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.
Sydney
I love this recipe so much and make at least 2 dozen each time. My family won’t buy bagels ever again!
Sam
I’m so glad everyone enjoys them so much, Sydney! 🙂
Sarah
Some of my bagels turn out flat. Am I overworking my dough when I shape them?
Sam
Hi Sarah! Unfortunately it sounds like those particular bagels may be slightly over-handled or over-worked. 🙁
Susan
Sam i made these and they worked really well. I found it not overworked or tough at all
Tanda
Brown sugar? It is not listed in the first run through of how to make the recipe. It is listed in the list of ingredients. It is not mentioned in the directions. I don’t see why it would be an ingredient, but why is it listed at all? Thank you.
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Hi Tanda! If you take a closer look you’ll see that brown sugar is listed with sugar in the beginning of the post and in step 1 of the recipe. Hope that helps 🙂
Georgianne
Hi Sam,
I sent a comment before, but didn’t receive a response. I really like your recipe. When I make cheddar bagels with it.. I want the cheese inside the bagel not just on top!!!! When I added shredded cheese to the dough it didn’t show up after baked!!! I put 2 cups of shredded cheddar in the dough!!! Any advice?
Sam
Hi Georgianna! Sorry for missing your earlier comment. It sounds like the cheese is just melting in the dough (though it should still be adding flavor). I generally recommend adding cheese on top because you’ll get the most bang for your buck that way. You could try cubing the cheese instead which may leave you with some cheesy pockets through the bagels, that might work!
Elsie Woods
Delicious!! I never thought I’d ever make bagels! But I tried your pretzels … AMAZING … so we decided to try the bagels! We’ll never buy bagels again …. It was that easy!! Thank you for sharing!!
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much, Elsie! It’s also sooo rewarding to make your own stuff. 🙂
Jasmine
hello! does this recipe work with all purpose flour rather than bread flour?
Sam
Hi Jasmine! I know others have done so with success. They may not be quite as chewy though. 🙂
Patricia
Added cinnamon and raisins turned out great!
Al
Super easy recipe to make with my 4-yr old son. We shared with a lot of our friends and family and they all thought we bought them. They were delicious.
Sam
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed them so much! 🙂
Sidrah
I made these yesterday and they came out amazing! I tried other recipes before, but none were as chewy and delicious as these. My family adored them and they disappeared in one day. Thanks for this amazing recipe!
Sam
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed them so much! 🙂
Gina
Hi Sam,
With the latest impending snow storm on the way tomorrow, is really like to take the time to try these, but do not have any cornmeal in the house. Any suggestions for a substitute?
Sam
Hi Gina! You can just skip it. They may stick slightly but it will be just fine. 🙂
Gina
Thanks so much!!! Giving it a GO!
Laurie B
This recipe is extremely easy to follow — especially if you watch the video. The bagels are amazing! I no longer need to rush to the bagel shop — Yay! Thank you for the recipe and the great instructions.
Sam
I am so happy to hear this, Laurie! Thank you so much for trying my recipe and for letting me know how it turned out for you, I really appreciate it! 🙂
Cheryl
Absolutely the best bagel I have ever eaten that you
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Wow, thank you so much Cheryl! We’re so happy you loved our recipe. 😊
Chris
I want to make these but I only have instant yeast is that gonna be a problem?
And I would just give the proofing step
Please answer as soon as you can thank you
Sam
Hi Chris! The instant yeast should work here.
Chris
Hi Sam
I made the bagels last night they came out perfect my next question is when they first come out of the oven they’re nice and crispy.
But as they cool and the steam comes out of them then they get soft.
What can be done so they keep that crispy texture.
I did everything according to directions and I thought I was on the right track until they started to cool down.
I ate one and they were very good but I like the outside crispy.
Sam
The bagels are supposed to be chewy. You could toast them to give them a little crisp if you’d like 🙂
Beth Y
FINALLY! I have been trying since March to make a good bagel. I mastered all kinds for bread, but bagels failed every time. These turned out amazing. Thank you for a great recipe!
Sam
I am so thrilled to hear that this one was such a success for you, Beth! Thank you so much for commenting and letting me know how they turned out! 🙂
Jackie Sandel
I’ve tried 2 bags of bread flour and I can’t tell you how many pkg’s. of yeast and let me say this about your recipe. “AWESOME!!!!!!!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!! Thank you so very much!!!!
These WILL be made at this house from now on.
Sam
I am so glad you enjoyed them so much, Jackie! 🙂
Bev Clontz
Hi Sam, I have made these bagels, using your recipe and I love how these taste and how easy they are to make. I’ve made them at least ten times in the last 6 months. Every so often I will have 1 or 2 bagels that rise ok after they are shaped, look good after I boil them, and then when I’m getting ready to put the egg wash on them before putting them in the oven , they are shriveled. I boil them a minute on each side. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks!
Sam
Hi Bev! I’m so glad you enjoy them so much! Honestly I’m really not sure what is going on, especially if it was just 1 or 2 in the batch. If it was all of the bagels, I could say they were over-kneaded or a few other possible problems. Are these by chance the last ones you are boiling? They may be sitting too long before getting boiled. I hope this helps somewhat and I hope you continue to enjoy the bagels. 🙂