There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bagels wafting through your kitchen in the morning. With their chewy, slightly crispy texture and endless flavor possibilities, bagels are a beloved breakfast treat. Making bagels from scratch may seem daunting, but with the right techniques and a bit of patience, you can craft your own delicious bagels at home. In this guide, we’ll show you how to achieve that perfect chewy texture, and we’ll walk you through a basic bagel recipe along with variations like everything bagels, cinnamon raisin, and sesame seed.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

To make classic bagels, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. These include:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (you can use bread flour for a chewier texture)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (around 110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
  • Optional: Toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning

The Importance of High-Gluten Flour

Bagels get their characteristic chew from high-gluten flour, so if you have access to bread flour, it’s a great choice. However, all-purpose flour will also work fine for a slightly softer bagel. Either way, avoid using cake flour, which has too little gluten for the desired texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. If your yeast doesn’t foam, it may be expired, and you’ll need to try with a fresh packet.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
  3. Make the dough: Create a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Mix the dough until it begins to come together. You can use a wooden spoon or your hands for this.
  4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel firm, not sticky. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
  5. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Bagels

  1. Punch down the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough back to a clean surface and divide it into 8 equal portions for standard-sized bagels.
  2. Shape the bagels: Roll each portion of dough into a ball. To shape the bagels, use your finger to poke a hole through the center of each dough ball and gently stretch it to form a ring. You can make the hole fairly large, as it will shrink slightly when the bagels cook. Pro Tip: For a more uniform shape, you can roll each ball into a rope and then join the ends to make a circle.
  3. Rest the shaped bagels: Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rest for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Boil the Bagels

This is the critical step that gives bagels their signature chewy texture and shiny, golden crust. Boiling before baking is what sets bagels apart from other bread.

  1. Boil the water: Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. You’ll want the water to be deep enough to allow the bagels to float without crowding. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey to the water to help the bagels achieve a glossy finish.
  2. Boil the bagels: Carefully drop 2-3 bagels into the boiling water at a time. Boil each batch for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bagels and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot—if the water boils too vigorously, the bagels may deform or stick together.

Step 5: Bake the Bagels

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps the bagels bake quickly and get that crisp, golden crust.
  2. Apply the egg wash (optional): For a shiny, golden finish, you can brush the boiled bagels with a beaten egg before baking. This step is optional but adds to the classic look of a bagel.
  3. Add toppings (optional): If you’re making flavored bagels, now is the time to add your toppings. For everything bagels, sprinkle on a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion. For cinnamon raisin, sprinkle on cinnamon sugar and add raisins to the dough before boiling. For sesame or poppy seed bagels, simply press the seeds into the wet dough before baking.
  4. Bake: Place the bagels in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a crisp exterior. If you like your bagels extra crispy, you can leave them in for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This helps them set and ensures you get that perfect chewy interior.

Flavor Variations

While classic bagels are always a hit, there are plenty of delicious flavor variations to explore:

  • Everything Bagels: Top your bagels with a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion flakes, and salt.
  • Cinnamon Raisin Bagels: Add a tablespoon of cinnamon and ½ cup of raisins to your dough before boiling, then top with a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  • Sesame Seed Bagels: Simply press sesame seeds into the dough before baking for a nutty, toasty flavor.
  • Garlic Parmesan Bagels: After baking, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder for a savory twist.

Final Tips for Perfect Bagels

  • Use a pizza stone or baking steel: If you have one, use a pizza stone or steel for the most evenly baked bagels. Preheat it in the oven, and place the bagels directly onto the hot surface for a crispier crust.
  • Don’t skip the boiling: It’s crucial to the texture! Boiling before baking gives bagels their signature chew and crust.
  • Experiment with toppings: Bagels are a great canvas for creative toppings—whether it’s cheese, herbs, or spices, the possibilities are endless.

Making bagels from scratch may take a little time, but the results are more than worth it. Whether you’re enjoying a simple classic bagel with cream cheese or indulging in a cinnamon raisin bagel with butter, homemade bagels offer a deliciously chewy texture and flavor that store-bought versions can’t match. With these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be making perfect bagels at home in no time. Happy baking!

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