Homemade Bagels

Homemade Bagels Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Bagels are something special about biting into a warm, fresh bagel straight out of the oven. Making homemade bagels is not only fun but also super rewarding. They are perfect for breakfast or brunch and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you make homemade bagels? They are easy to prepare, and you’ll love how your kitchen smells while they bake. Plus, making them yourself means you can control the ingredients and flavors. Imagine enjoying a crispy bagel topped with cream cheese or your favorite spread, made with love in your own kitchen!

How to Make Homemade Bagels

Making your bagels from scratch is easier than you think! Simply follow these steps, and soon you’ll have golden, chewy bagels to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (between 100-110°F, 38-43°C)
• 2 and 3/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
• 4 cups (520g) bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for work surface and hands
• 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar or packed light or dark brown sugar (or barley malt syrup)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Coating the bowl: nonstick spray or 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Egg wash: 1 egg white beaten with 1 Tablespoon water
• 2 quarts water
• 1/4 cup (60g) honey (or barley malt syrup)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In your stand mixer bowl, whisk warm water and yeast together. Cover it and let it sit for 5 minutes. If you’re using a mixing bowl, a wooden spoon will work fine.

2. Mix the Ingredients: Add flour, brown sugar, and salt. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes. The dough will look stiff and dry.

3. Knead the Dough: Keep the dough in the mixer and knead for another 6-7 minutes. If kneading by hand, do it on a floured surface. If it gets too sticky, sprinkle a little flour as needed. After kneading, the dough should feel soft but not too dry.

4. Let It Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in it, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl and let it rise at room temperature for 60-90 minutes or until it doubles in size.

5. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

6. Shape the Bagels: Punch the dough down. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and make a hole in the center about 1.5 – 2 inches wide. Cover loosely with a towel.

7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

8. Water Bath: Fill a large pot with 2 quarts of water and whisk in honey. Bring the water to a boil and then lower the heat. Drop bagels in, cooking each side for 1 minute.

9. Egg Wash: Brush the egg wash on top and around the sides of each bagel, then place them on the lined baking sheets.

10. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway. They should be dark golden brown. Cool for 20 minutes on the sheets, then transfer them to a wire rack.

11. Enjoy: Slice, toast, and enjoy your homemade bagels! Store any leftovers in a tightly covered container at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

How to Serve Homemade Bagels

Homemade bagels are delightful on their own but can be served with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite spreads, such as jam or avocado. You can also top them with smoked salmon, cucumbers, or tomatoes for a tasty treat!

How to Store Homemade Bagels

To keep your homemade bagels fresh, store them tightly covered at room temperature for a few days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment—just thaw and toast when you’re ready to eat!

Tips to Make Homemade Bagels

• If your dough seems too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little flour, but avoid overdoing it.
• Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• Shape each bagel carefully to ensure even cooking.

Variation

Feel free to get creative! You might add toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even everything bagel seasoning before baking for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but bread flour will give you a chewier texture.

2. How long does it take to make bagels from start to finish?
About 2 to 3 hours, including rising and baking time.

3. Can I make bagels in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat them when you’re ready!

Homemade Bagels

Enjoy golden, chewy bagels right from your kitchen with this easy homemade recipe that allows for customization with your favorite toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 55 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine American

Servings 8 bagels

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

• 1.5 cups 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (between 100-110°F, 38-43°C)
• 2.75 teaspoons 2 and 3/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
• 4 cups 4 cups bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for work surface and hands
• 1 tablespoon 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar or packed light or dark brown sugar (or barley malt syrup)
• 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons salt

For Coating and Egg Wash

• 2 teaspoons nonstick spray or 2 teaspoons olive oil For coating the bowl
• 1 egg white 1 egg white beaten with 1 Tablespoon water For egg wash

For Boiling

• 2 quarts 2 quarts water For water bath
• 0.25 cups 1/4 cup honey (or barley malt syrup)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In your stand mixer bowl, whisk warm water and yeast together. Cover it and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Add flour, brown sugar, and salt. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes. The dough will look stiff and dry.
• Knead the dough for another 6-7 minutes. If kneading by hand, do it on a floured surface. Sprinkle a little flour as needed if it gets too sticky.
• Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in it, turning to coat all sides. Cover and let it rise at room temperature for 60-90 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Baking

• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
• Punch the dough down. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and make a hole in the center about 1.5 – 2 inches wide. Cover loosely with a towel.
• Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
• Fill a large pot with 2 quarts of water and whisk in honey. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat. Drop bagels in, cooking each side for 1 minute.
• Brush the egg wash on top and around the sides of each bagel, then place them on the lined baking sheets.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway. They should be dark golden brown. Cool for 20 minutes on the sheets, then transfer them to a wire rack.
• Slice, toast, and enjoy your homemade bagels!

Notes

To keep your homemade bagels fresh, store them tightly covered at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment—just thaw and toast when ready.

Keyword Bagels, Baking, Breakfast Recipe, Brunch Recipe, Homemade Bagels