Homemade Bagel Recipe

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Nothing beats the taste of a freshly baked bagel—golden on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. Making bagels at home might seem intimidating, but with a little patience and a few simple ingredients, you can create bakery-quality bagels in your own kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – No fancy equipment required! Just basic ingredients and a little hands-on time.
• Customizable – Make classic bagels or get creative with sweet and savory add-ins.
• Deliciously Chewy – The secret to that signature bagel texture is boiling the dough before baking.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch and freeze for quick breakfasts or snacks.

FAQs

Do I need special flour for bagels?

Bread flour is best because it has a higher protein content, which helps create the chewy texture. However, all-purpose flour can be used in a pinch.

Why do I have to boil the bagels before baking?

Boiling sets the crust and gives bagels their signature chewiness. The longer you boil, the chewier they become!

Can I freeze homemade bagels?

Absolutely! Slice them first, then freeze in an airtight bag. When ready to eat, toast them straight from frozen.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water

For Boiling:

• 8 cups water
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (for a hint of sweetness)

For Topping (Optional):

• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
• Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coarse salt, everything bagel seasoning

Sweet and Savory Add-Ins

Sweet Variations

• Cinnamon Raisin – Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ cup raisins to the dough.
• Blueberry – Gently fold in ½ cup dried or fresh blueberries.
• Chocolate Chip – Mix in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a treat!

Savory Variations

• Cheddar Jalapeño – Add ½ cup shredded cheddar and 1 finely chopped jalapeño.
• Garlic & Herb – Mix in 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 2 teaspoons dried herbs like oregano or thyme.
• Onion Bagels – Stir in 1 tablespoon dried minced onion.

Instructions

1. Make the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour and salt, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. The dough will be dryer than other bread doughs Cover and let rise for 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Bagels: Punch down the dough and divide into 8 pieces. Roll each into a long string, loop into a ring and attached the ends, to shape the bagel. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
3. Boil the Bagels: Bring water, honey to a boil. Boil bagels for 1 minute per side, then transfer to a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with desired toppings. Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
5. Enjoy! Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Try this homemade bagel recipe and let me know your favorite add-ins! Happy baking!

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