorporate blueberries? I can’t find a good recipe for blueberry bagels but would love your thoughts!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Hi Nicki! We would recommend you add them in while stirring right before the first rise. 🙂
Laura
Hi Sam,
I haven’t tried this recipe yet but will do so soon. I gave you 5 stars because I know your recipe & method will be geat. 🙂 One question – your recipe calls for active dry yeast. Is it possinle to use Instant yeast in place of that? (I only have instant on hand).
Thanks,
Laura
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Hi Laura! The instant yeast should work fine here. Enjoy 😊
Amber
I have never been able to work with yeast and had tried multiple times. It made me feel so defeated. But after years of not trying it, I seen a YouTube video of someone doing this recipe and I was determined to try yeast again. I was so ecstatic when I was able to make these. I put cheddar cheese and everything on them! They’re so good by themselves, I don’t even need cream cheese! And when I make them now I make multiple batches; some in the freezer and some to give some away to people who have also had and enjoyed them. Plus, they make your house smell amazing!
Beth Jensen
Hi Sam. I love your recipes and you are my go to for all things baked! I love bagels and have made them in the past but I am on a low sodium diet and wondering if I could cut the salt down a bit in the recipe as a bagel, just plain, is about 1/3 of the sodium I am allowed in a day! Thank you for so many wonderful recipes!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Hi Beth! That will work just fine. Enjoy ❤️
Jossy
I have tried to make homemade bagels throughout the years and they NEVER turned out. They always popped after being boiled. I followed everything on this recipe even timing the kneading process and the boiling and measuring everything. I took them out of the over at 18 minutes as they were very brown on top. They were baked through and soft, chewy and delicious. Success at last! I did make my own italian spice topping and homemade jalapeno cream cheese spread. This is the best baking food blog. Everytime I make something here they turn out great! Thanks!
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much, Jossy! 🙂