Easy homemade bagels

Table of contents

Easy Homemade Bagels

Discover the joy of making your own bagels with this easy homemade bagel recipe. These bagels are chewy on the inside with a perfectly crisp crust, offering a delightful balance of flavors. Whether you enjoy them plain, topped with seeds, or with your favorite spread, these bagels are sure to become a breakfast staple.

Serving Size and Yield

Makes approximately 8 bagels.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Cooling Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

4 cups bread flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 egg white (for egg wash)
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

Mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.
Add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger and gently stretch to form a bagel shape.
Boil a large pot of water. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and boil each bagel for 1 minute on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush each bagel with egg white and sprinkle with your choice of toppings.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Additional Notes

For a sweeter bagel, add 2 tablespoons of honey to the dough. You can also experiment with different flours, such as whole wheat or rye, for a unique flavor.