Best Bagels Recipe
Make soft, chewy bagels with a golden crust right in your own kitchen. This simple yet classic bagel recipe gives you perfectly textured bagels every time. Boiling before baking creates the signature chewy bite, while optional toppings let you get creative.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 and 1/4 cups 300 ml warm water (100–110°F / 38–43°C)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- 3 1/2 cups 440 g bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
For Boiling & Topping:
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons honey sugar, or barley malt syrup
- 1 egg white beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, coarse salt
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar (or honey), and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.
First Rise:
- Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
Shape the Bagels:
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a round ball, then press a finger through the center to form a hole. Stretch the hole to about 1.5–2 inches in diameter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover loosely for 10 minutes.
Boil the Bagels:
- Bring water and honey (or sugar/barley malt syrup) to a boil in a large pot. Reduce heat to medium-high. Carefully drop 2–3 bagels at a time into the water. Boil for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and return to the baking sheet.
Add Egg Wash and Toppings:
- Brush each bagel with egg wash. Sprinkle on your favorite toppings while wet.
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake bagels for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Chewier Bagels: Boil for 2 minutes per side.
- Flavor Variations: Add raisins, cinnamon, or shredded cheese to the dough.
- Make Ahead: Refrigerate the shaped bagels overnight before boiling for enhanced flavor.
- Freezing: Bagels freeze well up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen.