Name: Homemade Bagels Recipe: Ditch Fear, Bake 8 Amazing Ones
Prep time: 2 h 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups (360g/ml) warm water (between 100–110°F/38–43°C); 1 Tablespoon barley malt syrup, granulated sugar, or brown sugar; 2 and 3/4 teaspoons (8g) instant or active dry yeast; 4 cups (520g) bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed; 2 teaspoons salt; Nonstick spray or 2 teaspoons butter or olive oil, for coating the bowl; 2 quarts (1.9L) water; 1/4 cup (85g) barley malt syrup or honey; Egg wash: 1 egg white beaten with 1 Tablespoon water

Jump to Recipe

Okay, real talk: I used to think making bagels was, like, a professional baker-level thing. Seriously! It was right up there on my “never gonna happen” baking bucket list with croissants and macarons. I mean, boiling dough? Seemed way too complicated. Anyone else feel that way? You see bagels at the store, and you just *assume* it’s some crazy process.

But guess what? I was SO wrong! This Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch? Total game-changer. I promise you, it’s way easier than you think, and the results are seriously amazing. We’re talking chewy, delicious, bakery-worthy bagels, all from your own kitchen. And the smell? Oh my goodness, the smell! Get ready to impress yourself (and everyone else) with this recipe. Trust me, if *I* can do it, you definitely can. Let’s banish those baking fears, one bagel at a time!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

Okay, so why should you even bother making your own bagels? Let me tell you, there are a TON of reasons! Here’s the lowdown:

They’re surprisingly easy to make.
The taste? So much better than anything you’ll find at the store.
You can customize them with all your favorite toppings.
It’s seriously rewarding to bake your own bread.
Plus, it’s a fun baking project!

Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch: Easy to Make

Seriously, don’t let the idea of bagel-making intimidate you. This recipe breaks it down into super simple steps. I promise, even a newbie baker can nail it!

Better Than Store-Bought Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

Once you’ve tasted a freshly-baked, homemade bagel, you’ll never go back to the store-bought kind. The taste and texture are just on a whole different level. It’s that simple!

Customizable Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

My favorite part is experimenting with different flavors and toppings. Everything bagel seasoning? Jalapeño cheddar? The possibilities are endless! Get creative and make ’em your own.

Ingredients for Your Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too crazy here, mostly stuff you probably already have. But a few things are important, so pay attention! I’m going to break it down to make it super clear.

Essential Dry Ingredients for the Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

Okay, you’ll need 4 cups (that’s 520g) of bread flour. Bread flour is key for that chewy texture, so don’t skip it! You’ll also need 2 and 3/4 teaspoons (8g) of instant or active dry yeast, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Easy peasy!

Wet Ingredients for the Best Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

For the wet stuff, grab 1 and 1/2 cups (360g/ml) of *warm* water – aim for between 100–110°F (38–43°C). We also need 1 Tablespoon of barley malt syrup (more on that in a sec!), and 1 egg white for the egg wash later.

Special Ingredients for the Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

Now, about that barley malt syrup… It gives bagels that authentic flavor and helps with browning. If you can’t find it, don’t sweat it! You can totally sub in granulated sugar or brown sugar. Honey works too! I’ve tried them all, and they’re all yummy.

How to Prepare Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step. Just follow along, and you’ll be chowing down on fresh bagels in no time!

Getting Started with Your Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

First, you gotta wake up the yeast! In the bowl of your mixer (or a regular bowl if you’re going old-school), whisk together that warm water, syrup/sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes – it should get foamy. Then, add your flour and salt. Mix on medium speed for a couple of minutes. If the dough’s too sticky, add flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s nice and stiff.

Kneading and Rising for the Perfect Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

Now comes the kneading! Use your mixer on low for 6-7 minutes, or knead by hand for the same amount of time. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. Then, grease a bowl, pop the dough in, give it a turn to coat, cover it, and let it rise for 1.5–2 hours. It should double in size. This is important, so don’t rush it!

Shaping and Boiling Your Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

Punch down the dough (fun!), and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the middle to make that classic bagel shape. Arrange them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. While they’re resting, bring a big pot of water to a boil with the remaining syrup/honey. Boil the bagels (2-3 at a time) for 1 minute per side, then put them back on the baking sheets. Careful, it splatters!

Baking Your Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Brush the bagels with that egg wash – this gives them a beautiful shine. Now’s the time to add your toppings! Everything bagel seasoning is my go-to, but sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even just coarse salt are great too. Bake for 20–25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until they’re golden brown.

Cooling and Enjoying Your Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

Let the bagels cool on the baking sheets for about 20 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, they’re even better when they’ve cooled down a bit. Slice, toast (optional, but highly recommended!), and top with your favorite spread. Cream cheese? Avocado? Lox? Go wild! Store any leftovers at room temp for up to 4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Tips for Success with Your Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

Want to make sure your bagels are a total *win*? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my top secrets for getting them just right. Seriously, these tips make all the difference!

Achieving the Perfect Dough Consistency for Your Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

Okay, this is key: Your dough should feel stiff, but not dry and crumbly. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it comes together. Too dry? A tiny splash of water will do the trick. Trust your instincts!

Mastering the Boiling Technique for Your Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

Don’t skip the boiling step! This is what gives bagels that signature chewy crust. Make sure to boil them for exactly one minute per side, and don’t overcrowd the pot. Two or three at a time is perfect!

Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch Variations

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic bagel recipe? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy and mix things up. The best part about making your own bagels is that you can totally customize them to your taste. Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Flavor Variations for Your Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

Cinnamon raisin bagels are a total classic, right? Just add some cinnamon and raisins to the dough. Or go for the everything bagel – my absolute favorite! Sesame and poppy seeds are always a good call, too. Simple, but so good!

Adding Ingredients to Your Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch Dough

Want to get *really* creative? Try adding some shredded cheese (cheddar or Parmesan would be amazing!), chopped fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme, yum!), or even some finely diced jalapeños for a little kick. Just mix ’em right into the dough before you shape the bagels.

Storing Your Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

So, you’ve baked a batch of these beauties… but what if you have leftovers? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here’s how to keep your homemade bagels fresh and delicious.

Storing Freshly Baked Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

If you’re planning on eating them within a couple of days, just pop them in an airtight bag at room temperature. For longer storage, the fridge works great (up to a week!), or you can freeze them for a month or two. Just slice them before freezing for easy toasting!

Reheating Your Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

To bring those bagels back to life, toasting is your best bet! It’ll crisp up the outside and warm the inside perfectly. Or, you can microwave them for a few seconds if you’re in a real hurry. But trust me, toasting is the way to go!

FAQ About Making Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few common things people ask when making this Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch. Don’t worry, I’ve been there, so let’s get you sorted!

What kind of flour is best for Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch?

Bread flour is your best friend here! It has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which is what gives bagels that amazing, chewy texture. Trust me, it makes a *huge* difference!

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast in this Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch?

Yep, you totally can! Just dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water with the sugar/syrup and let it sit for about 10 minutes before adding the other ingredients. Easy peasy!

Why are my Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch not chewy enough?

Hmm, a few things could be going on. Make sure you’re using bread flour (see above!). Also, don’t skip the boiling step – that’s crucial for chewiness. And finally, be careful not to over-proof the dough, as that can affect the texture too!

Disclaimer

Okay, a quick note: the nutrition info is just an estimate. It can totally change depending on the brands and ingredients you use, so keep that in mind!

Rate this Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch

So, what did you think? If you loved this Homemade Bagels Recipe from Scratch, please leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and share it with your friends! Happy baking!