Homemade Bagels

This recipe creates a light and chewy bagel, with a soft golden crust. Have fun with it by adding different mix-ins or toppings to your bagels. And of course, make sure you have some cream cheese ready to schmear on top!

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Homemade Bagels

Prep Time2 hrs
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 8 bagels

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 + ½ tsp sugar
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 3 + ½ cup bread flour
  • 1 + ½ tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • any mix-ins or toppings of your choice – see notes sections for ideas and suggested amounts.

Instructions

  • Add the yeast and sugar into a small bowl. Add ½ cup of warm water, and let sit for 5 minutes while yeast blooms. Stir to combine.
  • Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl and create a well. Pour the yeast mixture into the well with an additional ½ cup + 3 tbsp of warm water. Slowly incorporate the flour into the yeast.
  • Knead dough for 10 minutes. If you are adding any mix-ins inside the bagel dough (ie. raisins, chocolate chips, seasoning), add them in halfway through the kneading process.
  • Place dough in an oiled bowl and cover. Let rise for approximately 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in size.
  • Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll into balls. Punch holes into the centre of the dough balls and use your fingers to open up the holes.
  • Place bagels on a baking sheet and cover. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Preheat over to 425F and bring a large pot/saucepan of water to a boil.
  • In batches, place bagels into the boiling water and boil each side for 1 minute. Remove and place back on baking sheet. Repeat until all bagels have been boiled.
  • Whisk egg in a small bowl. Brush each bagel top with egg wash. If you are using toppings (ie. cheese, seasonings), sprinkle on top of the bagels after the egg wash.
  • Bake bagels for 18-20 minutes, until just golden brown around the edges.
  • Enjoy 🙂

Notes

Ideas for Mix-ins:
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup raisins + 1 tsp ground cinnamon 
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips 
Ideas for Toppings:
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese + 1 sliced jalepeño pepper 
  • 1/4 cup sesame or poppy seeds
  • 1/4 cup “everything but the bagel” seasoning