Have you ever wanted to create your own bagels at home? This classic homemade bagels recipe is your ticket to chewy, golden-brown bagels that are surprisingly simple to make. They’ll fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making your breakfast feel like a special occasion.
These bagels are perfect for slathering with cream cheese and your favorite toppings. Whether you like them plain, sesame-seeded, or with everything spice, this recipe allows you to customize your bagels just the way you like them.
Making bagels from scratch is not only a fun kitchen project, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment. You’ll be amazed at how satisfying it is to pull freshly baked bagels from the oven, ready to be enjoyed by family and friends.
Creating the Ideal Bagel Dough
The journey to homemade bagels begins with the dough. Using a blend of simple ingredients, you can create a base that is both chewy and flavorful. Start by mixing warm water with sugar and yeast, allowing it to froth and activate.
Once the yeast is bubbly, introduce all-purpose flour and salt into the mixture. This combination will come together to form a dough that you knead until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading is a crucial step, as it develops the gluten, which gives the bagels their signature texture.
Shaping Your Bagels
After letting the dough rise for about an hour, it’s time to shape the bagels. This process involves dividing the dough into equal portions and rolling each piece into a ball. A unique feature of bagels is the hole in the center; carefully poke through each ball and stretch it slightly to ensure it remains during baking.
The shaping process allows for creativity—each bagel can be tailored to your preferences in size and thickness. Properly shaped bagels will not only look delightful but also cook evenly, contributing to that crisp exterior and chewy interior.
Boiling: The Secret to Bagel Texture
One of the defining characteristics of bagels is their unique texture, achieved through boiling. Prepare a pot of boiling water with honey added, as this will enhance both the flavor and sheen of the bagels.
Drop the shaped bagels into the boiling water in batches. Boil them for 1-2 minutes on each side, allowing the outer layer to firm up. This critical step creates the chewy crust that bagel enthusiasts adore, setting your homemade creations apart from standard bread.
Choosing Your Toppings
The fun doesn’t stop at shaping and boiling. Toppings can elevate your bagels to a new level. While the bagels are still wet from boiling, sprinkle your favorite toppings generously—whether it’s sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or an everything seasoning blend. This is your chance to get creative.
Each topping adds a unique flavor and texture, making it easy to customize your bagels according to personal taste or to cater to a variety of preferences if serving guests.
The Baking Process
Once topped, the bagels are ready to be baked. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare for the delightful aroma that will soon fill your kitchen. Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.
Once they are out of the oven, let the bagels cool on a wire rack. This step is essential before slicing; allowing them to cool will help maintain their structure and texture, ensuring a pleasant eating experience.
Enjoying Your Homemade Bagels
Once the bagels have cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed. Slice them open, and don’t forget to spread a thick layer of cream cheese on top. The warm bagels provide a delightful contrast to the cool cream cheese, creating a satisfying bite.
Serve them with a side of fresh fruit or enjoy them on their own. These homemade bagels are not just a breakfast treat; they can be a delightful addition to any meal or a perfect snack throughout the day.
How to Make Traditional Bagels at Home
These homemade bagels are chewy on the inside with a perfectly crisp crust. The process includes boiling the bagels before baking, which gives them that distinctive texture and flavor that you love from your favorite bagel shop.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling)
- Toppings of choice (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning, etc.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy. Stir in the flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Bagels: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then poke a hole through the center with your finger to shape it into a bagel. Stretch the hole slightly to ensure it remains after baking.
- Boil the Bagels: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add honey. Drop the bagels in batches, boiling for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove and set on a baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle your chosen toppings on the bagels while they’re still wet from boiling.
- Bake the Bagels: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 bagels
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
