Easy Bagel Recipe

Easy Bagel Recipe

24 servings
How to make easy bagels that are chewy and soft right in your own kitchen. Switch up the flavors to whatever you like! No complicated machines or techniques KNEAD-ed (you see what I did there).

Ingredients

  • 30 ounces bread flour

    or all-purpose flour

  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 14 grams instant yeast)

    or active dry (see notes below recipe

  • 16 ounces warm water

    110ºF

  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 Tablespoon water

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat your water to 110º-115ºF. Combine the water with the sugar and oil and set aside

  2. 2

    Place your flour and yeast into the bowl of your stand mixer with the dough hook attached. Mix for 5 seconds to distribute the yeast.

  3. 3

    Pour in your hot water mixture while mixing on low, just until everything is moistened.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle in your salt.

  5. 5

    Increase the speed to medium-high (speed 4 on a kitchenaid, speed 2 on the bosch) and mix for 6 minutes. If your dough is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water until the dough sticks to the sides of the bowl. If it's too wet, sprinkle in a little flour.

  6. 6

    Poke the dough, does it bounce back? The dough is ready to proof. You can also do the window test (see blog post). If the dough isn't ready, mix for another two minutes.

  7. 7

    Form the dough into a ball and place it into an oiled bowl. Cover and let the dough proof for 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size. (proof 90 minutes if you're using active dry yeast).

  8. 8

    Divide your dough into 24 equal sized pieces (or use a scale to make 2oz pieces). If you want your bagels to be bigger, divide into 18 equal pieces.

  9. 9

    Shape your bagels into a ball and then poke a hole through the center. Stretch the hole to about 2" wide and set the bagel aside to rest for 10 minutes.

  10. 10

    Bring 8 cups of water to a boil and add in 1 tsp of salt.

  11. 11

    Prepare two sheet pans with parchment paper. Sprinkle a good amount of corn flour (semolina) on top. This prevents the bagels from sticking.

  12. 12

    Preheat your oven to 425ºF

  13. 13

    Place your bagels into the boiling water and cook for 30 seconds on each side then drain with a slotted spoon before placing onto the parchment paper.

  14. 14

    Whisk together the egg and water. Brush all your bagels with egg wash using a pastry brush and sprinkle on your desired toppings

  15. 15

    Bake at 425 for 20-25 minutes

Easy Bagel Recipe

Easy Bagel Recipe

30 min24 servings

Similar Recipes

Foolproof Homemade Bagels Recipe

Foolproof Homemade Bagels Recipe

Equipment Notes: As noted above, I find a scale to be imperative here: I use it to weigh not only the flour but also the water, salt, and yeast. A large sheet pan is so handy — it fits all 12 bagels at once. If you don't have a large one, use two standard sheet pans, and bake 6 on each.  You'll need a spider or a slotted spoon to remove the bagels from the boiling water to a sheet pan. A food processor or stand mixer will allow you to knead the dough quickly and powerfully.  I love my 14-cup Cuisinart. Note: Watch your food processor closely! If you make the larger amount (12 bagels), it's a lot of dough for even a large food processor. You'll only run the machine for 90 seconds, but it will work hard during those 90 seconds and may jump around a bit — at any sign of the blade jamming, stop the machine and remove the dough. Also, after you add the liquids to the food processor, begin the kneading immediately to prevent the liquid from escaping through the center hole. If you don't have a food processor or a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand briefly, using as little additional flour as possible. Ingredient Notes: Many bread authorities swear by using high-gluten flour. This is something I have yet to try, but I imagine it would only improve the chewiness. But if you don't feel like picking up another product, don't hesitate to use all-purpose flour, which is what I typically use in all of the breads I bake. Barley malt syrup is hard to find. Shops like Whole Foods Market typically sell it. I order it online. Also, as one commenter noted, beer making supply stores carry barley malt syrup. For homemade everything bagel seasoning, combine: 1/4 cup sesame seeds 1/4 cup poppy seeds 3 tablespoons dried onion flakes 3 tablespoons dried garlic flakes 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt

50 minutes

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Imagine biting into a perfectly chewy and soft bagel, still warm from your oven, anytime you want. This easy bagel recipe makes that dream a reality, proving you don't need a trip to the bakery for authentic, delicious homemade bagels without complicated machines.

What sets this recipe apart is its genuinely simple approach to achieving that classic bagel texture without any fancy equipment or intimidating steps. You won't need a stand mixer or a culinary degree here, just a straightforward process that delivers incredible results. You'll love how these bagels turn out wonderfully chewy and soft inside, with a slight pull to the crust, exactly what you crave, with no complicated techniques KNEAD-ed (you see what we did there?).

Get ready for the satisfying experience of a freshly baked bagel, complete with that signature slight pull and tender crumb. Each bite offers a delicate balance of flavor that is simply perfect for your favorite toppings, from savory spreads to sweet jams. This recipe is designed to be approachable for any home cook, guiding you to a batch of delicious bagels that will impress everyone with their bakery-quality taste and texture.

One of the best parts of making homemade bagels is the freedom to get creative with flavors and toppings. While plain and simple is always a winner, you can easily switch up the flavors to whatever you like! Before baking, consider adding sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, or dried onion to the tops for a savory everything bagel experience. For a sweeter option, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar makes a delightful variation. The recipe calls for bread flour, which contributes to the characteristic chew, but all-purpose flour can also be used if that's what you have on hand.

These freshly baked bagels are perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, a hearty breakfast to start your day, or even a satisfying lunch sandwich. Serve them generously slathered with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite spreads for an unbeatable homemade treat.

Frequently Asked Questions