Homemade Everything Bagels Recipe
If you have ever craved the perfect, chewy, and insanely flavorful bagel right from your own kitchen, then these Homemade Everything Bagels are exactly what you need. This recipe delivers that iconic crisp crust dotted with all the toasted seeds and spices you dream of, combined with a soft, dense interior that lovingly yields to a spread of cream cheese or any topping you fancy. Whether you are planning a weekend brunch, crafting a satisfying lunch, or just indulging in a delightful afternoon snack, these bagels will quickly become a beloved favorite for you and anyone lucky enough to share them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Homemade Everything Bagels starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully to create that classic bagel texture and flavor. Each component plays its part, from the sturdy bread flour to create that perfect chew, to the granulated sugar that encourages a gentle caramelization during boiling and baking.
- Bread flour (4 ⅔ cups): Essential for a chewy, elastic dough with great structure.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons, divided): Enhances browning and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the salt.
- Instant yeast (2 teaspoons): Quick-rising agent that makes the dough light and airy.
- Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Brings out all the flavors and strengthens the gluten network.
- Warm water (1 ⅔ cups): Activates yeast and helps form a pliable dough.
- Egg white plus 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash): Creates a shiny, golden exterior to the bagels.
- Everything bagel seasoning (3 tablespoons): The star topping that gives these bagels their signature burst of flavor.
How to Make Homemade Everything Bagels
Step 1: Mixing and Kneading the Dough
Start by combining your bread flour, a portion of the sugar, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Slowly add the warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead it on a smooth surface until it becomes a soft, smooth ball that isn’t sticky. This kneading process builds the gluten, giving your bagels their treasured chewy texture.
Step 2: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it sit in a warm spot for about an hour to an hour and a half. During this time, the dough will double in size, developing flavor and lightness. Patience here really pays off and ensures your Homemade Everything Bagels turn out fluffy and airy inside.
Step 3: Shaping the Bagels
Once your dough has risen, divide it into 10 roughly equal portions. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then create a large hole in the center with your thumb, stretching it out generously because these bagels will expand during baking. Let them rest covered for 20 minutes to relax the dough and perfect their shape.
Step 4: Boiling the Bagels
Now comes the real secret to that authentic bagel crust and chew: boiling. Bring a pot of water with sugar to a boil and gently lower in a few bagels at a time. Boil each side for about 45 to 60 seconds until they float. This step gelatinizes the crust and locks in moisture, creating the iconic bagel texture that sets these apart from ordinary bread rolls.
Step 5: Adding Toppings and Baking
After boiling, transfer the bagels to parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush each with the egg white wash for shine, then sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Bake in a 425°F oven for 20 to 22 minutes, flipping the trays halfway through for an even golden crust that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Homemade Everything Bagels
Garnishes
The beauty of Homemade Everything Bagels is they pair wonderfully with a variety of toppings. Classic cream cheese is a darling for its creamy contrast, but you might also love smoked salmon and capers for a luxurious treat or a simple spread of butter and your favorite jam for a quick and delicious bite. Fresh herbs and sliced veggies add brightness whenever you want an extra pop of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
Serving your bagels alongside fresh fruit, a crisp green salad, or even a bowl of warm soup can turn your meal into a memorable spread. These combinations provide balance — the rich, dense bagel pairs so well with light, refreshing sides that cleanse the palate and elevate the overall eating experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or simply enjoy your bagels differently? Slice and toast them, then build bagel sandwiches with inventive fillings like avocado and spicy mayo, egg salad with fresh dill, or turkey and cranberry for a festive flair. You could also slice and bake them with melted cheese for a crunchy snack twist. These Homemade Everything Bagels are a fantastic blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers — although that rarely happens! — store your bagels in a paper bag inside an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their crust crisp while maintaining a tender interior.
Freezing
Homemade Everything Bagels freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When craving that fresh-baked magic, simply thaw overnight or toast straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling, pop your bagels in a toaster or preheat the oven to 350°F and warm them for about 5-7 minutes. This will refresh the crust and heat the crumb, making your bagel taste just like it’s newly baked.
FAQs
Can I make these bagels without a stand mixer?
Yes! While a stand mixer with a dough hook cuts down on your work, you can absolutely mix the dough by hand using a large bowl and a wooden spoon, then knead it on your countertop. It’s a bit more work but just as rewarding.
Why do I need to boil bagels before baking?
Boiling the bagels gelatinizes the starch on the surface, creating that distinctive chewy crust and shiny finish you expect from classic bagels. Skipping this step will result in a texture more like regular bread.
Can I adjust the toppings to make flavored bagels?
Absolutely! While everything bagel seasoning is traditional and delicious, you can experiment with cinnamon sugar, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even herbs like rosemary depending on your mood and taste buds.
How long can I let the dough rise?
The dough should double in size within 60 to 90 minutes at room temperature. If you want a slower rise for more flavor development, you can refrigerate it overnight—just bring it back to room temperature before shaping.
What if my bagels don’t float during boiling?
This usually means the dough hasn’t risen enough. Cover the bagels and let them rest for another 10 minutes, then try boiling again. The float test is a handy way to ensure your bagels will have the right lightness inside.
Final Thoughts
Making these Homemade Everything Bagels is such a rewarding experience—you get to fill your kitchen with irresistible smells and enjoy an authentic bagel that beats any store-bought version out there. Whether you serve them fresh for breakfast or turn them into scrumptious sandwiches, they’ll quickly become a treasured staple in your homemade baking repertoire. So grab your ingredients, get your hands a little floury, and dive into making these delightful bagels today!
