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Homemade Bagels Recipe

Homemade Bagels

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These homemade bagels are chewy, golden, and full of classic flavor. With a simple dough and a quick boil before baking, you can create bakery-style bagels right in your own kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling)
  • Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning, coarse salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and mix until dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
  4. Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape into balls, then poke a hole in the center and stretch into bagel shapes. Rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Bring a large pot of water to boil and add baking soda. Boil each bagel for 1 minute per side, then transfer to prepared baking sheets.
  6. Sprinkle toppings onto wet bagels immediately after boiling.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown, rotating trays halfway through.
  8. Cool on wire racks and serve warm or toasted.

Notes

  • Use bread flour for the best chewy texture.
  • Boiling before baking is essential for a shiny crust and dense crumb.
  • Top bagels right after boiling while still wet for best adhesion.
  • Dough can be refrigerated overnight after shaping.