Description
This recipe delivers soft homemade bagels with a chewy texture, perfect for busy weeknights. They balance a moist interior with a satisfying chew and come together quickly with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour (unbleached preferred)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) salt
- 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water (around 105°F / 40°C)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) baking soda
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, coarse salt, cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Mix and knead the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring. Knead by hand on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 6 minutes.
- First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
- Shape the bagels: Punch down dough, divide into 8 equal pieces (~4 ounces / 115g each). Roll each into a ball, poke a hole through the center, stretching into a 2-3 inch ring. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and rest for 10 minutes.
- Boil the bagels: Bring large pot of water to boil, add baking soda and stir. Boil bagels in batches, 2-3 at a time, for 1 minute on each side. Remove with slotted spoon and place back on baking sheet.
- Apply egg wash and add toppings: Brush each bagel with egg wash and immediately sprinkle desired toppings.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake bagels for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and firm. Transfer to wire rack to cool slightly.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice warm and serve with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or favorite fillings.
Notes
Do not skip the baking soda bath for chewy crust and shiny finish. Use warm water around 105°F to activate yeast properly. Let shaped bagels rest before boiling to hold shape. Use a slotted spoon or spider for safe removal from boiling water. Dough can be refrigerated overnight after first rise for convenience. For vegan option, replace egg wash with maple syrup and water or aquafaba.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium bagel
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 9
Keywords: bagels, homemade bagels, soft bagels, chewy bagels, easy bagel recipe, weeknight dinner, breakfast, baking