Description
These homemade bagels are soft and chewy inside with a golden crust, made with simple ingredients. No special equipment needed—just mix, shape, boil, and bake!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Bagel Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant or active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
For Boiling the Bagels:
- 8 cups water
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar (for chewiness)
For Toppings (Optional):
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt. Mix and knead for 8-10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 60-90 minutes (until doubled in size).
Step 2: Shape the Bagels
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and stretch it into a bagel shape.
Step 3: Boil the Bagels
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bring 8 cups of water to a boil and add honey or brown sugar.
- Boil bagels 1 minute per side (this gives them their chewiness). Drain on a towel.
Step 4: Bake the Bagels
- Place boiled bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with toppings.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite spread!
Notes
- Sweeter bagels? Add 1 tbsp honey to the dough.
- Whole wheat bagels? Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour.
- Stuffed bagels? Fill with cream cheese before shaping!
- Dairy-free? Skip the egg wash and use almond milk instead.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sodium: ~300mg
- Fat: ~1g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~8g